Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Westchester County. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

(Westchester, NY) – Westchester County Tourism & Film launched the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail connecting more than 23 distilleries, craft breweries and cideries from throughout Westchester. Residents and visitors age 21 and older are now able to discover the rich tapestry of Westchester’s liquid craftsmanship and local artisans with support from a free new online passport (no app downloads required). Once registered, users will be able to earn rewards for fun items that reflect Westchester’s booming beverage scene while savoring their favorite sips along the trail.

The lower Hudson Valley’s diverse and vibrant craft beverage scene—just a “pint’s pour away” from New York City—takes center stage with the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail, featuring an array of brews, hops, lagers, ciders and more, crafted right in Westchester County. Metro-North provides a safe and reliable transportation option, making it easy for participants to join the adventure without the hassle of driving. Along the trail, participants can earn points with each check-in at the featured merchants, using them to claim unique rewards like smartly designed caps and mugs. Participating spots include beloved Westchester staples like Broken Bow Brewery (Tuckahoe), Captain Lawrence Brewing Company (Elmsford) and Barrel House (Mt Kisco), Hardscrabble Cider (North Salem), River Outpost Brewing Company (Peekskill), Wolf & Warrior Brewing Company (White Plains) and plenty more.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Highlighting our local craft beverage trail is a testament to our commitment to our small businesses and the rich agritourism scene here in Westchester. Let’s toast to the local makers and farms who proudly showcase Westchester County through their passions.”

Director of Westchester County Tourism & Film Natasha Caputo said: “The Westchester Craft Beverage Trail was thoughtfully designed to celebrate the passion of our community’s beverage artisans and provide an interactive and rewarding experience for craft beverage enthusiasts. We invite participants to appoint a designated driver or hop on the train and explore the best of Westchester’s small-batch makers.”

The official kick off of the craft beverage trail was celebrated on April 25 at Broken Bow Brewery in Tuckahoe with participating craft beverage businesses and tourism partners.

Broken Bow Brewery Head of Marketing Kristen Stone said: “At Broken Bow Brewery, we see the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail as an invaluable asset to our local community, businesses and visitors alike. It fosters a spirit of exploration and enjoyment throughout the County, enriching experiences for all. As we approach our 11th year, it has truly been a pleasure to witness the growth and impact of the craft beverage scene firsthand.” 

Learn more at https://www.visitwestchesterny.com/things-to-do/dining/craft-beverages/trail/.

Experience the Essence of Agritourism:

Hardscrabble Cider, a trail highlight, captures the essence of hand-crafted, farm-to-bottle excellence. Every step – from cultivating and harvesting apples to pressing, fermenting, and bottling – unfolds on-site. The cider is pressed from a blend of all 10 apple varieties grown on-site. Fermentation is meticulously monitored, and filtering takes place several times to create the cleanest, freshest taste possible. In the end, the cider is hand-bottled and capped, then batch-pasteurized to ensure stability, providing visitors with a true taste of Westchester’s rich agricultural heritage. Hardscrabble Cider is one of many examples of the fruitful agriculture found in Westchester County.

“Hardscrabble Cider is ecstatic about the launch of the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail. We opened our doors in 2015 with the hopes that we would be a part of Westchester’s growing craft beverage scene, but to see what it has become in that time is truly remarkable,” said Anthony Sepe, Manager and Head Cider Maker of Hardscrabble Cider. “We abound with talented brewers and distillers who are putting their own unique stamps on the scene and believe that the Craft Beverage Trail will further bolster the movement and bring fresh faces to all craft producers involved.”

How Trail Passport  Works:

Step 1 – Get the pass: The Westchester Craft Beverage Trail Passport is a free mobile-exclusive, web-based passport that brings together a carefully curated collection of participating businesses. These establishments, ranging from breweries to tap rooms, offer exclusive deals and discounts for passport holders.

Step 2 – Receive a text: Upon signing up, the passport is instantly delivered to someone’s phone via text and email, requiring no app downloads. Users can easily save the pass to their phone’s home screen for easy access.

Step 3 – Redeem: When visiting a participating business, patrons will present their phone to a staff member to redeem available discounts. They should ensure their phone’s location services are activated to check-in via GPS, earning points towards rewards.

 Sign up and learn more about the Westchester Craft Beverage Trail here.