ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Ithaca Beer Company has released a new beer, "Brew York" Pale Ale. The beer is brewed using 100% New York hops and nearly 70% New York grown barley. Owners of the company say this beer has been years in the making.

    "'Brew York' started twenty years ago when we first launched our double IPA trying to use New York State ingredients in beers," said Ithaca Beer Company Owner and Founder, Dan Mitchell. "At that time, it was really hops that they were growing. We've since been able to get malt. The entire industry has really grown and we've gotten the opportunity to get enough malt and hops to really launch this great beer, Brew York."

    With the announcement of the new beer, it makes Ithaca Beer the only company in the state to commit to making a high volume of beer using New York-grown ingredients. The company says they're expecting to make 1,500 barrels of the pale ale this year alone.

    "What's really unique about what Ithaca Beer is doing is that, really, this is one of the first beers using New York State malt and hops that's going to be produced throughout the state," said New York State Brewers Association Executive Director, Paul Leone. "The great thing is that they don't even have a farm brewing license. So they don't have to do this. The quality of ingredients that New York farmers are growing, the maltsers are malting and that the hop growers are growing is high enough, and is super high quality, that Ithaca Beer comes up with Brew York. So we're really happy about it."
    
    But, most importantly, it's how the beer tastes that really counts.

    "It's soft, well-rounded mouth feel," said Ithaca Beer Company Head of Brewing, Andrew Hausman. "It's got a nice New York State hop character, which comes across as really fruity. A little berry-like too, which is fun and should be easily enjoyed by many people."

    If you're looking to get your hands on some "Brew York", well, you're in luck. The company says the beer hit store shelves on Wednesday.