Tim Nickels served as an enlisted member of the US Army before taking a commission in the US Army Reserve, all while being a dedicated member of the law enforcement community for more than twenty years. After retiring from the NYPD, he co-founded DNT Express in Menands, NY, expanding operations to Clyde, NY in 2010. Working with local vineyards and small distributors, DNT Express became a top-tier warehouse and delivery service of wine and spirits for over 4,000 retail locations across Upstate New York. DNT Express was sold in December 2020. Shortly after, Hinny Hard Seltzer was formed.
New York’s craft beverage scene is known for its innovation, collaboration, and community focus. While beer is still the cornerstone of most taproom experiences, evolving consumer preferences are encouraging breweries to expand their offerings. Among those options, hard seltzer continues to gain traction—and its place in the craft world is becoming more recognized.
Meeting Consumer Demand
Hard seltzer’s rise in popularity isn’t just a passing trend. Many consumers are looking for lighter, gluten-free, and lower-calorie alternatives to beer—especially younger drinkers and those seeking variety in social settings. By adding hard seltzer to their beverage menus, taprooms are not only meeting these expectations, but also creating a more inclusive environment for guests with a range of preferences.
When thoughtfully made, hard seltzers can complement the quality and creativity of craft beer. Flavor-forward options made with high-quality ingredients help ensure that seltzers hold their own next to IPAs, lagers, and stouts.
Crafting a More Inclusive Experience
For breweries, it’s no longer just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the overall experience. Offering seltzer alongside beer can help attract new customers who may not be traditional beer drinkers. Groups visiting taprooms often have mixed tastes, and providing something for everyone helps enhance the social experience and boost retention. This isn’t about replacing beer—it’s about rounding out the beverage lineup with complementary offerings that still reflect the values of craft: attention to detail, bold flavor, and small-batch integrity.
Supporting Local, Together
One of the defining features of New York’s craft beverage industry is its collaborative spirit. Breweries often work side by side with cideries, wineries, distilleries, and now, hard seltzer producers. These partnerships help support local agriculture, create new business opportunities, and strengthen the craft community as a whole.
Organizations like the New York State Brewers Association, are instrumental in fostering this ecosystem. By supporting a diverse range of craft beverage producers, NYSBA reflects the evolving definition of what it means to be “craft” in New York today.
Staying Adaptable in a Changing Market
As consumer preferences continue to evolve, so too must taprooms. Embracing beverage diversity is a way to future-proof business while maintaining a commitment to quality and community.
Adding hard seltzer to the lineup is one example of how New York breweries are staying nimble, inclusive, and relevant. It’s a natural next step for many, and one that aligns with the values that have always defined the state’s craft scene.
