With over 150 craft distilleries statewide, the whiskey industry in New York is no longer just burgeoning, but thriving. However, it wasn’t always that way. Following Prohibition, there wasn’t a single distillery in the Empire State until 2003. That’s when Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee launched Tuthilltown Spirits in Hudson Valley. Upon purchasing an old grist mill and its surrounding property, the original plan was to open up a rock climbing ranch for out-of-towners, but neighbors complained and the plan pivoted towards liquor. Tuthilltown launched Hudson Whiskey and the rest is history. To celebrate its 20 years of existence, Hudson has unveiled just its second age-statement expression ever.
In 2017, Hudson Whiskey became owned by William Grant & Sons — one of the largest Scotch producers in the world (its portfolio includes the likes of Glenfiddich, Monkey Shoulder, and the Balvenie). Over the years, Hudson has continued to evolve and its current lineup is arguably the best it’s ever been, with magnificent bourbons such as Bright Lights, Big Bourbon and more unusual rye offerings such as Short Stack, which is finished in maple syrup barrels, and Back Room Deal, finished in peated Scotch casks. Released back in 2021, Hudson’s first age-statement whiskey was a 7-year bourbon, dubbed Four Part Harmony, that used a four-grain mashbill.
However, its newest expression is much more straightforward. Aged for at least 5 years in oak barrels, this straight bourbon is corn-heavy at 95%, with only malted barley rounding out the mash at 5%. Bottled at 92-proof, the spirit showcases vanilla, citrus, and cornbread on the nose before exuding comforting notes of cashew butter and caramel on the palate. With a $50 price point, you don’t have to feel guilty about putting this into a cocktail either.
The 5-Year Bourbon is also available as part of Hudson Whiskey’s Single Barrel Program, an immersive distillery experience where customers can hand-select their own exclusive 52-gallon cask. As for bottles of the bourbon, they will be available soon from retailers. Head over to Hudson’s website for more info.
