Industrial Arts’ Beacon location is one of 460+ breweries on the New York Craft Beer app.
Photo by Liam Goodman
The Empire State Trail Brewery Passport connects outdoor enthusiasts with the Hudson Valley’s craft beer scene for a perfect pairing.
The completed 750-mile Empire State Trail should attract droves of hikers, bikers, and kayakers. But what if brewery hopping factors into your outdoor fitness plans? There’s an app for that.
In late October, the New York State Brewers Association launched the New York Craft Beer app, which puts the state’s beer knowledge in the palm of your smartphone-holding hand. The app includes two virtual passport stamp programs, the existing NYS Brewery Passport, and a new program, the Empire State Trail Brewery Passport, highlighting breweries within 10 miles of the trail. With the app, you can track your brewery visits, and there are incentives to check-in. Each thirst-quenching, pint-pounding visit earns app users stamps that add up to rewards in the form of free swag like t-shirts and backpack coolers.
“This new partnership will make it even easier for New Yorkers to experience this great state’s natural beauty and world-class craft beverages,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo in a press release. “Tourism and recreation are at the foundation of our local economies… in communities across the state.”
New York State Brewers Association executive director Paul Leone echoed Cuomo’s words, “Almost half of the state’s craft breweries are within 10 miles of the Empire State Trail, making this the perfect initiative to shine a light on the trail and the state’s craft beer industry.”
The New York Craft Beer app will have location features, so you can find a brewery near where you are on the trail, plus a map of 460+ breweries in NYS. Users will also be able to look up where draft lines have recently been cleaned, view up-to-date tap lists, book brewery tours, scan beer labels, and access a ratings system for beers and breweries. There’s even an educational guide that’ll come in handy when you run into uncommon beer styles.
To get started, search “New York Craft Beer” in your phone’s app store or visit www.thinknydrinkny.com/the-app
