GrowNYC is proud to participate in Rye Week, a yearly celebration of rye as an agricultural product in New York State, which will take place from October 17 – 25.

Throughout Rye Week, Greenmarkets across the city will also host a number of craft distilleries selling rye-based spirits and Empire Rye. Five years ago, six prominent New York State distilleries came up with the concept for Empire Rye, a whiskey style for the Empire State. Similar to the way Kentucky has a style of bourbon with strict standards, each Empire Rye distiller must adhere to the same specifications in producing their rye. 

“Not only does New York State’s craft beverage program create jobs, boost local economies, and financially benefit local grain farmers,” says GrowNYC President and CEO Marcel Van Ooyen, “it’s also great for the environment. Small grains are good for the soil when used in rotation with other crops. As the demand for grains like rye increases, so does the health of the soil on New York farms.”

RYE WEEK CRAFT DISTILLERY SCHEDULE

Saturday, October 17: Union Square Greenmarket - New York Distilling Co.
Saturday, October  17: McCarren Park Greenmarket - New York Distilling Co.
Sunday, October 18: Jackson Heights - Standard Wormwood
Wednesday, October 21: Union Square - New York Distilling Co.
Saturday, October 24: Union Square - Van Brunt Stillhouse
Sunday, October 25: 79th Street Greenmarket - Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery
Sunday, October 25: Columbia University Greenmarket -Tuthilltown Spirits