Want to experience the heart of the craft distillery revolution, while enjoying one of the region’s most beautiful and historic sites? Come to Grist Mill Lane in Gardiner for a visit to Tuthilltown Spirits, where fine spirits are distilled under the flagship of fifth-generation Scottish family William Grant & Sons alongside the Shawangunk Kill, in the shadow of the ridge.
Now the birthplace of Hudson Whiskey, the Gristmill’s evolution as a premier distillery began in 2003 when it was purchased by Ralph Erenzo, a passionate climb er and Shawangunks fan who first thought he’d make the lovely property into camping and lodging for his fellow rock jocks. The campground didn’t go through but with a bit of research, he tapped into the agricultural license of the land and started NY’s first distillery since the repeal of prohibition and ultimately, NY’s first Bourbon
After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the laws and license to distill in the state of NY were rather prohibitive; there were no distilleries until 2003, when Tuthilltown Spirits was founded by Erenzo and partner Brian Lee. This was followed by their creation of the Hudson Whiskey brand in 2005. All of this was done while working to get the state laws and licensing changed. They hit that summit in the mid-2000s, paving the way for the growth of New York state distilled beverages and creating a new market for New York farmers, especially as farm distilleries are required to use 75 percent New York-grown ingredients.
At the Tuthilltown Gristmill, fine spirits are distilled alongside the Shawangunk Kill creek under the auspices of fifth-generation Scottish family Wm Grant & Sons.
In 2010, the brand was purchased by venerable distillers William Grant. “The entire team at Tuthilltown bring an incredible passion to what they do and possess an entrepreneur ial spirit that we will whole-heartedly encourage,” chief executive Simon Hunt told the BBC News at the time.
Not long after that, Jacob Tschetter turned from big-city bartending to traveling the state as a Brand Ambassador, promoting and selling the brand across the state —and now, in 2023, he’s creating and curating the visitor experience at the brand’s birthplace.
“I loved the educational and creative aspects of brand work,” he says. “The William Grant & Sons team appreciated and valued my hard work, and then when this role opened up, I saw the opportunity to put a lot of my concepts and innovations to work and really make the home of Hudson Whiskey as great as I knew it could be.”
Just stepping onto the property, with its preserved 18th-century structures and lovely meadows beside the creek, is inspiring. This past winter, renovations were done, making the visitor experience even better. “We’re renovating the previous visitors’ center and have moved our current tasting room and bar into the gristmill, which gives more space for people to hang out,” says Tschetter happily.
Guests tour the operation and then choose a flight of six tastes from an à la carte selection of whiskeys, vodkas, liqueurs, and gin: If your timing’s right, you may be invited to taste Limited Edition small-batch productions like the Hudson xSeries. You can also take the guided Bourbon Renewal Tour, which offers a deep dive into the history and the distilling process, a full tour of the distillery including a rick house where whiskey ages in new American oak barrels, finishing with a personalized tasting experience often featuring distillery exclusives.
Now the birthplace of Hudson Whiskey, the Gristmill’s evolution as a premier distillery began back when it was purchased by Ralph Erenzo.
Farm distilleries had been illegal in New York state since Prohibition, but Ralph Erenzo founded his Hudson Whiskey brand and fought to get the law changed.
Beyond the ryes and bourbons, Tschetter is always proud to have people taste the chocolate and coffee liqueurs. “They’re really tasty, and they’re huge right now,” he says. There are corn and apple vodkas, and two styles of gin: “We have our Juniper Jack, more of a London style with a really solid palate, and then we have our Citrus Moon gin for people who aren’t crazy about the juniper flavor—it’s got a lovely citrus note and tastes great on its own or mixed into a beautiful martini or a Negroni sour.”
The bar offers a selection that’s creative, approachable,and surprising. “We’ve leaned intoour creative side,” says Tschetter. “We’ve alwaysfocused on making affordable, solid drinks; and we’ve been adding some more elevated creations, so you can come in, have fun, and taste a little of that New York craft cocktail experience at a much more affordable price.” There’s an on-site taco truck, and you’re welcome to bring a picnic and explore the 36-acre property.
This summer, the distillery is hosting a FARMERS & MAKERS MARKET EACH SATURDAY from 10am-2pm, hosting top-notch local bakers, makers, growers, and producers. As the season unfolds, there are plans for live music events, workshops, immersive cocktail experiences, and more. If you’re planning a wedding or event, Hudson Whiskey offers something very special: Come in, choose your own barrels to blend, then design your own custom label. With your wedding colors, your names, and a photo and some text on the back, complete with a QR code that you can add to invitations and wedding website. Come visit Hudson Whiskey in Tuthilltown—there’s a lot of love and beauty distilled into these spirits.
CA$H 4 GOLD cocktail recipe
INGREDIENTS
2 Parts Hudson Bright Lights,
Big Bourbon Whiskey
3⁄4 Part Fresh Lemon
3⁄4 Part Honey Syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
Build all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake with ice.
Strain into a tumbler glass over ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Enjoy!
tuthilltown spirits distillery
14 Gristmill Lane, Gardiner
845-419-2964
hudsonwhiskey.com
