No one could foresee the extraordinary challenges we would be facing in 2020. We have all struggled as we watch helplessly as some of our favorite establishments lay off loyal workers, reduce output, or shut down altogether in the face of increasing tightening pandemic restrictions. Even now as COVD-19 infection rates surge in Monroe County and across New York State, the weeks ahead look uncertain as we head into what would normally be a joyous holiday season. What does it all mean for Rochester’s craft beer scene?

We have all been straining at our emotions for the last several months as we do our best to cope with an ever-changing situation. Frankly, this level of exertion is exhausting, and it affects everyone. In many way, we turn to our friends in the craft beer community for support, whether it’s a friend you trade beers with, a local beer store you frequent, or even a brewery or brewpub serving up your favorite selections. Sometimes the familiar can help bring us comfort, and we should be grateful that so many of our local institutions are doing everything they can to serve us the best way they can under the circumstances.

The other day I got a text from my friend Chris Spinelli, co-founder and current owner of Roc Brewing. “Hope you are well! Cheers!” I hadn’t heard from Chris in a while, and thinking we could both use a little diversion, I suggested we get together for lunch to catch up. The expanded tasting room in cooperation with FLX Weinery opened at the beginning of August, and immediately proved popular despite pandemic restrictions. It’s a bright and inviting space with plenty of room to spread out, and it’s exciting to see so the draft list filled out with 12 different Roc beers on tap.

The set-up is a little different from the old tasting room. Orders for food and beer are placed at the far end of the bar, and you’re given a pager to alert you when your food is ready for pick-up. The menu is straightforward, offering Zweigle’s red and white hots, burgers, chicken, and vegeterian options like carrot dogs and bean burgers. A variety of toppings are available, and sides include fries, onion rings, fried cheese curd, chili, and salads. For your sweet tooth, consider fried oreos, fried nutella, a roasted marshmallow, or soft serve. Take your soft serve to the next level and make a beer float! The focus in the kitchen is on quick service, and you won’t be waiting long for your food to be ready.

Taking a seat by the window, I remarked how amazing it was to see the transformation taking place in the neighborhood along Union Street. The area filled in by the old Inner Loop is now occupied by new residential buildings as well as a Hampton Inn & Suites that is all part of the new “Neighborhood of Play” anchored by the Strong Museum. Roc is well positioned to take advantage of this new influx of people. The new tasting room can accommodate up to 100 people, when conditions permit. “We learned a lot in our first couple of months open,” Chris said, “There was a lot to balance between opening the new space and getting used to new systems.” Working with FLX Weinery has been a great opportunity, allowing Chris and his brewers to concentrate more on developing Roc behind the scenes.

It’s exciting to see so many Roc beers on tap all at once in the tasting room. “We’re always going to keep Lagerithm and Whoopass in production and on tap, and make a variety of other options as well.” Stouts, porters, saisons, sours, wheat beers, and others help maintain a draft list that appeals to a broad profile of beer drinkers. “FLX has been great about bringing in great wine selections from the Finger Lakes, as well. Plus, we offer cocktails. We want everyone to feel welcome even if they are not a beer drinker.”

I mentioned to Chris one of the things I miss most is interacting with brewers and staff. Pandemic concerns have made sitting at the bar for service almost impossible, and casual contact is discouraged out of an abundance of caution. “I still spend most days at the brewery, and sometimes you really start to feel the effects of isolation,” Chris explained. To reduce risk of exposure, Chris tries to alternate days with head brewer Nick Mesrobian and assistant brewer Connor Northrup. Still, it can be difficult to exercise restraint when you’re part of a community that is built upon maintaining close relationships with customers and colleagues alike.

“Think about what a close-knit community we [brewers] are… When we see each other, we’re used to big hugs and sharing beers and enjoying what we’ve built up together,” Chris said. “Now, it’s a socially-distanced elbow or a toast over a Zoom meeting, if that.” We’ve all had to deal with social isolation in one way or another, but maybe we don’t stop to realize the effect it has on all of us.

“It may sound corny, but reaching out and even just texting your favorite brewer or bartender to wish them a good day means so much.”

Visit Roc Brewing at 56 Union Street in Rochester. Parking available on the street, or in the lot behind the brewery off Chapman Alley.