NEWS
New Craft Beverage Trail Launches to Boost Catskill Regions Economy
CATSKILL - Photo Caption: Pictured (Left to Right): Gabriel Buono (Secretary, Craft Beverages of the Catskills), Corey Cavallaro (President, Craft Beverages of the Catskills), Senator Michelle Hinchey, Scott Via (Treasurer, Craft Beverages of the Catskills).
KINGSTON — In a significant move to promote local businesses and bolster the economy of the Catskill region, Senator Michelle Hinchey and the non-profit organization Craft Beverages of the Catskills have officially launched the Craft Beverage Trail of the Catskills. This initiative, along with the new "Drink the Catskills" mobile app, is designed to support and promote the area's burgeoning craft beverage industry.
The Craft Beverage Trail is a curated route that highlights a growing number of local breweries, cideries, distilleries, and wineries. It offers both locals and visitors an easy way to explore the unique flavors of the Catskills. The "Drink the Catskills" app, which is free to download, serves as a guide to these businesses, offering users special promotions and a convenient way to discover the region's diverse craft beverage offerings.
Craft beverage businesses participating in the Craft Beverage Trail include:
Bad Seed Hard Cider (Highland)
Bashakill Vineyards (Wurtsboro)
Brooklyn Cider House (New Paltz)
Callicoon Brewing Company (Callicoon)
Catskill Brewery (Livingston Manor)
Catskill Mountain Moonshine Company (Saugerties)
Catskill Provisions Distillery (Callicoon)
Coppersea Distilling (New Paltz)
Do Good Spirits (Roscoe)
Forthright Cyder and Mead (Youngsville)
Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company (Catskill)
Kettleborough Cider House (New Paltz)
Gardiner Brewing Company (Gardiner)
Old Factory Brewing Company (Cairo)
Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery (Gardiner)
Stone Ridge Orchard (Stone Ridge)
Woodstock Brewing (Phoenicia)
West Kill Brewing (West Kill)
Russian Mule Brewery (Claryville)
Rockland Cider Works - Upstate (Gilboa)
Union Grove Distillery (Arkville)
Upward Brewing Company (Livingston Manor)
Rock Valley Spirits (Long Eddy)
Senator Hinchey, who played a pivotal role in securing $100,000 in funding through the New York State Agriculture Budget to bring this project to life, emphasized the trail's importance to the local economy. "Focusing on our small businesses, particularly in the agritourism sector, is a key strategy for long-term economic growth in the Catskills," Hinchey stated. She noted that the launch of this trail, paired with the advanced features of the mobile app, puts local craft beverage producers at the forefront of the region's economic revitalization.
Corey Cavallaro, President of Craft Beverages of the Catskills, expressed gratitude for the funding that made the project possible. "The Craft Beverage Trail and our 'Drink the Catskills' app are now a reality thanks to the support from Senator Hinchey. This platform will undoubtedly boost the local economy by making it easier for consumers to connect with and support our exceptional craft beverage producers," Cavallaro said.
New York State is a leading producer in the craft beverage industry, with over 1,000 licensed manufacturers. The state ranks among the top five in the U.S. for breweries, cideries, distilleries, wineries, and meaderies. Senator Hinchey has been a strong advocate for the industry, authoring legislation that simplifies the process of starting and sustaining craft beverage businesses in the state.
The Craft Beverage Trail of the Catskills features a diverse array of participants, including well-known establishments like Catskill Brewery in Livingston Manor, Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery in Gardiner, and Woodstock Brewing in Phoenicia. Each location offers visitors a chance to taste the unique products that reflect the character and tradition of the Catskills.
As the Catskills continue to grow as a destination for both tourists and local explorers, initiatives like the Craft Beverage Trail are expected to play a vital role in supporting small businesses and fostering economic development in the region.
For more information or to download the app, interested parties can contact Craft Beverages of the Catskills at craftbeveragesct@gmail.com.