As their website says, Roc Brewing Co. started with a couple of guys and a home brewing kit, which quickly evolved into a full-fledged business, creating one of the first craft breweries located in Rochester, NY. We sat down and chatted with Chris Spinelli, owner of Roc Brewing Co., to get a little more insight into their beloved brews.

Q: If someone hasn’t heard of Roc Brewing Co., how would you describe your brewery to them?
A: Roc Brewing Co. is a mcirobrewery located in the heart of Rochester working to make the best craft beer in town. We push to build and promote the best craft beer culture in Rochester.

Q: What prompted you to start Roc Brewing Co.?
A: Starting Roc Brewing Co. came out of a passion and love of brewing craft beer. I wanted to start my own business and brewing beer was a true passion for me. I love this industry and it’s great to be a part of it.

Q:  Let’s talk ingredients.
A: We occasionally source local ingredients but we use ingredients from all over the world. We do our best to use the best possible ingredients to make the best possible beer.

Q: Is there anything you strive for, or try to stay away from, while brewing?
A: Nick and Josh (the brewers) are always open to trying a new beer or style. For them it is about making the highest quality beer possible and doing what they love. As long as it tastes great, we go for it.

Q: You’re less than a 10 minute walk from our store, neighbor! What’s your favorite thing about your location?
A: We love the downtown feel and walkability of our neighborhood. As the inner loop project continues the new neighborhood will be amazing and the place to be in Rochester.

Q: When did you make the decision to start selling your beer in stores?
A: We have always wanted to make a retail package for our beer but it wasn’t until 2016 that we were finally able to make that jump to canning.

Q: What is your personal favorite go-to brew?
A: My go-to brew is our Lagerithm Lager or Smash Pills. I love lagers so when ours is out I want it.

Q: How have your goals changed from the time you opened to today?
A: Over the past few years our goals have changed so much: from being a small, local, Rochester-only brewery

Q: What’s new that we should keep our eyes out for in 2017?
A: We are working hard to grow our canning reach this year so look for more to come.

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p.s. Stop into Hart’s to pick up Roc Brewing Co.’s IPA in a can, or have it delivered to your door with our grocery delivery service.