New York Brewers Elect Official State Beer

A group of New York breweries collaborated to brew Statewide Pale Ale, making New York state the first to designate a state beer. Brewmasters from ten New York Breweries gathered at Shmaltz Brewing Company on May 27 to make the beer, with projected proceeds of $20,000 benefitting the New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA).

The Statewide Pale Ale debuts June 11 at Shmaltz Brewing Company’s tasting room. Here’s the full press release from Shmaltz:

CLIFTON PARK, NY -- MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2015 -- The craft brewing industry continues to boom with astonishing growth across the country. Regionally, unprecedented brewery collaborations are proving that strength in numbers is a recipe for success. For the first time in the state's history, New York now has an official state beer (STATEWIDE PALE ALE) handcrafted by the hardworking brewmasters of 10 premier NYS breweries, including Shmaltz, Community Beer Works, Empire Brewing, Lake Placid Brewing, Crossroads, CH Evans, Mad Jack Brewing, Browns, Rare Form Brewing and others.

On May 27 at Shmaltz Brewing Company (Clifton Park, NY), brewers united for the special brew day and teamed up to raise funds for the New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA). A projected $20,000 will be donated from state draught sales from local brewpubs, the breweries' tasting rooms, and select bars. STATEWIDE PALE ALE will be available starting on June 11, 2015.

STATEWIDE PALE ALE is a bright and crisp pale ale brewed with all NYS 2-row malt sponsored by Pioneer Malting, Inc., as well as other American malt favorites, hopped with a burst of warrior, simcoe and mosaic and dry hopped with NYS cascade donated by Country Malt Group.

"What a fun day we all had for this first ever NYSBA fundraiser collaboration," says Jeremy Cowan, Founder of Shmaltz Brewing. "10 NYS breweries hanging out with our brewers and production staff all for a great cause -- more beer! Shmaltz has always loved to work with other breweries and this was such a treat -- and a great success. Beer enthusiasts will be able to enjoy Statewide Pale Ale all across New York from small brewpubs and nanos to regional powerhouses and everyone in between. Brewing more to raise awareness and funds to support the wider growth of the local small businesses -- cheers to that!"

Paul Leone, Executive Director of the New York State Brewers Guild, adds, "Statewide Pale Ale is the first fundraising beer ever made for the NYSBA and we are so happy that Shmaltz took the lead on starting this program. This amazing Pale Ale showcases a unique flavor profile brought together by the collaborative effort of a very talented group of brewers from all over the state. I hope everyone gets a chance to buy a pint of this exceptional beer."

On June 9, over 30 NYSBA members will descend on the state capital for the annual Albany Hill Climb to discuss current issues and policy initiatives with their elected representatives. Following the day-long activities will be a reception at the Legislative Office Building Well featuring craft beers from each brewery. STATEWIDE PALE ALE debuts at the mini beer fest followed by its official public launch on June 11 between 4pm - 6pm at the Shmaltz Brewing Company Tasting Room at 6 Fairchild Square in Clifton Park.

Please join the celebration of this milestone partnership in New York's brewing history, and toast a STATEWIDE PALE ALE at a brewery or bar near you!