Dry AF Highlights Dry January - Many Options for Those Looking to Reduce Alcohol

SCHOHARIE -- Jenn Barnett runs one of the most unique storefronts in Schoharie County. Speaking from experience, dry A.F. Craft Beverage Shop has an eclectic mix of bottled and canned beverages you just can't find anywhere else locally. The variety showcases family friendly beverages, functional beverages including herbs and mushrooms and electrolytes, and traditional alcohol substitutes. The latter is most fitting for January, a month in which many give up drinking after the often alcohol-sodden holidays and New Year.

The store's online presence is rising in the new year, passing 1,000 followers on Facebook and a rush so far in January as popular as the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year.

"A lot more people are realizing I'm here," she said.

Barnett reminded readers that the Surgeon General said that alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer and is calling for cancer warning labels on all alcoholic beverage packages.

That realization was "huge," she said. She cited efforts to include cancer warnings on alcoholic beverages similar to cigarette packaging.

The wide array of beverages can allow those who don't or can't drink to bring something that is not plain soda or water to gatherings and parties. There are non-alcoholic beers and wines, as well as drinks meant to mimic the aroma, taste and mouth feel  of traditional spirits. Some individuals use these drinks to enact "zebra-striping," going with one alcoholic beverage, then a dry one, then back to alcohol. Another tactic for more mindful drinking is "book-ending" where you have an AF Beverage before and after consuming alcohol to help hydrate.

In addition, these beverages are excellent for designated drivers who want to have more options than a soda or water.

Barnett said that people can "still have fun with these drinks."

A guest favorite in the growing inventory are hydrating and botanical options. Alot of people come in looking for beverages that have some sort of health boosting benefits.

"It's fun," she said, "The whole family can come and pick out their favorite drinks!"

The store at 283 Main Street in Schoharie is located conveniently in the business district, and coincidentally in the same building our newspaper's office was in in 2016 and 2017.

The space downstairs has been used well, with inventory and square footage tripling since she retired from hairdressing this past September. Anyone who wants to know more is encouraged to come in and chat with Jenn or try some available samples. She's tried just about every drink in the store and can help you decide what you might like. 

One customer told Barnett that he was overjoyed to finally able to build an at-home bar of AF options. Such moments of inclusion mean a lot to people who can't drink, she said.

"Be the host with the most."

Barnett said that she loves having a "brick and mortar" store in the county seat and a "Main Street presence."

During the interview, former Village Trustee and SCS graduate Cody Robinson-Bullock stopped by to pick up some drinks to go.

"It's so cool Jenn is building community through happy and healthy habits like she does," he said. He also referenced Barnett's active participation in Schoharie's comprehensive plan project and in business development, alongside Love Shine Tea's Michelle Rivera.

Robinson-Bullock cited her "community development volunteerism in the village."

"She's so dedicated to the health of her customers like the health of her community, whether that's being a cheerleader for her business neighbors in addition to her participation in the comprehensive plan for generations to come."

He described the store as a "connector" in Schoharie's growing business district. 

Barnett was appreciative of the comments, adding that she loved "being open to the public" and knowing "super kind customers." She also reflected the "connector" idea, saying that she believed she was building a "destination on Main Street" that people from out of the area come to visit, alongside many from Schoharie County. 

This January, whether you plan to stay completely dry or not, stopping at dry A.F. is a good way to ring in the new year.

Dry A.F. Craft Beverage Shop is operating winter hours, currently open Thursday, Friday, from 2pm-6pm and Saturday 12pm-5pm and offers appointments for pick up on days the shop is closed.