A new beer brewed with local ingredients and a clean-water mission is set to hit taps this summer as the 2025 edition of Pure Brew makes its debut in the Finger Lakes.
Crafted by the Seneca Lake Order of Brewers (SLOBs) in collaboration with the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, PURE Brew 2025 is a crisp, New York-style Pilsner made with 100% New York-grown barley, local hops, and pure Seneca Lake water. The beer will be available from July 25 through August 3 during PURE Brew Week at participating breweries and restaurants around the lake.
“Protecting Seneca Lake is very important to all of us—it’s our home and the single largest ingredient in the beer we produce,” said Derek Edinger, co-founder of Brewery Ardennes and SLOBs founder. “This year, we’ve also got a great recipe made entirely with ingredients from the Seneca Lake watershed.”
PURE Brew 2025, dubbed “PURE Pils,” was brewed on May 14 at Grist Iron Brewing Company, where brewers from across the region gathered to blend tradition with environmental advocacy. Bill Allington, president of Grist Iron, said, “Protecting Seneca Lake is a significant cause for us—not just as brewers, but as community members.”
The collaboration includes breweries such as Grist Iron, WeBe, Brewery Ardennes, Lucky Hare, Wagner, Lake Drum, and more. Each is helping support Pure Waters’ mission by offering the beer and sharing educational materials on lake conservation.
The beer uses malted barley from New York Craft Malt in Batavia, raw barley from Seneca Grain & Bean in Penn Yan, and hops developed by Cornell AgriTech. A highlight is the ‘Reality G’ hop—a heritage variety found near Virgil, NY—praised by Cornell’s Dr. Larry Smart for its disease resistance and local adaptation.
PURE Brew also showcases sustainability. Labels were donated by TLF in Rochester, and all Paktech carriers are reused through Ontario County’s recycling program.
“Collaboration is the cornerstone of the craft brewing industry,” said Ted Hawley of New York Craft Malt. “Fresh Water + Committed Growers, Maltsters, and Brewers = Outstanding Beer.”
Beyond the taps, proceeds from PURE Brew help fund Seneca Lake Pure Waters’ efforts to preserve the lake’s environmental health. Bill Roege, president of Pure Waters, said, “Last year’s Pure Brew was a hit, and I hope this year’s is even more successful. I can’t wait to try it!”
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