The historic Genesee Brew House has been serving its original taste for more than 140 years. And it’s that deep history that's poured into making some classic recipes.

"People are finding out that beer is fun, beer is cool and nostalgia is cool,” Genesee Pilot Brewmaster Dean Jones said.

If you like vintage, this repurposed 100-year-old packaging center turned brewhouse is the place for you.

Jones knows all about the signs, photos and historic memorabilia, but what he's really passionate about is the beer, of course. He runs the pilot brewery that opened here in 2012.  For fun, and promotion, he takes classic Genny recipes and gives them a classic and craft beer twist.

But despite all the fun variations it's the three regulars, Genny, Genny Light and Genny Cream Ale that built Genesee into a house hold name in the 1970's. And across the street, these beers are still made in Rochester. Technology has improved since 1878. The brewery here recently underwent a $50 million expansion.

Matt James is the brewmaster on this side of the operation. Despite the impressive automation, it's still the people who make this iconic brand what it is. This facility employs 300 employees and for many of them it's a family affair.

"It's been feeding my family for over 40 years,” James said. “I've been here for 20 plus years and my father worked here before that. So it's an honor to work here and it's an honor to carry on the traditions that have been taking place since the 1800's."

It's that tradition that led to the revival of the brand. As the craft beer industry took off, Dean says it led to a growing sense of nostalgia for vintage brands like Genesee, increasing sales and making this popular brewhouse possible.

On the second floor is a pub and open kitchen. And to pair with that well poured beer is an assortment of appetizers and entrees that's really made this location a destination.

But it's not the food, or even the new atmosphere, that's helped Genesee stand the test of time. The secret to longevity Dean says is simple: those who make this beer and the people who drink it.

"We've always been the hard working value based beer made by hard working people and here in Rochester," he said.

For visiting hours and more information, head to Geneseebeer.com.