Four Albany Favorites Create Albany Craft Beverage Trail

If you suggested 10 years ago that small, “craft” beverages would be all beer and spirit lovers would be talking about today, you may have gotten some funny looks. However, last year alone craft beer sales were up 17.6% and accounted for 22% of the market (source). Of course, beer is just one small portion of the craft beverage scene today, especially in Albany. 

Recently, the craft beverage players in Albany, NY grouped together to form the Albany Craft Beverage Trail. All located along Broadway and only about 1 mile from each other, C.H. Evans Brewing Company, Albany Distilling Co., Nine Pin Cider Works, and Druthers Brewing Co. have teamed up to promote the facilities of craft and farm-based beverage producers in the County of Albany, New York.

These four Albany favorites are celebrating the collaboration with their inaugural event on October 3 from 12-5 PM – Drink Albany! Join the festivities at Quackenbush Square in downtown Albany to learn more about Albany’s craft beverage producers and to try samples from each. There will also be live music and over 30 vendors and food trucks to ensure that everyone has a fun-filled afternoon.

To stay up to date with what’s going on with the Albany Craft Beverage Trail, follow them on Facebook and Twitter! 

Hudson Valley Hops Returns to Albany Institute

The Albany Institute of History and Art and TimesUnion.com/Tablehopping will present the third annual Hudson Valley Hops on April 12. The event celebrates the history of brewing in Albany and today's craft beer industry in the Hudson Valley. There will be an exhibition of historic local brewery artifacts, a series of talks by beer historians and brewery experts, local craft beers, good food, and a commemorative glass for participants.

Participating breweries include: Adirondack Brewery, Brown's Brewing Company, Chatham Brewing LLC, C.H. Evans Brewing, Druthers, Old Saratoga Brewing Company, Ommegang Brewery.

The event will be held at the Albany Institute from 4pm to 7pm. Addmission is $25 for Albany Institute members and $30 for the general public.You can reserve tickets online or call (518) 463-4478 for more information.

Desmond to Host Craft NY Beer Fest!

The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center will host the Craft New York Beer Festival on March 22. The evening event running from 5-8pm will offer a tasting room with more than 30 New York State Craft Breweries including C.H. Evans Brewery, Brewery Ommegang, and Druthers (which will soon have a venue in Downtown Albany).

Entry prices are as follows: Online: $40 Event Day (if available):$50 Designated Driver: $15. The pay-one-price admission includes a 5 oz. souvenir tasting glass and the freedom to enjoy 3 oz. samples from any exhibiting brewery. If you really love great beer, better yet, great New York State craft beer and food, then this is the festival for you!

The fun doesn't end there. Food pairings from a collective group of local restaurants and live music will be a part of the event as well. Click here to purchase tickets or find out the full list of attending breweries. The Desmond Hotel is located at 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY (12211).

NOTICE: This is a 21+ event. All attendees must show valid photo ID at the door. All attendees, including designated drivers, must be 21 or over to attend this event. No exceptions!