Tap New York 2004
Hunter Mountain, NY
April 24 & 25

The 7th annual Tap New York was once again held at Hunter Mountain to the delight of hundreds of thirsty beer lovers. The best beers of New York State are served here along with some outstanding culinary delights.
This was our second visit to TNY and enjoyed it even more this year. We rented one of the liftside condos and only had a short walk to the fest. It will be on our list every year from now on.
All the tickets were will call or bought on the day of the session. No more mailing them to you, but that seemed to be no problem. They had the will call well-organized and there was no apparent confusion.
We attended only the Saturday Session which ran from 12-5. The queue began around 11 and steadily grew with the anticipation reaching a peak at 12. Due to a few minor problems, the crowds were not let loose until 12:10.


The anxious fans!
But spirits were high and the thirsty throngs were ready to hit the tasting tables. Many opted for some sustenance before beginning to imbibe. This year's theme was Caribbean-Asian fusion cuisine which included delicacies such as Yuca chips, Caribbean Summer Rolls, Quesadillas, Stuffed plantains, Arroz con Pollo and the tried and true favorites hot dogs, sausages of all kinds, cheeses, pate, sandwiches and assorted finger foods. Needless to say, if you left hungry that was your fault!
Not only did they feed you but taught you how to prepare it as well! Chefs like Tim Shafer, Robert Bruno, Joseph Messina, Ric Orlando, Mee Lin Aw & Suzy Shuying Miller held seminars over the two day event giving you a chance to taste their creations while watching them prepare them.
The selection of beers was even better! With 40+ breweries from all over the state attending, well over 150 brews were up for tasting many of them from fairly new or newly recycled breweries: Brown Brewery formerly Troy changed their name and stabilized their lineup, packaging and advertising with a wide selection of styles. Southern Tier is a new one with some tasty brews as is Keegan Ales. (Check out the list of the beers I tasted on the next page.)
Add to this a beautiful day with a fantastic view of the sun-drenched slopes still white with snow and you have a perfect setting for enjoying a couple of beers.

The highlight of the fest is the awarding of the FX Matt Memorial Cup and the Matthew Vassar Brewers' Cup for the best brewery in the State and the Hudson Valley, respectively. This year, the Matt Cup went to Chelsea Brewing of NYC and the Vassar to Original Saratoga Springs Brewpub. Congratulations to all the winners!
Imagine, all the food you can eat and beer you can drink for $35???!!! Bring all your friends and make a weekend out of it! A better time you won't have anywhere.
Visit their website for info on next year's event. Don't miss it!
Here are some pictures from this year's TNY.




 
 

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