Gov. Kathy Hochul has officially declared April 11 as New York Craft Beer Day, a day to celebrate and honor New York’s more than 500 independent craft breweries that support 22,000 jobs and generate a $4.8 billion economic impact.
Hochul made the proclamation at last month’s New York State Craft Beer Conference in Albany. She was in attendance to present the Governor’s Cup, awarded to the beer in NYS (Brooklyn’s Grimm Artisanal Ales won for their Grimm Weisse).
“From this year forward, April 11th will be New York Craft Beer Day, we are honored that the governor created the proclamation in support of the industry,” New York State Brewers Association Executive Director Paul Leone said.
Leone says that NYS Craft Beer Day was created for craft beer drinkers, a way to increase awareness for small businesses, breweries and craft beer. Leone’s hope is that all fans of craft will visit their local brewery for a pint or two, or drink something local at the very least. In short, New York State Craft Beer Day is a day to celebrate how far the New York state craft beer scene has come over the years.
“New York State Craft Beer Day was created to bring consumer awareness to the incredible beer that small craft breweries (also small and local businesses) are producing throughout the state,” Leone said. “It’s a day we hope every craft beer drinker will visit their local NYS brewery, many of which will be offering special events and discounts to commemorate the day.”
It is the perfect opportunity to head to your local brewery or visit a new spot on your bucket list and grab a pint and food and take home some beer. Given the current business climate and state of the scene, a day like this has never been more important given all of the brewery and beer bar closures that has been happening as of late.
“With so much economic uncertainty lately, there couldn’t be a more perfect time to support these small businesses and help them stay in business,” Leone said.
By empowering small producers, strong local supply chains and a community that values creativity and diversity, New York is setting a new standard for what craft brewing can be. Whether you’re a hophead, lager lover or casual sipper, there’s never been a better time to explore what New York breweries have to offer.
Happy New York State Craft Beer Day to one and all!
Visit https://thinknydrinkny.com for more information.
Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).
