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Episode 682 Aired: Wednesday, August 9th 2023
Four Hundred Years of Serious Drinking
Jimmy’s back at Roberta's in Bushwick for an enthralling episode of BSR that intertwines New York's rich history and beer culture. Carlo DeVito, a renowned wine, beers, and spirits writer and editor, joins us to spill on his exciting new book on these very subjects. Get ready to be amazed as Carlo treats us to jaw-dropping New York beer trivia!
As the conversation unfolds, Carlo's passion for the craft shines through, and his expertise in the world of libations is evident. From the city's historical roots to the thriving beer scene, this episode is a fascinating journey that connects the past and present. And that's not all! Our talented engineer, Matt, dons his beer brewing hat once again to add some curious questions to the mix.
The project, begun on behalf of SUNY Press, is tentatively titled EMPIRE BEER and is a history of beer in New York from the first contact to the present. From Hudson's exploration of the then North River (now the Hudson River) to the heyday of the craft brewery movement. New York State (and New York City) led the nation in beer production for more than 120 years. This project is a deep dive into its history of beer and its production over more than 400 years in the state, as well as weaving it into the social history of the state.
The book has an estimated publication target of Fall 2025. The project has involved the New York Public Library, New York Historical Association, the Library of Congress, and about a half dozen county and city historical societies, as well as brewery archives. Dozens of industry professionals have been interviewed for the project.
The project has been taken up by the NEW YORK LEAGUE OF BEER HISTORIANS, a group of highly-acclaimed beer historians in the state: Craig Gravina (colonial NYC, Albany and Capital Region); Alan MacLeod (colonial Dutch and English New York City and NY's norther border aligned with Canada); Ethan Cox (Buffalo and Western NY); and Don Cazentre (Central, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier NY). Carlo DeVito is General Editor and modern New York City).
Each contributor is a published author: Beers of the Upper Hudson Valley by Gravina and MacLeod; Buffalo Beer by Ethan Cox and Michael F. Rizzo; and New York Breweries by Lew Bryson and Don Cazentre and Spirits and Cocktails of Upstate New York by Don Cazentre. Many have given talks or lectures, led tastings, and been interviewed on the radio about beer and New York.
Celebrated NYC publican Jimmy Carbone hosts a convivial audio ale salon celebrating the world of craft beer. Through discussions with beer industry insiders and knowledgeable beer fans from across the country, Jimmy and his friends explore every aspect of the brewer's craft from grains to pint glass and tasting to toasting. For 10 years and more than 500 episodes, Beer Sessions Radio has witnessed and recorded the craft beer revolution in real time. With each episode, Jimmy continues to follow emerging trends and exciting collaborations that stretch across New York’s five boroughs and around the world.
Program engineer Matt Patterson, engineer
Thank you Jimmy!!!!!!!