From Farm to Glass: The Rise of Farm Breweries in New York State

At Drink NY Craft, we celebrate New York’s rich brewing heritage, and one of the most exciting trends is the rise of farm breweries. These breweries aren’t just making great beer – they’re supporting local agriculture, embracing sustainability, and delivering a unique taste of New York in every pint.

What is a Farm Brewery?

Farm breweries in New York operate under a special license that requires them to use locally grown ingredients. Currently, at least 60% of hops and 60% of other ingredients, such as barley and wheat, must be sourced from within the state. This commitment to local agriculture fosters strong partnerships between brewers, farmers and consumers.

From Farm to Glass: The Brewing Process

• Sourcing Ingredients: Brewers partner with local farms to obtain fresh hops, barley, wheat, and fruits.

• Malting: Grains are soaked, germinated, and kilned to develop flavors.

• Mashing & Boiling: Crushed malt mixes with hot water to create wort, which is boiled with hops for aroma and bitterness.

• Fermentation: Yeast is added to convert sugars into alcohol and develop unique flavors.

• Conditioning & Packaging: The beer matures to refine taste before packaging for taprooms or distribution.

Why Farm Breweries Matter

• Support for Local Farmers: By sourcing ingredients locally, farm breweries directly contribute to New York's agricultural economy.

• Sustainability: Shorter supply chains reduce transportation emissions, and many farm breweries embrace eco-friendly practices like composting and solar energy.

• Fresh, Unique Flavors: Locally grown hops and grains offer distinct regional flavors that make each beer a reflection of New York's terroir.

Notable New York Farm Breweries

• Arrowood Farms (Accord): A true farm-to-glass experience, Arrowood Farms grows its own hops and uses solar power for brewing.

• Plan Bee Farm Brewery (Poughkeepsie): Dedicated to 100% New York ingredients, Plan Bee crafts wild ales with local honey and fruits.

• Heritage Hill Brewhouse (Pompey): Combines breathtaking views with beers brewed from grains grown on-site.

• Strong Rope Brewery (Brooklyn): Committed to New York-grown ingredients, Strong Rope offers a rotating selection of farm-to-glass beers.

Benefits for Beer Lovers

• Fresher Beer: Locally sourced ingredients mean a shorter time from field to glass.

• Unique Seasonal Offerings: Farm breweries often create small-batch, seasonal beers inspired by local harvests.

• Connection to Community: Visiting a farm brewery often means meeting the brewers and learning the story behind each pint.

How to Support New York Farm Breweries

• Visit Their Taprooms: Experience the beer on-site and enjoy farm-fresh food pairings.

• Buy Local: Look for the "Farm Brewery" label when purchasing beer.

• Attend Beer Festivals: Many NY beer festivals highlight farm breweries and their unique creations.

The rise of farm breweries is more than a trend – it's a return to local roots, sustainability, and craftsmanship. At Drink NY Craft, we encourage you to explore and support these breweries that are shaping the future of New York’s beer scene.

Cheers to farm-fresh beer and the people who make it possible!