Last year Julia from western New York posted about the idea of a beer trail from the state just like those wine trails from maker to maker that has help many learn about the great products from all around a given region. Now, the beer trail is about to move from idea to reality:

New York is launching an official Empire State Brewery Trail in September to highlight its beer. The trail highlights the re-emergence of breweries in New York and will help brewers cash in on the popularity of their oatmeal stouts, India pale ales and bitters.

New York's rich brewing heritage dates back to the 1630s when the Dutch West India Company established a brewery in New York City. A century ago, there were more than 40 breweries in the Brooklyn borough alone. Currently there are about 60 breweries, microbreweries and brew pubs around the state.

Here is the website for the members of the New York State Brewers Association who make up the stops along the trail. They have a great motto - "Think NY, Drink NY" - which sort of converts in the URL to look more like think'n'y'drink'n'y which is a good motto, too. And here is the law that was passed to create the trail. Interesting that they have a purpose clause right in the body of the law including:

It is further the intent of the legislature that these trails be linked thematically, and be construed so as to be easily traveled by tourists and enthusiasts.

I always find thematic linking helps me construe in relation to my enthusiams.