Declare New York Rye Week

Senate Resolution No. 3052 BY: Senator SQUADRON MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 15-21, 2017, as New York Rye Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, Rye has nourished New Yorkers for 300 years; one of the hardiest and highest yielding winter grain crops available to New York farmers; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 15-21, 2017, as New York Rye Week in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Rye is an ancient grain that thrives in cold and wet weather; rye grain is used for flour, rye bread, rye beer, crisp bread, some whiskeys, some vodkas, and animal fodder; it can also be eaten whole, either as boiled rye berries or by being rolled, similar to rolled oats; and WHEREAS, Before modern agriculture and transportation made wheat available everywhere, rye was the best, and sometimes only option for bread baking; and WHEREAS, Recently, rye has been undergoing a small but growing revival in the United States; since the beginning of the 21st century, many more producers have been experimenting with rye whiskey, and several now market aged rye whiskey; and WHEREAS, The Wild Rye Rumpus is a three day-long celebration of New York rye; throughout the long weekend, various experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities for rye farmers, highlighting the correlation between the actual growing of the grains, including variety selection, agronomics and environment, and management practices, to the ability of the maltster and brewer to craft high-quality, unique products; and WHEREAS, More than two years ago, seven leading New York Craft distilleries formed an association to promote a style of New York Straight Rye Whiskey which would conform to the highest possible standards which include: all rye must be grown in the State of New York; be at least 75% of the mash bill to be rye grains; entry into barrels at not more than 115 proof; aged for a minimum of two years; and each batch is to be distilled and bottled at the same distillery; and WHEREAS, The seven distillers will introduce their first batches of Empire Rye to the public for the first time; the distilleries include: Black Button Distillery from Rochester, Coppersea Distilling from New Paltz, Finger Lakes Distilling from Seneca Lake, Kings County Distilling from Brooklyn, New York Distilling from Brooklyn, Tuthilltown Spirits from Gardiner, and Van Brunt Stillhouse from Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowledges the rye industry in New York State, recognizing its many and varied contributions to the local and State economies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 15-21, 2017, as New York Rye Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.