Southern Tier Brewing Company of Lakewood, New York, has been in operation since 2002, and currently produces over 30,000 barrels annually! Beer drinkers in more than half the United States and parts of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Japan, Philappines and Singapore are now enjoying hand crafted ales brewed in a modest facility in rural western New York State.

Founders Phineas DeMink and Allen ("Skip") Yahn started the brewery with the vision of bringing small batch brewing back to a region rich in brewing tradition. In 2002 Skip and Phin purchased the defunct Old Saddleback Brewing Co. in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. All the equipment was removed, brought back to Lakewood and set up at its new home located within the Stoneman Business Park. The Brewery began distributing regionally in February 2003. By 2005 sales covered the majority of New York State and the eastern half of Pennsylvania. In the beginning their two flagship brands were Pilsner and Mild Ale and they also brewed IPA. As it turned out the flagships were a flop and the IPA was a huge success! They next launched a line of seasonal beers which gained great success.

Since the beginning, Southern Tier has experienced steady growth and after multiple expansions to keep up with demand a new building was built in 2009. The building was designed with the express purpose of brewing innovative, high quality beer for an expanding customer base.