23-05-2025
New York Distilleries Are The Subject Of A New Tourism Driven App
The New York State Distillers Guild has released a new app connecting users to distilleries ... More including Black Button Distilling in Rochester.
New York distilleries have been forging ahead as an industry in the Empire State and a new app is providing suggestions for making a trip out of seeing them.
The New York State Distillers Guild has released the NY Distillery Trails app, a user-friendly guide to visiting the state's distilleries through suggested itineraries and category searches.
While producing gin, vodka, whiskey and other spirits, distilleries can also play an important role in promoting visitation. Many have tasting rooms open to the public and may offer site tours. Also, they are heavily based in popular regions, including New York City, the Catskills and the Finger Lakes.
'We didn't realize that we became tourist destinations,' said Brian Facquet, the guild's president. 'When people come in and stay in New York, whether it's the Hudson Valley or near Niagara Falls, they look for things to do, and we are generally the things to do.'
Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport is among the over 200 distilleries throughout New York.
According to Facquet, who is also the founder and head distiller of Do Good Spirits in Roscoe, the app evolved from distilleries often answering questions from visitors on what to see, do and eat.
Facquet explained that New York distillery employees are similar to concierges in referring visitors not only to local sights but also fellow distilleries.
Developed with Visit Widget, the NY Distillery Trails app follows another accomplishment. In 2024, New York State officials passed legislation that permits distilleries to offer direct to consumer shipping.
As of April 1, 2025, New York State is home to 239 licensed distilleries, including 217 craft distillers—a category that includes farm and micro distilleries.
Buffalo Distilling Company is among the over 200 distilleries operating in New York State.
'Distilleries are a powerful engine for economic development, agriculture and tourism in New York,' explained William Crowley, executive deputy commissioner for the New York State Liquor Authority.
They source local ingredients from New York farmers and create local supply chains supporting the state's agricultural industry. They also provide employment opportunities.
'From a tourism standpoint, craft distilleries have become destinations in their own right,' added Crowley. "These businesses are not just making spirits—they're strengthening communities, preserving rural economies, and enriching the state's culinary and cultural identity.'
Many New York distilleries, including Second Act Spirits in Amsterdam, have tasting rooms.
With the NY Distillery Trails app, users can search for distilleries and their products and locations and build a custom itinerary or click on pre-set routes.
'New York's distilleries are spread so far and wide, so a consumer can go in and use our can go in and select a region they're looking to go visit,' said Facquet.
The Empire State also has designated wine and beer trails, so the NY Distillery Trails app provides a similar self-guided trail to follow along. 'You can go and pick and choose what's right for you,' said Facquet.
Learn more about New York distilleries via the free NY Distillery Trails app. Download the app for iOS here or Google Play here.
