Independent, family-owned William Grant & Sons has acquired the innovative Hudson Whiskey range from Tuthilltown Spirits, adding to its already enviable portfolio of premium spirits brands. The deal will see the New York based micro-distillery profiting from the infrastructure and resources of one of the world’s most respected distillers, while also maintaining the independence and flexibility of a family-owned company.

With this acquisition, William Grant & Sons will begin marketing and distributing Hudson Whiskey range, including the flagship Hudson Baby Bourbon, as well as Hudson Manhattan Rye, Hudson Single Malt Whiskey, Hudson New York Corn Whiskey, and Hudson Four Grain Bourbon.  The acquisition also adds the first American whiskey to the William Grant & Sons portfolio, which already boasts category-leading brands such as the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky Glenfiddich as well as The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, Sailor Jerry Rum, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur, Stolichnaya vodka, and more.

Since first being introduced in 2006, The Hudson Whiskey range has created a stir both within the industry and the bartending community, as well as among discerning consumers.  In this short time, the micro distillery in upstate New York has quickly received acclaim not only for the quality of its marques, but also for its pioneering spirit -  it is the first whiskey distilled in New York since prohibition, and is the first ever New York state-produced bourbon.

“We are both excited and proud to have added the Hudson Whiskey range to our award-winning portfolio.” said Simon Hunt, Managing Director – North America, William Grant & Sons.  “When our founder William Grant first built his distillery by hand in 1886, he had one dream: to create the best dram in the Valley.  That dram became Glenfiddich and that valley was the Valley of the Deer in Speyside.  More than a century later, history is repeating itself as the Hudson Whiskey range becomes a part of the William Grant & Sons family.  This time, the dram is Hudson Whiskey and the valley is the Hudson valley. We are delighted to see that the spirit endures into the 21st century.”

“We are extremely happy to be working with a family company that shares our philosophy.” said Ralph Erenzo, distiller and partner for Tuthilltown Spirits. “This new relationship will enable us to maintain the high quality of our products and allow us to continue to meet the high level of demand, without sacrificing any of the principles that make us what we are.  We’re delighted to be taking place among such distinguished spirits as Hendrick’s Gin, The Balvenie and Glenfiddich.”
New York based Domaine Select Wine Estates will continue to distribute Tuthilltown’s non-whiskey products.

For more information on William Grant & Sons, please visit www.grantusa.com.  For more information on Tuthilltown Spirits, please visit www.tuthilltown.com.

Tuthilltown Spirits will be participating in the Panal dicussion on Artisanal distilleries. Changes in state legislation and renewed consumer interest in local products have produced a dramatic increase in the number of craft distilleries in New York State. Viticulture 2010 will include a workshop focused on distillation and issues related to creating a farm distillery. This session will focus on legal and technical considerations for wineries thinking of adding distillation or those wishing to create standalone operations.

For more information click here: www.rrcc.com

Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York

“For years, it was widely believed that good quality grain could not be grown in our region. Thankfully, recent efforts show that New York State can indeed grow high quality grains for a wide variety of uses. In order to further expand local production and develop regional markets, farmers need feedback from bakers, chefs and consumers.”  Click on above lick to read more about the project.