Craft brewing is becoming so popular in the Empire State records are being broken!

According to Governor Cuomo's office, there are now 400 breweries operating in New York, setting a new record for the state. The previous record of 393 was set in 1876. This number has grown by leaps and bounds since the first Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit in 2012. Since that summit 243 new breweries have gotten licenses to brew beer.

While New York is known for lots of regulations in other areas, updating laws and easing the process to get a license has actually led to this boom in breweries. Cuomo cited the growth as big job creator and tourism driver, as well as a great way to help local farmers.

If you love beer, it all adds up to being one of the best places in the country to live. I can attest to the quality of the beer scene here, having lived in Maine which is another hot spot for craft brewing.

So drink up, and how about taking the opportunity to sample many of these brews next weekend? Grab your tickets for the Saratoga Beer Summit on Saturday here!

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