Discovering the Finger Lakes: A Closer Look at the Crafts & Drafts Pass
If you’re considering a trip to New York’s Finger Lakes and love craft beer, spirits, or cider, the Crafts & Drafts Pass might be just what you’re looking for. Offered by Bandwango, this pass promises a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore a variety of local beverage producers without the hassle of planning each visit individually. Whether you’re in town for a quick weekend or a longer stay, this pass could add a fun, relaxed layer to your trip.
What instantly caught our eye is how simple it is — no app download needed. Your digital pass is delivered straight to your phone, making it easy to carry and use, especially in a region where you might be bouncing between lakes and vineyards. Plus, the chance to visit up to five locations over three days at a reasonable price (just $36 per person) makes this a compelling option for those looking to sample the area’s best drinks without breaking the bank.
That said, there are some considerations. The price is quite affordable, but transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to hop between locations — especially if you’re not familiar with the area or don’t have a designated driver. Also, the experience is geared toward those 21 and over, so it’s not suitable for travelers with children or pregnant women.
This experience suits anyone who loves discovering local craft beverages, enjoys flexible schedules, and appreciates a laid-back tasting tour. It’s especially good for groups or couples who want to explore the Finger Lakes at their own pace, sampling a variety of drinks and learning about the local scene along the way.
Key Points
- Flexible options: Choose between a 1-day (up to 3 stops) or 3-day pass (up to 5 stops) based on your schedule.
- All digital: No app needed — tickets are delivered to your phone for easy access.
- Tasting experiences: Each location offers a tasting flight or a complimentary pint, giving you a chance to try a range of beverages.
- Variety of venues: Includes distilleries, breweries, and cideries, so there’s something for every drink lover.
- Price for the value: At $36, it’s an affordable way to sample multiple spots without multiple entrance fees.
- No transportation included: You’ll need to arrange your own way of getting around between stops.
An Honest Breakdown of What to Expect
The Basics and Logistics
The Finger Lakes Crafts & Drafts Pass is designed as a self-guided tasting tour. It’s perfect for those who prefer to set their own pace over a few days. You buy the pass, which is valid for three days, and then simply show it on your phone at each participating location. Each stop offers a one-time use offer, which could be a tasting flight or a complimentary pint.
The Cost and What You Are Getting
For just $36 per person, you are granted access to a range of venues. It’s an excellent deal considering the cost of individual tastings—an average flight or pint can be $6-8 at many places. So, with five stops, that easily adds up to over $30 in value, making it a great bang for your buck.
Locations and Stops
The pass includes a mix of breweries, distilleries, and cideries. Here’s a quick rundown of some stops:
- Barrelhouse 6 Distillery: Offers a tasting flight, giving you a chance to sample different spirits.
- The Brewery of Broken Dreams: Provides a free pint — a nice touch for beer lovers.
- Krooked Tusker Distillery: Another spot with tasting flights, ideal if you want to try a variety of spirits.
- Railhead Brewing Company: Known for their tasting flights, which are often the highlight for craft beer fans.
- Tub Town Brewing: Also offering tastings, giving you more options to explore.
- Abandon Brewing Company: Offers a free pint, which adds value.
- Climbing Bines Hop Farm: Combines a hop farm experience with a craft ale, perfect for those curious about the brewing process.
- Laurentide Beer Company, LyonSmith Brewing Co., Relative Risk Brewing, and Seneca Stag Brewing round out the list, each offering their own take on craft brewing.
The Experience
Most reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff and guides at each location, which enhances the experience. They often shared interesting tidbits about the brewing process, ingredients, and local history—adding depth to the tasting sessions. The venues are generally friendly and welcoming, making it easy to relax and enjoy your drinks.
What Travelers Say
Reviews note that the pass is straightforward to use and that the variety of locations keeps things interesting. One reviewer appreciated that “each spot had a friendly staff and tasty drinks,” while another mentioned that the included tastings were generous, especially at places offering flights.
However, some pointed out that transportation remains on the traveler. If you’re planning to visit multiple venues in one day, consider arranging rides or carpooling, as the pass doesn’t include transportation.
Who Should Consider It?
This pass is well-suited for craft beverage enthusiasts eager to explore multiple breweries, distilleries, or cideries without paying individually at each spot. It’s also a good choice if you appreciate flexible scheduling and want to take your time exploring the local scene. Those expecting a guided tour might find this more self-directed, but the quality of the venues often makes up for that.
Diving into the Details: Each Stop
Distilleries and Breweries
The distilleries offer tasting flights that allow you to sample a variety of spirits—think whiskey, vodka, or liqueurs—giving you a well-rounded experience. The brewery stops, like Railhead Brewing and Tub Town Brewing, are noted for their friendly atmosphere and quality beers. Their tasting flights often include several small pours, perfect for trying more than one style at each location.
Cideries?
While the focus is mainly on beer and spirits, cideries aren’t explicitly listed as part of this pass. That might be a consideration if you’re a cider fan—these might require separate visits or tours.
The Venues’ Atmosphere
You’ll find that many venues are cozy and inviting, with staff eager to share their knowledge. For instance, the Climbing Bines Hop Farm offers insights into hop growing alongside your tasting, which is a nice educational touch.
Timing and Duration
Most stops are fairly quick — around 30 minutes to an hour — so plan your day accordingly. Spreading out visits helps avoid long waits or rushing through tastings. Be sure to check each location’s hours because some may have limited weekend or weekday hours.
Accessibility and Practicalities
The pass is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a broader range of visitors. Since there’s no transportation included, you’ll want to plan your routes in advance, whether by car, bike, or organized shuttle.
The Bottom Line: Who Is This For?
If you’re someone who loves discovering local craft drinks and enjoys the freedom of exploring at your own pace, this Finger Lakes Crafts & Drafts Pass offers a solid, affordable way to do so. The variety of participating venues and the quality of experiences—especially thanks to knowledgeable staff—makes for a memorable trip.
However, if you’re traveling with a large group or prefer guided tours with transportation included, this might feel a bit independent or limiting. Also, if you want to visit cideries or other beverage types not listed, you’ll need to plan those separately.
For travelers who are comfortable arranging their own transport, enjoy casual tasting sessions, and want a flexible way to explore the local scene, this pass provides a good mix of value and fun.
Finger Lakes: Crafts & Drafts Pass
FAQ
Is transportation included with the pass?
No. You will need to arrange your own transportation between the participating locations.
Can I visit more than the allotted number of locations?
The pass limits you to the specified number of visits—three for the 1-day pass, five for the 3-day pass. You can, of course, visit other places outside the pass, but the free offers are limited to these.
Do I need to print anything?
No, your digital pass is delivered straight to your phone, and you just show it at each location.
Are the tastings free?
Yes, each location offers a complimentary tasting flight or pint as part of the pass.
What’s the duration of each stop?
Most visits last about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and interest.
Can minors or pregnant women participate?
No, you must be 21 or older to purchase the pass and participate.
Is this pass suitable for families?
Not really. Since it’s focused on alcohol tastings, it’s designed for adults.
What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are the venues accessible?
Yes, the pass mentions that locations are wheelchair accessible.
Is this experience only available in the summer?
The pass is generally valid in the evenings, but check the hours of each venue to plan your visits accordingly.
In the end, the Finger Lakes Crafts & Drafts Pass offers a relaxed, cost-effective way to sample the region’s beverage offerings, especially if you enjoy craft beer, spirits, and cider. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind organizing their own transportation and are eager to explore at their own pace. For a laid-back, authentic experience with friendly guides and a variety of tastings, this pass could add a lot to your Finger Lakes adventure.
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