The New York government in the US has issued the first farm meadery license to craft beverage manufacturer Royal Meadery in Albany County.

Royal Meadery produces mead from the New York State-sourced honey.

To support the craft beverage industry, last December New York State Governor Andrew M Cuomo signed the legislation, which established a new license for farm meaderies.

Cuomo said: “This administration continues its commitment to supporting the state’s growing craft beverage industry and the economic ripple effects that come with it.

“Creating the farm meadery license not only helps our local craft beverage producers but it also creates jobs, promotes tourism and continues to support New York as a leading producer of honey in the Northeast.”

Gregory Wilhelm owns and operates the Royal Meadery. Together with his wife, Wilhelm manages a facility that produces meads from locally sourced honey.

The new licence will enable the Royal Meadery to sell its meads in a glass or a bottle from manufacturing facilities or in tasting rooms, in addition to wine, beer, cider or spirits produced by a New York State farm manufacturer.

Wilhelm said: “We appreciate the recognition of receiving the first farm meadery license. New York has long been recognised for its exceptional honey production.

“It is only natural that New York leads the way in legislation around mead production. I commend the governor and legislature in creating an environment, which supports farms and the craft beverage industry.”

The farm meaderies have the option to operate up to five no-fee off-site branch offices with tasting rooms anywhere in the state.