Assembly Resolution No. 697

BY: M. of A. Lentol

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.