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Here is an interesting story of the evolution process from challenges to  experience, inspiration and success.

BACKGROUND:

It all started with Ralph Erenzo, a rock-climber from NYC, who’s goal was to create a campground in the NY state. He bought 36 acres of land around an old gristmill in the Hudson Valley, with a stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities to climb and walk around. Despite many efforts over the years, his license was not granted. He found himself  having to sell 90% of his land. This forced Erenzo to switch to farming on only the small portion of land remaining, putting an end to his dream. Later on he intended to start a winery, but with no experience and a lot of competition around, he couldn’t picture himself being successful in such an endeavor.

His numerous setbacks inspired a new vision: being the first to open a distillery in the New York state. He soon discovered why there weren’t any distilleries in this state. An old law had set the licensing fee to $65,000,  preventing potential distillers from setting shop. Erenzo challenged  the law and successfully had the licensing fee lowered to $1,000 with the condition of using at least 75% of the raw material from the state of NY .

Ralph Erenzo, Founder, and Brian Lee, Founder from http://www.tuthilltown.com/history/

Yet, another setback came to light: Erenzo knew nothing about making whisky. He partnered up with his neighbor Brian Lee, an electrical engineer; together, in 2003, they took on the task of creating the first distillery in NY, and invested in a copper still from Germany.  Two years after, they produced their first batch of apple vodka.

They then started to age their spirit and create their first whiskey. Their production was greatly recognized and awarded before Erenzo and Lee started  a partnership with William Grant & Sons to scale up their production.

A FEW FACTS:

• Local water of the running stream near by is used to make the whiskey. The water is purified by reverse osmosis.
• The double distillation produces a spirit at about 160 proof that will ultimately be reduced to 114.
• Barrels are made of white oak coming from Kentucky or Missouri, and are stored vertically, which make them easier to carry over a palette.
• Whiskey is sold in 375ml bottles

TASTING:

Four of their whiskies were available for tasting, but not the single malt that wasn’t available. Let’s hope it will come soon!

Baby bourbon 92 proof, their very first “baby”. 100% corn, aged about 4 months in small 2-gallon barrels, allowing a fast aging which provides its amber color.

• Nose: sweet vanilla, corn and oak
• Palate: caramel, sill corn and oak, with hints of banana
• Finish: short and dry, oak, with vanilla and hint of honey
• Award: it has been awarded with Gold Outstanding in 2013 at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, category Bourbon.
  from http://www.tuthilltown.com/spirits/Four grains Bourbon,92 proof, made with 60% corn, 15 rye, 15% wheat, 10% Barley.
• Nose: sweet wax, honey, a hint of vanilla
• Palate: honey and oak, a bit of vanilla behind the rest
• Finish: short and dry, a bit stringent. Oaky note
• Award: it has been awarded with Double Gold medal in 2013 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, category American Craft Whiskey
  from http://www.tuthilltown.com/spirits/Mapple cask rye, 92 proof. The spirit is aged in barrels that contained first a Hudson whiskey, and then maple syrup: a very creative craft!
  • Nose: sawdust and wax, honey, a hint of vanilla
  • Palate: rye come very strong
  • Finish: short and sweet
  • Award: it has been awarded with Bronze medal in 2013 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, category American Craft WhiskeyManhattan Rye,92 proof. This is a blend of 2, 3 and 4 years old barrels.
    • Nose: rye and wood are dominating the nose
    • Palate: spicy from the start, including pepper, cinnanon and clover, also buttery notes
    • Finish: medium plus, with more cinnamon, some oak
    • Award: it has been awarded with Bronze medal in 2013 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, category American Craft Whiskey

from http://www.tuthilltown.com/spirits/

MY TAKE:

Don’t hesitate to take a tour with tasting over there: the staff is nice and the wooden shop /tasting room is warm and welcoming. You can taste also their unaged spirit and even a whiskey-flavored maple syrup.

Distillery Address: 14 Grist Mill Lane, Gardiner, NY 12525
Tel=845.255.1527

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