ITHACA, N.Y. -- Who would have guessed one of the most influential craft beers in the United States was created in Tompkins County.
Ithaca Beer Company's Flower Power IPA has been named one of "The 25 Most Important Beers Ever Brewed," by Food and Wine Magazine.
"To be recognized this day and age with so many craft breweries around the world, to be number 25 and just from little Ithaca, New York is just fantastic," said Tap Room Manager, Jeff Andersen.
The magazine's panel of experts credits Flower Power with being one of the first "West Coast Hops" to be created in the North East.
"It’s very well balanced. It’s got hops in both the brewing the mass and the final dry hopping at the end. It doesn’t leave you with that bitter aspect that some IPAs do," said Andersen. "It’s kind of well rounded and keeps you coming back for more."
Flower Power was created back in 2004 and has been a hit with customers ever since.
"It’s what people know here at Ithaca Beer," he said. "For a while people called it, ‘The Flower Power Company.’"
Management says Flower Power makes up about sixty percent of their revenue and the IPA has more than just a local following.
"I’m from Cleveland, Ohio so I’m just here for the day but I like hoppy beers," said Cleveland resident, Brian Matz. "Flower Power is one of my favorites. I just love the taste of it. Kind of grape fruity, hoppy."
With all the Flower Power success, Ithaca Beer Company opened a Tap Room in 2012 and they are continuing to expand.
"We’re now in ten different states and think we’re opening up two more," Anderson said.
Giving even more people the chance to become Flower Power fans.