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Southern Tier Brewing Company was founded in 2004 by Phineas DeMink and Allen Yahn with the vision of bringing small batch brewing back to a region rich in brewing tradition. Allen "Skip" Yahn a graduate from Allegheny University began his business career in sales for American Sterilizer, selling medical products across the country, Mexico and later throughout Europe. Skip later joined Holiday Valley Resort, as President, playing a key roll in developing a small resort with only one rope tow to what is now one of the most popular ski resorts in the east. In 1995 Skip's entrepreneurial spirit continued to drive him in new directions. He and his brother, Walter, tried their hand in the beer business and opened the Ellicottville Brewing Company which thrives to this day under the ownership of Peter Kreinheder. Today, as Chairman of the Board of Holiday Valley, Skip enjoys being apart of the future growth and vision of Holiday Valley, he remains the business backbone of Southern Tier Brewing Company and spends a great deal of time with his six grandchildren. Phineas "Phin" DeMink started his brewing career at age 21 with the Ellicottville Brewing Co. Phin brewed the first batch of Ellicottville Beer, creating great brews which are still on tap to this day. In 1998 he decided to further his brewing knowledge and education by enrolling in the Siebel Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL. After earning a diploma in Brewing Technology he accepted a position at the Goose Island Beer Co. running third shift filtrations. Phin diligently worked his way through the ranks gaining the opportunity to work directly with the Hall family who are veterans to the industry. After gaining first hand experience in production brewing, he returned to Chautauqua County with his wife and business partner, Sara, to raise a family and open the Back Burner Beer Co. which became the Southern Tier Brewing Co. In 2003 Skip and Phin purchased the defunct Old Saddle Back Brewing Co. in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. All the equipment was removed and brought back to Lakewood, New York and set up at its new 10,000 square foot home, The Southern Tier Brewing Company. The Brewery began operations in February 2004 distributing regionally. By 2005 sales covered the majority of the New York State and the eastern half of Pennsylvania. In the beginning their two Flagship brands were a Pilsner and Mild Ale. Oh yeah 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 have gained great success. Since the beginning, Southern Tier has experienced steady growth, currently distributing to over 25% of the United States. Multiple expansions have been made to keep up with demand and the brewery continues to be innovative by producing new products. Keep a look out for new products coming to stores near you.