The Beat

The Empire State has become a world-renowned destination for farm-based, small-batch craft beverages utilizing local ingredients to enhance everything from ales and ciders to spirits and meads

NEW YORK - April 16, 2018 – New York State’s craft beverage industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with unique and imaginative offerings being produced statewide. New York State now has more than 400 breweries alone, the highest number since 1876. Nationwide, New York State ranks first for number of hard cider producers, second in craft distillers, third in breweries and fourth in wineries. Capitalizing on the growing interest, craft beverage producers are building tasting rooms and offering tours, inviting the public to visit their operations and sample their beverages.

New State Fair Competition Will Find the Best Beers in 20 Categories
Best-In-Show to Win Inaugural Governor's Excelsior Cup

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Great New York State Fair will host a professionally judged beer competition to further promote New York's growing craft beverage industry. The New York State Craft Beer Competition will award medals to the best beers in 20 categories, and the highest scoring beer in all categories will be awarded the Governor's Excelsior Cup. Sponsored by the New York State Brewers Association, top professional and amateur judges from around the state will sample submitted beers in an official, private judging session on July 29, 2017.

Expanded Taste NY Offerings at State Parks and Travel Hubs Ahead of Peak Travel Season;
Locally-Grown New York-Made Products Available at More Than 35 Welcome Centers, Taste NY Stores and Displays Across the State

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today encouraged travelers to visit Taste NY locations this summer to support the growth of local businesses and enjoy some of the best food and beverages the state has to offer. From travel plazas along the New York State Thruway and other roadways, to major airports and train stations, hundreds of New York-made products will be available at more than 35 travel hubs across the State. Welcome Centers and Taste NY stores in the Mid-Hudson, Long Island and Southern Tier regions drive tourism and boost the local economy.  In addition, Taste NY concessions have now been expanded to 10 state parks.

Features New York’s Wine, Spirits, Cider and Beer Producers from Across the State
May 24 Event Follows Successful Taste NY Craft Beer Challenge
Launches the Cuisine and Craft Beverage Trails Website to Help Connect New Yorkers and Visitors to the State’s Beverage Tourism Destinations

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the first-ever Taste NY Experience tasting event to showcase more than four dozen of the State’s top wine, beer, spirits and cider producers at Pier A Harbor House—one of New York City’s most iconic and historic landmarks.  The May 24 event comes on the heels of the inaugural Taste NY Craft Beer Challenge competition, which yesterday named Brewery Ommegang and Roscoe NY Beer Co. as New York’s favorite beers. The craft beverage industry has grown 112 percent since the Governor held the first Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cider summit in 2012.

Final Five Breweries Participated in Blind Tasting at Pier A in New York City; Results in Tie between Cooperstown and Roscoe Breweries

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the conclusion of the Taste NY Inaugural Craft Beer Challenge. Brewery Ommegang from Cooperstown and Roscoe NY Beer Co. from Roscoe were declared the winners in a tie following a blind taste test featuring the five breweries that received the most online votes in the challenge: Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, Genesee Brewing Company in Rochester, Prison City Pub and Brewery in Auburn, The Roscoe NY Beer Co. in Roscoe, and Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood.

"I am honored to declare both Brewery Ommegang and The Roscoe NY Beer Co. as the winners of the Taste NY Inaugural Craft Beer Challenge, and I thank all five finalists for participating in this event," said Governor Cuomo. "New York's craft breweries are not only a source of local pride, but they create jobs and drive tourism in every corner of the state. No state has done more to assist and promote craft manufacturing than New York, because we know that when our businesses succeeds, all of New York succeeds."…

More than 42,000 Votes Cast Online in Competition
Final Tasting Event at Pier A in New York City on May 17

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the five finalists in the Taste NY Inaugural Craft Beer Challenge. The finalists are invited to attend the final blind tasting event in New York City on May 17, which will be hosted and judged by Governor Cuomo and a panel of expert judges.
 
The five final breweries that received the most votes, in alphabetical order, are:

• Brewery Ommegang—Cooperstown, Otsego County
• Genesee Brewing Company—Rochester
• Prison City Pub and Brewery—Auburn, Cayuga County
• The Roscoe NY Beer Co.—Roscoe, Sullivan County
• Southern Tier Brewing Company—Lakewood, Chautauqua County