“The variety and quality of locally distilled spirits (see December 2009 issue) continues to increase; Warwick now makes a gin, Berkshire Mountain Distillers make two (their Ethereal, which changes aromatics with each batch, lives up to its name), and Tuthilltown will have one for sale soon. Lovers of cassis have four versions to choose from: Warwick, Clinton, Tousey, and Tuthilltown all offer excellent expressions of the blackcurrant. Harvest Spirits makes superlative apple vodka (Tuthilltown makes two) and applejack, as well as pear brandy (both clear and barrel-aged, and a peach-infused aged applejack is on the way). Warwick’s American Fruit line of brandies and liqueurs make for fine sipping and mixing. And Delaware Phoenix now offers rye, bourbon, and corn whiskeys in addition to two varieties of absinthe.”
Reviews
New Booze: Half Moon Orchard Gin
“Tuthilltown Spirits, New York State’s first whiskey distiller since Prohibition and makers of Hudson brand whiskeys, announces the impending release of Half Moon Gin, named for the vessel upon which Henry Hudson explored the New York river that now bears his name.”
Hudson Valley Economic Development Committee
Hudson Valley Economic Development Committee
“The distillery located in F=Gardiner, produces five whole-grain spirits that make use of raw materials grown at local farms and orchards. It’s product line includes vodka made from Hudson Valley apples, as well as rum and cassis from local currants. By acquiring raw materials from local farms, Tuthilltown Spirits is able to reduce fuel consumption and eliminate inefficiencies, which means higher profits for the region’s growers. Thus, visitors to the distillery can make a direct connection to local farms and orchards. “
Weekend Ar(t)s: resources to retroactively celebrate World Whisky Day
“What’s a whisky post without a bottle to try? My college years fell in Central New York. Any major life event (new jobs, passing of family members, graduation itself) was punctuated with a glass of Tuthilltown’s line of Hudson Whiskey. Along with Finger Lakes Distilling, Tuthilltown was the only noteworthy “local” whiskey distiller and our favorite watering hole (Al’s Whiskey, a CNY oasis) always had it stocked. The Manhattan Rye is not an everyday drink given the bottle size and price, but look to AmericanCocktail.com’s tasting notes: “A satiny lightweight body and a wafting bouquet laced with the aromas of spice, toffee, dried fruit and vanilla,” and “long, spicy finish has a hint of smoke.” Ah, memories.”
How Hudson Whiskey Started And Got To The Top Shelf
“Tuthilltown Spirits, which distills Hudson Whiskey, was the first distillery to open in New York State since the days of Prohibition.
Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee started the business over 10 years ago but spent the first couple of years figuring out how to make whiskey as neither of them had any professional experience in the trade. They welded, mashed and experimented until they knew they had something special on their hands.
The distillery created New York’s first bourbon ever, Hudson Baby Bourbon, and has now expanded to produce a variety of whiskeys and vodkas.”
Tuthilltown’s Hudson Whiskey
“Hudson whiskey is made at the Tuthilltown distillery in upstate New York, run by business partners Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee. The story behind the distillery isn’t particularly traditional. Ralph is a former professional climber (a profession that I’m still having trouble imagining a day-in-the-life of) who acquired the Tuthilltown Gristmill back in 2001, with the intention of turning it into a climbing ranch to serve the nearby Shawangunk mountains. However, the locals didn’t approve and blocked his applications to change the land use of his farm and after several years of legal wrangling he looked into what else he could do with the place.”
The Eye: Fine Jewelry, Watches And Whiskey
“Ancient globes; modern music boxes, state-of-the-art world-time watches; delectable rye whiskey; and more: all the best, all for you.”
Green Awards 2012 Winners
This article was published on Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 at 11:50 am. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Tour of Tuthilltown Distillery
“The water that fills our reservoirs also fills our whiskey bottles. We made a trip up to the Tuthilltown Spirits distillery in Gardiner, New York for a tour of their distillery. Hudson Whiskey is made from all grain mash–most of it local. We support local quality and effort.”
Get Lit
“Tuthilltown Spirits co founder Brian Lee’s first stroke of marketing genius was to package the distillery’s hooch in 375ml apothecary bottles. This was both a tip of the hat to Lee’s pharmacist grandfather and Prohibition—during the dark reign of the 18th Amendment, spirits could still be obtained by prescription for medicinal purposes. Tuthilltown, which was the first distillery to open in New York since Prohibition, is now offering its signature apothecary bottles as oil lamps ($6), available with a tan ceramic, black ceramic, or brass wick holder. “