Every year, some people, in a fit of trying to atone for their holiday-season sins, or trying to kickstart a diet that won’t live to see February, or trying to “cleanse” their bodies, give up beer for the month of January. It seems like a noble effort on paper; giving up something that you love (a new age Lent, perhaps?) is a challenge that can help you feel better about yourself for the year ahead.

We’re here to tell you that you should stop feeling so great about giving beer up for a month. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t give it up.

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As we march forward into 2015 for more craft beer, it’s time to take a look back at the openings, news stories, and highs and lows in New York in the past year. The beer industry continues to march ahead in New York. 2014 was one of the most impressive years for growth of New York beer in recent history. And the prevalence of craft beer at bars and restaurants has certainly expanded, too - we wrote up the openings of 35 new beer-centric bars this past year, up from 19 the year before. Here are the highlights of the year that was.

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I had a crazy idea when the year started: I should try to visit a hundred breweries this year. It seemed like a lofty goal, but with over three thousand now around the country (and countless more around the world), it was doable.

Turns out, it was too doable, because I hit #100 on September 13th when I visited Marble Brewery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. So I decided to move the goalposts to 150 breweries. And on December 27th, while visiting Boston, I celebrated my 150th brewery of the year, Harpoon Brewery.

While I don’t know whether to be embarrassed or proud of this feat, it’s small compared to these guys (who came up in conversation at several breweries I visited), and it’s surprisingly easy to do when you visit places that are so densely populated with breweries that you can barely spit without hitting one. And in visiting the 150 I did, I learned even more about the craft beer industry than I thought possible by drinking beer, talking to brewers, talking to consumers, and taking in craft beer culture.

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Arrogant Swine may be known for its barbeque, but its beer selection is nothing to scoff at, either (Photo via arrogantswine on Instagram)

Because the city can’t seem to go a week without a new beer spot opening, First Look is our roundup of the latest places to open that specialize in craft beer - bars, restaurants, and stores. This week, we take a look at some new spots in East Williamsburg, the East Village, and Tribeca.

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New Year’s Eve is often considered just another “amateur night” for those who drink regularly (and responsibly) during the year. So why ring in 2015 like an amateur when you can toast the New Year with craft beer? And what better place to celebrate the New Year with a beer than at the place where the beer is made? There’s a brewery in every borough getting in on New Year’s Eve celebrations this year:

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Sunday will be a barrel full of fun at Other Half (Photo via otherhalfnyc on Instagram)

Other Half Brewing Company (195 Centre St., at Smith St., Gowanus) has had one heck of a 2014. They opened in January and their beer almost immediately started getting rave reviews. Their taproom opened in the Spring, drawing beer geeks from across the city and beyond. Other Half brewed their 100th batch by November, and they continue to innovate, collaborate with other brewers, and expand their lineup.

While Other Half is best known for their IPAs – all of their beers in our top ten are some form of the hoppy style – they’ve also been getting into the stout game more and more. And to celebrate the arrival of winter and the season of roastier brews, Other Half is hosting their first Stout Day this Sunday with a lineup of stouts that’ll stick to your ribs.

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