F.X. Matt Brewing’s Fred Matt on Mid-Strength Beer and Generating Retail Energy; Plus, Changes Coming to GABF

At 138 years old, F.X. Matt Brewing isn’t slowing down. 

President Fred Matt joined the Brewbound Podcast to discuss the Utica, New York-based craft brewery’s plans for 2026 and beyond, which include Saranac Weekend Warrior Mid-Strength, a 3% ABV hazy IPA and Right Coast Spirits Italian Ice, a vodka-based RTD produced in partnership with Barrel One Collective. 

In addition to both those relatively new products, the company is also riding a wave behind Utica Club, the pilsner it has produced since Prohibition ended in 1933. Its 5% ABV has made it attractive to craft drinkers looking to “down-shift” after a round or two of higher ABV products, Matt said.

“It's a phenomenon that's really happening in the craft community that has brought Utica Club back,” he said. “You also get the nostalgic side of it – everybody's grandfather loved Utica Club, because Utica Club, at one time, was a 10 million case brand.”

The notion of moderation is putting wind in Weekend Warrior’s sails as well. The company took a hint from Australia and New Zealand, where mid-strength beers account for nearly 35% of the beer market, Matt said. 

As the country’s 14th largest regional craft brewery by volume, F.X. Matt has different challenges ahead than the majority of Brewers Association (BA) members, whom Matt serves as BA board of directors chairman. 

“We’ve got to be more focused in what we bring to the distributor,” he said. “We’ve got to create the energy at retail.”

For taprooms and brewpubs, which account for the bulk of the BA’s membership, Matt advised “do what you do best,” which is to focus on guests’ experience. 

“They’ll keep coming back,” he said. 

Plus, Jess and Zoe discuss news highlights, including changes coming for the Great American Beer Festival and 2025 production data for taprooms and brewpubs.