Sunday 19th of April 2015 04:12:22 PM

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We visited Climbing Bines today for the second time. Our first visit was in September 2013 shortly after they opened. Today we sampled ten beers and found the selection has expanded from their initial offerings and they have some interesting brews. Their IPA, DIPA and American Pale Ale represent their best efforts. These beers had solid hop flavors and bitterness consistent with their styles. We tried the Dunkelweisen and while the beer was not unpleasant, it lacked the expected clove phenol and banana esters consistent with the style and had an inappropriate roasted malt character that came through in both the aroma and flavor that represented a significant miss for this beer. Four of the beers that we tried had an unpleasant and inappropriate level of astringency. The server was a very pleasant lady who was overwhelmed trying to keep up and should have had more help. The samples were poured in a pint glass that was not rinsed between pours. We requested a rinse of the glass at one point and the server cheerfully complied once but reverted to serving in a dirty glass for subsequent pours. On the plus side, we were given as a souvenir the pint glass after we finished. The cost of $10 for ten samples and a free logo glass was a good deal. We recommend that you go in for a pint of one of their IPAs and enjoy the great views and pleasant atmosphere.

Monday 30th of June 2014 10:14:12 AM

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Climbing Bines is located on the west side of Seneca Lake, a little over halfway north between Watkins Glen & Geneva. They grow their own hops & it's easy to pick out the location from Route 14 based on the large plot of towering vines. There were twelve beers on tap & you can get samples of 4, 10, or 12. Pints are available as well as quart & half-gallon growlers. Those living close to the place can participate in their mug club.

My four samples consisted of a pale ale, an imperial IPA, an imperial red ale, and an imperial stout. The pale ale was okay & I'd give it an 8 out of 10. The IPA was decent, not in-your-face, and about an 8.5/10. The red was very good, well-balanced, and about 8% ABV. This was my favorite (9/10) & I would have liked to linger there drinking pints all day long. The imperial stout was roasty & full-bodied. Had it been fall, that might have been my choice as it was a 9/10.

Definitely will stop there again & take some growlers with me. The only complaint was having to use a porta-potty. If you're going to invite the public into your establishment, please have the necessary facilities.