Number Of Farm Distilleries In New York State Nearly Doubles

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The number of farm distilleries in New York state has nearly doubled in two years.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration said Tuesday that the state is now home to 107 farm distilleries, which create liquor using primarily New York state agricultural products.

Cuomo says the rapid increase in the number of businesses shows that state efforts to help the burgeoning craft beverage industry are paying off.

The 2014 Craft New York Act cut regulatory red tape and lifted production caps in an attempt to rewrite state laws on alcohol production that in many cases dated back to prohibition.

Assemblyman Bill Magee, who leads the Assembly's Committee on Agriculture, says the popularity of New York-made beer, wine, cider and alcohol is helping farmers and tourism throughout the state.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]