The New York State Brewers Association has officially launched the New York Beer Trail.  Over the last few decades breweries, micro-breweries and pub breweries have been re-emerging in the Empire State.  The goal of the beer trail is to highlight this renaissance by attracting popularity to New York’s famous oatmeal stouts, India pale ales and bitters.  The beer trail is the first of its kind not only in New York but, according to its organizers, the entire country.

A cross between educational and entertaining, the beer trail will touch on the history of New York brewing - the state’s first brewery was constructed in the 1630’s by the Dutch West India Company.  The trail will also operate as a marketing tool for the 60 or so breweries throughout the state of New York.  The New York State Brewers Association took a cue from the vineyards in the Finger Lakes, who put together a similar wine trail that has created enormous buzz for the wine industry in New York.

The launch of the beer trail will be featured at the “I Love NY Beer Festival” put on by the New York State Brewers Association and New York City’s Heartland Brewery.  The festival will kick off on September 8th at Pier 16 and 17 at South Street Seaport.  Fifty-eight of the brewers listed as a part of the beer trail will be on hand to showcase their brews.

You can check out the list of breweries participating in the New York Beer Trail online at www.thinknydrinkny.com/breweries.html.  The beer trail is a great way to promote the local breweries of the great state of New York.  Beer aficionados, tourists or those just in the mood for a bit of adventure will be able to check out breweries all over the state.  Many of the breweries have pubs attached for tasting and purchasing, while others are only partly open during specific times of the day.  Make sure to check the website for details before visiting a pub.

Hiking never sounded like so much fun!