Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy, members of the Albany County Legislature and Discover Albany today announced the official launch of the Albany County Craft Beverage Trail Tasting Pass, a new promotional and marketing effort to support the local craft beverage businesses of Albany County. The announcement was made at Albany Distilling Company, one of the members of the program, which include breweries, cideries, wineries, distilleries and meaderies.
The Albany County Craft Beverage Trail was first created in March of 2023. Through the Beverage Trail Tasting Pass, local residents and visitors can now buy a pack of tastings ahead of time online and on their phones at the Discover Albany website here. They can then redeem the passes for a flight of drinks at any of the participating businesses at a discounted rate to the customer. The Tasting Pass is now active and available for purchase.
“The craft beverage industry is critical to our local economy and many businesses are still feeling the lingering impacts of the COVID pandemic. We have at least 20 different breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies in every corner of Albany County, and with more on the way. When you support this industry, you are supporting the local farms where these products originate as well,” said County Executive McCoy. “Not only will this exciting new initiative help generate even more interest in the unique establishments that our residents love, but it also will be a boost for tourism and allow residents and visitors alike to save some money.”
The new Craft Beverage Trail Tasting Pass is a voluntary initiative, and to date, nine craft beverage businesses from eight different localities across the county have agreed to participate. Those include Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont, Helderberg Mountain Brewing in East Berne, Mixed Breed Brewing in Guilderland, Meadowdale Winery in Voorheesville, Rail to River Brewing in Ravena, the Warbler Brewery in Delmar, Bye-i Brewing in Cohoes, and the Bull and Bee Meadery and Albany Distilling Company in Albany.
“Our country is built on local economic success. It’s our responsibility to ensure that small businesses in Albany County are given all of the tools available to thrive and continue competing with larger corporations. Enhancing this sector of our local economy provides numerous benefits to our local shop owners, region based producers and the families residing in our community. It also gives us an edge in tourism and contributes to expanding our workforce. This is exactly why I convened the Albany County Legislature’s COVID Economic Recovery Task Force (CERT) in 2020, and I am excited to see all the hard work coming to fruition. Thank you to the Legislators on the CERT Task Force for carrying out this important effort,” said Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce.
“The Albany County Beverage Trail serves as a vital bridge, connecting both residents and visitors to the exceptional craft beverages cultivated within our County. As this trail expands, it becomes a key driver of economic growth, revenue, tourism, and job opportunities, all while encouraging Albany County residents to reinvest in their own neighborhoods,” said Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham.
This initiative was developed in partnership with the Albany County Legislature’s COVID-19 Economy Recovery Taskforce (CERT), which includes Legislators Wanda Willingham, Matt Peter and Jeff Perlee. Legislator Peter worked with the County Executive’s Office to secure $30,000 in funding for the forthcoming signage and $50,000 in funding for promotion of the industry. The County contracted with Discover Albany to lead the promotion effort. The Tasting Pass is the first of many forthcoming efforts in working with the producers on additional creative opportunities to build the industry and support tourism.
"Connecting small businesses with new customers whether residents or tourists, was a main goal of the Covid economic recovery task force." Said Albany County Legislator Matthew Peter. "Enhancing the beverage trail with a new trail app helps show off the amazing producers we have in our county. Thank you to Chairman Andrew Joyce, my fellow task force members, County executive McCoy and Discover Albany for working collaboratively to make this happen,” said Albany County Legislator Matt Peter.
"Discover Albany is thrilled that Albany County has recognized the major role that craft beverage plays in encouraging visitors to explore our destination. We're so excited to launch this pass along with County Executive Dan McCoy as an incentive to visit our destination and for locals to explore their own community," said Discover Albany President & CEO Jill Delaney.
“One of the best things about making craft beverages here in Albany County is the incredible network of manufacturers which I am privileged to be a part of. The Tasting Pass creates a way for the public to tap into that network as well, and it's the perfect example of what makes Albany County such a great place not only for visitors, but for residents and businesses alike. My sincere thanks go out to Dan McCoy, the County Executive, and the entire County Legislature for making this happen,” said Albany Distilling Co. Co-owner John Curtin.
Albany County encourages everyone participating in this program to drink responsibly.
