“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.”
