The TAP New York Craft Brew Festival has been an annual staple of the Hudson Valley beer scene since its start in 1998. Many people were disappointed by this past summer’s last-minute cancellation of the festival due to creative differences between the organizers and Bethel Woods. This year, however, the festival is back. On June 28th and 29th, Blackthorne Resort in East Durham will be the new gathering grounds for the crowd of thousands of brew lovers that flock to this festival.
With over 65 New York breweries pouring over 200 different brews, this festival offers a diverse and creative assemblage of craft beer. Featuring breweries such as Active Ingredient Brewing Company, with its science-based, experimentally chaotic NE IPA; Industrial Arts Brewing Co., and its tasty, sustainably brewed, and low ABV craft beers; Paradox Brewery, veteran-owned and renowned for its use of water drilled from 600 feet below the Adirondacks and filtered naturally through granite; and the new up and coming Personal Best Brewery, featuring creatively named beers such as the Defiant Jazzercise and Secret Third Thing.
While brews are certainly the star of the show, Tap New York is not lacking in non-brew-related eats and activities. Both Saturday and Sunday feature live music performances. Guilty Pleasure plays on Saturday and Jared Haines and Probable Cause perform on Sunday. To break up the drinking, there is also a wide variety of different eats to pick from, such as corn dogs, sliders, chicken fingers, and caprese skewers.
This festival also has something for those not drinking. Get a discounted ticket, as well as VIP access, free parking, and continuous food samples with the purchase of a designated driver ticket. Just be warned: if caught drinking a beer sample, there will be a price to pay. Literally. A $30 up-charge will be instituted for any person with a designated driver ticket caught drinking beer samples.
Since this is Tap New York’s debut year partnering with Blackthorne Resort, the resort is sparing no expense. Whether you are staying at the lodge or camping nearby, a purchase of one of the many stay and play packages comes with an exclusive invite to both the Friday night pre-party and the Saturday night after party, both hosted by Blackthorne.
With a diverse selection of beers, ciders, meads, food, live music, and ticket options, the annual Tap New York Craft Brew Festival has something to offer for everyone—so long as they’re over the age of 21.
[eventarchive-1]
