What was one of the first things the settlers did once they arrived in New York? They made beer! Since the 1600s, the influx of European immigrants has allowed New York's brewing heritage to blossom. So what you get are well-crafted beers with distinct aromas and flavors. Just visit the state's many breweries and take a tasting tour.
New York City and Long Island have been experiencing a brewery revival. A visit to the Heartland Brewery,
Brooklyn Brewery or
Blue Point will show you why these local favorites are winning recognition and awards. In the
Hudson Valley, make sure to stop by
Captain Lawrence. You can taste beers aged in old wine casks and adaptations of Belgian Tripel.
With its Victorian décor, it's easy to see how the tasting room at
Saranac Brewery, New York's oldest, is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Just south of
Cooperstown, Brewery Ommegang attracts beer lovers from everywhere. Visit their farmhouse brewery and try out award-winning Belgian-style ales.
In Western New York,
Rochester's Rohrbach Brewing Company makes handcrafted ales from fine ingredients, such as two-row malted barley and fresh hops from Europe. In
Buffalo,
Flying Bison Brewery serves up beers with aeronautical names like Aviator Red and Blackbird Oatmeal Stout.
And please be sure to have a designated driver.