Ralph Erenzo
Distiller, Partner
Ralph brings 35 years of production and development experience to the distillery. Prior to starting Tuthilltown Spirits, his business ExtraVertical Inc. provided technical services to corporate and media clients for projects that required technical skills developed over his 25 year rock climbing career. Ralph built and managed New York City’s first public climbing gyms including The ExtraVertical Climbing Center on Broadway. His dream of a “climbers ranch” near the largest rock climbing area in the East were set aside in favor of producing high quality spirits.
Ralph’s writing and commentary have been featured in national media including Op Ed columns for the New York Times. His work at the State level has resulted in the passage of the Farm Distillery Act which permits New York farms to establish distilleries on site and sell their agricultural spirits at the farm. Born and raised a New Yorker, he has realized a lifelong dream of settling in the Hudson Valley.
Brian Lee
Distiller, Partner
Brian has designed and built the technical facilities for Tuthilltown Spirits. He is responsible for engineering and all technical aspects of fermentation and distillation for the company. Brian serves as CFO for the company. Prior to his work with Tuthilltown Spirits, Brian was a senior technical designer for a company building high-end broadcast television facilities. His clients included SKY Latin-America, CBS, and NBC. He served as the on-site technical consultant for ESPN’s conversion to High Definition Television (HDTV). Brian’s technical and mechanical skills ensure all the systems at the distillery continue to function and we are constantly on the search for more efficient methods. He is currently contemplating hydro and solar power as supplemental energy sources.
Gable Erenzo
Distiller, Brand Ambassador
As Distiller and Brand Ambassador, Gable divides his time between production and the national roll out of Tuthilltown Spirits. With over 15 years in production and national event management, an associate’s degree from CU, and a BS in Business Management from SUNY New Paltz, he brings considerable business knowledge and experience to the company. Gable’s prior position as Head Distiller and Production Manager at the distillery educated him about all aspects of the Tuthilltown Spirits production process, preparing him for his current role as Brand Ambassador. A rock climber and outdoor enthusiast from the very start, Gable has been climbing in the “Gunks” for over 20 years. He is happy to be working at something he loves, surrounded by friends and family.
Joel Elder
Distiller, Production Manager
From out of the legendary dirt bluffs of the wild Missouri Territory and into the sublime Hudson Valley comes the inimitable Joel Elder, Tuthilltown’s Production Manager and Head Distiller. Joel is responsible for all phases of production from grain to bottle including fermentation, distillation, barreling and batch selection. After a term with the US Army Air Defense Artillery, Joel attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri before setting off on his true calling: sustainable progressive agriculture. The following 6 years were spent working with and on various farms in California and New York and a few friendly pubs. Joel brings a commitment to setting new standards of production quality and ecological husbandry to the nascent artisanal spirits industry and the small farms that keep it running. Along with his partner Shabbat, he is now the proud father of a most impressive pair of geminids, Violet & Theodore. He continues to pursue the ideals that initially brought him halfway across our great continent: sustainable lifestyle and livelihood.
Nick Stoughton
Distilleryman
Born in New Orleans and raised in the Hudson Valley, Nick came down from working with the youngsters at Parsons Child and Family Center in Albany to join the team at Tuthilltown and be part of this little revolution. He has worked his way up from an apprentice to a full-fledged distilleryman. Nick is now working post-distillation production and is a student at The Business School at SUNY New Paltz completing his bachelor’s degree with a minor in Disaster Relief Studies. He is a reserve volunteer of the American Red Cross and has a passion for good food, good people, and fuzzy slippers. Nick is very proud that his beagle/ ridgeback named Roman is growing up… they both enjoy playing frisbee and chasing squirrels.
Liam Doyle
Distilleryman
Originally from Dutchess County, Liam moved to this section of the Hudson Valley in 2003 in order to pursue his education, and in doing so earned a B.S. in Geological Sciences from SUNY New Paltz. He is part of the production crew at Tuthilltown and his responsibilities include milling whole grains, cooking the mash and preparing it for fermentation, distilling and finally barreling. Using a varied background of carpentry, tending bar and landscaping he also offers assistance with many odd jobs around the premises. He is glad to have an opportunity to create such a distinguished product while surrounded by good people and beautiful scenery. On days away from the distillery he enjoys playing volleyball, disc golf and exploring all the natural beauty in and beyond the Hudson Valley.
Tony Vanaria
European Union Ambassador
Tony is a transplanted New Yorker who has lived in Paris for the last ten years working as an actor, writer and director. A friend of Ralph Erenzo’s for more than forty years, he found himself in the right place and at the right time to represent Tuthilltown’s penetration into the European market. Tony brings his artistic skills (and his love of whiskey) to the promotion of our products at trade shows and tastings in high-end luxury restaurants, hotels and cocktail bars throughout Western Europe. What a job!
Luz M. Reid
Tastings, Tours and Retail Sales
Born in Sturgis, Michigan and raised in the Hudson Valley, Luz’s addition to the Tuthilltown family came with the opening of the retail store and tasting room in the Spring of 2009. With a background in retail merchandising which began Chicago in 1996, Luz runs the store, educates customers, and helps everyone who makes the trip to the distillery leave with the best spirits possible.
Cathy Erenzo
Marketing and Administrative Management
Cathy joined the Tuthilltown Spirits team in spring of 2008. Her professional contributions to the company are strengthened by a wide variety of skills gained through managing several small organizations and producing financial reports for a prominent marketing company based out of New York. Cathy’s current position involves working in collaboration with the State and Federal government on monthly production reports, excise taxes, and various legal tasks related to the advancement of the distillery. In addition to managing compliance related responsibilities, she oversees the tasting room, takes care of HR , assists with marketing, and manages the general administrative aspects of the company. Cathy is thrilled to be part of a small company with a family feel and a focus on spearheading the industry’s movement towards environmentally sustainable business practices. Her background working with charity organizations keeps her open to volunteering and she welcomes local non-profits to contact her about ways that she and Tuthilltown Spirits can get involved in the community.
Bryan Hartz
Distilleryman
Both distance and time separate the industry-befouled cascading waters of Niagara Falls and the sweet, silky-smooth grain distillate of Tuthilltown Spirits. Such is the journey of distilleryman Bryan Hartz. Bryan found his way from Ransomville, NY to the Hudson Valley to attend SUNY New Paltz. With a deep love for the lush greenery and the quartz beauty of the Shawangunk Ridge, Bryan quickly settled in to his new home. Joining Tuthilltown Spirits in June 2009, Bryan became part of the production crew, acquiring such skills as cooking the fresh milled grains, fermenting the mash, distilling, barreling, and bottling. With a background in construction and mechanics, Bryan also works on various maintenance and building projects in the Distillery. When not working , Byran enjoys snowboarding, volleyball, surfing, rock climbing, and motorcycle rides. Aqua-Vitae!
Michael Chichetti
Distilleryman
When Michael joined the team in early 2009 he quickly realised just how uniquely driven and progressive the family distiallry truly is and has since been compelled to bring every skill he posseses to the table. He has worked in many fields, from retail, to maintainance, aquatics, and the cullinary arts, but has found the greatest sense of craft and community at Tuthilltown Spirits. Originally from Rockland County, Michael is a Visual Arts major with a concentration in Graphic Design at SUNY New Paltz. At the distillery, he performs a plethora of tasks ranging from managing the bottling line, assisting with the many stages of production, and contributing his love and expertise of visual aesthetics wherever it is needed. When he isn’t producing the best whiskey you can get, he enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, playing music and working on various illustration and photography projects.
Robin Hayes
Compliance and Administration
Robin Hayes has a background in Spanish teaching, paralegal work, and small town revitalization. She is a born and bred Hudson Valley girl who has spent lots of time in California. She resides in scenic Gardiner with her husband Joe and three kids. Robin’s Tuthilltown Spirits favorite is the Heart Vodka. She’s thrilled to be part of the Tuthilltown Spirits Team!
Sam Zurofsky
Distilleryman
When Sam first came to the Hudson Valley he was looking for an education in small-scale organic agriculture that he hoped would complement the ‘head in the clouds’ Philosophy degree he earned at St. Johns College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. By happy accident he landed only a few miles from Tuthilltown Spirits and his enthusiasm for local food expanded to include local drink. His background in home-brewing and farming made him a natural choice to become a member of the production team. Since coming on board in December, 2010 Sam has learned how to mash and ferment the grains. He also lends a hand operating the stills and getting the whiskey into the barrels. When he isn’t at work, Sam lends a hand on the farm.
Paolo Vidali
Distilleryman
Paolo joined the team in Fall 2010. He was brought to the Hudson Valley via Bard College, and stayed to work on local organic farms. He recently completed a MA in Environmental Studies from Prescott College, with a concentration in sustainable biofuels. Paolo is now focusing on wastewater treatment for the distillery. He loves bourbon, biodiesel and bikes, in no particular order.
Scott Hertzog
Compliance
Scott joined the team in January of 2011. His experience includes various financial roles at both large and small organizations. Scott’s current position involves working with the State and Federal government on monthly reporting, excise taxes, as well as other compliance related responsibilities.Scott feels very fortunate to be a part of the Tuthilltown family.
Christina Churchill
Bookkeeper
Christina joined the team in September 2009, bringing her many years of experience working in the accounting field to Tuthilltown Spirits. A lifelong Hudson Valley resident, she lives with her husband and son in southern Dutchess County. When not working, Christina enjoys listening and playing music, bicycling, running and hiking in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Aja Schmeltz
Sales and Marketing
Aja holds a BA in Media Studies & Public Relations. Upon graduating, Aja worked for a newspaper publishing company, a radio station and with a couple of non-profit organizations before landing at Tuthilltown, where she handles all things related to sales, marketing and PR. Aja is a full-fledged music junkie who loves to cook. Any activity that will put a smile on her face will always include her family, her friends, and a good drink!
Cordell Stahl
Tours and Tasting
If you take a tour of the Distillery, chances are you will be meeting Cordell. He has been leading tours at Tuthilltown since 2010.A professional actor by trade, giving tours satisfies his interests of both science and performing. The story of Tuthilltown is exciting and interesting and he looks forward to sharing it with you.
Bryn Roshong
Distillerywoman
Bryn joined the Tuthilltown production team in September 2011, and thus holds the proud distinction of being the first woman to do so. After graduating from Cornell University and serving awhile as a union organizer along with her partner, Wes, their wily ways and itchy feet beckoned them to the rootless life of wandering ruffians. After a series of peregrinations around the USA, they settled down finally for a season on a farm in the Hudson Valley. Wes and their mighty canine, Utah, will continue to toil on the land while Bryn continues to bring home the whiskey.
Elizabeth Connelly
Tasting Room
A somewhat nomadic, transplanted Hoosier who’s studied, lived and worked in Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis, London, New York City, San Miguel Allende (Mexico) and small-town Colorado over the past 2 decades, Elizabeth joined the tasting room team in November 2010. Now thoroughly over moving, and happily settled in the gorgeous Hudson Valley with her dogs (Julio and Arrow), her cat (Veselka), and one hive of approximately 35,000 honeybees, Elizabeth is a freelance footwear designer during the week and an enthusiastic pourer of Tuthilltown’s tasty artisanal spirits on weekends.
Justin Markhamn
Distilleryman
Justin is a recent transplant to the Hudson Valley. Hailing from a small town in western New York, Justin moved to the Hudson Valley with hopes of finding his dream job amongst the natural beauty of the ‘Gunks. As an avid beer brewer, Justin jumped at the chance to learn the craft of distilling. His background as a chef as well as his love for nature and physical work led him to Tuthilltown, where he is now involved in many aspects of production and distilling. In his free time, Justin can be found working on his motorcycle, going on long hikes with his yellow lab Morgan and experimenting with new beer brewing techniques and recipes.
Scott Spolverino
Distilleryman
Born and raised in the Hudson Valley, Scott Spolverino is a native New Yorker. He joined Tuthilltown in the Fall of 2011 after coming out of several years of higher education. Holding a BSc in Chemical Engineering and an MSc in Brewing and Distilling Science, he now spends most of his time fully submerged in the beverage industry. Scott spends his days at Tuthilltown kicking the proverbial tires of the barrels; overseeing the wood maturation program and its chemical analysis. When not at work, Scott enjoys freelance spirits journalism and running his website. Oh, and video games.
Greg Guerra
Distilleryman
Greg was born and raised in Westchester County, New York. He later pursued his bachelors in History at SUNY New Paltz. After graduating he fell in love with New Paltz and the surrounding area. Greg can’t imagine living or working anywhere else.
Brendan O’Rourke
Distilleryman
Brendan joined the Tuthilltown team shortly after completing his bachelor’s degree at The Culinary Institute of America. He was lured away from the kitchen by the hand-crafted nature of our artisanal products. Brendan is an avid outdoorsman and spends much of his free time in the Catskill Mountains.