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Albany, NY – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed a bill allowing The Culinary Institute of
America (Ѹ) to manufacture and sell alcoholic beverages, clearing the way
for the College to develop a small brewery on its Hyde
Park campus. The brewery has been donated by and will be operated in
conjunction with Brooklyn Brewery and is expected to open to the public in the
summer of 2015. It will complement the that attract tourists from around the
world, and serve as the means for adding courses in craft beer making.
“Today’s action clears the way for a truly innovative
partnership between Ѹ and Brooklyn Brewery,”
Governor Cuomo said. “By enabling this internationally renowned educational
institution to combine forces with one of New York’s most iconic breweries, we
will be able to further strengthen the mid-Hudson Valley’s tourism industry
today, and also bring the state’s burgeoning craft beer industry to new heights
by training the brewers of tomorrow.”
Senator Terry Gipson, sponsor of the bill, said, “The
addition of a craft brewing program on The Culinary Institute of
America’s
campus in Hyde Park will be a welcomed attraction to our tourism
industry in
the Hudson Valley. Most importantly, students will have the
opportunity to
experience this booming industry firsthand right here in Dutchess
County. I thank Governor Cuomo and Assembly Member Barrett for their
support of this bill.”
Assembly Member Didi Barrett,
sponsor of the bill, said, “Ѹ is one of the top
culinary schools in the country and craft beer making is a fast-growing sector
of our state’s economy. Giving the Ѹ the opportunity to develop a craft
brewery, and partner with an industry leader such as Brooklyn Brewery to
develop a first rate curriculum, will enhance the Hudson Valley’s role as a
leader in craft beverage production with its outstanding breweries,
distilleries, cideries and wineries. Partnerships
like this provide knowledge and expertise to a new generation of farmers and
entrepreneurs, strengthening our local economy and attracting new visitors to our region.”
The addition of craft beer making will enrich the experience
at the Ѹ for both students and patrons alike. Founded as the first and only
school of its kind in the United States, Ѹ is
today the world’s premier culinary college, and has consistently garnered
praise for its innovative work in culinary education, research, and industry
service. The campus has long been an important destination for both New Yorkers
and visitors from all parts of the world, who love to dine at the incredible
restaurants that are part of the Hyde Park campus and enjoy the beauty of the
Hudson Valley.
Waldy Malouf,
senior director of food and beverage operations at the Ѹ, said, “The
microbrewery at Ѹ will be an integral part of
the college’s curriculum. With the collaboration of Brooklyn Brewery, this
facility will teach students about fermentation, using grains in brewing, food
pairings, as well as the management of a ‘brewpub’ hospitality operation. As a
bonus, Hudson Valley residents and visitors will be able to sample the work of
the students in all of our restaurants on campus. The entire Ѹ family
appreciates the Governor’s efforts to help make this unique educational opportunity come to fruition.”
Steve Hindy, founder and chairman
of Brooklyn Brewery, said, “We are grateful to Governor Cuomo and the
legislature for making it possible for us to donate a brewery and help develop
a brewing program at Ѹ. Ѹ is the premier culinary school in the country and it makes sense for them to have a brewing class in their excellent curriculum.”
The number of restaurant brewers in New York has increased
200 percent, from 10 in 2011 to 30 today, excluding the one that this bill
authorizes the establishment of. Additionally, the Empire State is now home to
103 microbreweries, which is a 156 percent increase from 40 in 2011.
In July 2012, Governor Cuomo signed legislation creating a
farm brewery license to promote the use of local ingredients in craft beers.
Since that law took effect in January 2013, 53 new Farm Breweries have opened
up across the State. Like Farm Wineries, Farm Breweries craft “New York” beer
with specific levels of locally grown ingredients, gradually increasing from 20
percent to 90 percent by 2024. Farm Breweries enjoy similar privileges to Farm
Wineries, including the ability to operate up to five offsite branch locations,
open restaurants, conduct tastings and sell related products that may include
souvenirs, food to complement beer tastings and equipment and supplies.
For more information about New York’s growing beer, wine,
spirits and cider industries, visit the One Stop Shop and .
This law passed the State Senate as S7621 and passed the
Assembly as A9846.
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