Spirits Among Us: Upstate Distilleries You Need to Know

The craft of distilling sits at that delicious intersection of art, science, and a little bit of mystery. It’s a kind of contemporary alchemy—ancient techniques meeting modern curiosity—as farm-grown grains are coaxed, through copper stills and patient aging, into warming whiskey, mellow bourbon, and small-batch spirits that feel distinctly of this place.

In the Hudson Valley, distilling has quietly become part of the region’s larger craft-beverage glow-up. What started with a few passionate makers has grown into a lively network of distilleries, each with its own style, philosophy, and signature pour.

From longtime local favorites to intriguing newcomers worth discovering, here’s a spirited tour of Hudson Valley distilleries raising the bar—one beautiful bottle at a time.

Cheers!

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Klocke Estate | Hudson NY | @klockeestate

Klocke Estate is a world-class brandy and vermouth distillery with a fine-dining restaurant where attention to detail is paramount and integral to daily operations. Take a tour and view the onsite stills imported from the Cognac region, sip brandy outside overlooking the orchard from where ingredients are sourced, dine inside the award-winning farm-to-table restaurant, and be sure to purchase a bottle (or two) before you leave.

Cooper’s Daughter Distillery | Claverack NY | @coopersdaughterspirits

This woman-owned and family-operated distillery, cooperage, and apple orchard aims to preserve history in a progressive way, revitalizing a historic distillery but utilizing local grain, fruit, botanicals, and tree syrups. Even the barrels used for aging spirits are handmade at the onsite cooperage. Guests can sample their extensive line (hibiscus gin, ramp vodka, but also your classic bourbon and liqueurs) at their popular outdoor cocktail garden open on weekends.

Hillrock Estate Distillery | Ancram NY | @hillrockestatedistillery

An 1800s estate with a history of grain growing and onsite distilling until Prohibition has been brought back to life in modern times, making Hillrock one of the few “field-to-glass” whiskey producers in the world. From planting heirloom grains to the aging process, the whole process is done onsite. The result? Award-winning bourbon, whiskey, and rye and a sustainable revitalization of its bucolic grounds.

ULSTER COUNTY

The Hudson House & Distillery | West Park NY | @hudsonhousedistillery

Situated right above the Hudson River in a historic building that was formerly a monastery, Hudson House is known just as much for its stunning views and welcoming spaces as it is for its smooth spirits: Black Creek Whiskey – Bourbon & Rye, Altair Vodka, and Northwest Passage Gin. The distillery credits their unique flavor, in large part, to the water they use, extracted from an onsite old artesian (tapped into a Catskill aquifer) that then passes over limestone, adding a soft minerality. 

Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery + Hudson Whiskey | Gardiner NY | @tuthilltown + @hudsonwhiskey

Home of the first bourbon made in New York from state-grown grain, this distillery, tasting room, and workshop still offers its signature Hudson Whiskey, but now with an expanded selection of whiskeys, gins, and even coffee liqueur. The tasting room offers guided tours, or guests can stroll the grounds; the distillery is located at a 1788 grist mill on property that extends beyond 30 acres. Tuthilltown is fully owned by William Grant & Sons, a fifth-generation Scottish family distiller.

Liquid Mercantile + Speakeasy Motors Whiskey Co | Gardiner NY | @speakeasymotorswhiskeyco

Liquid Mercantile is a small-batch distillery that uses regionally sourced ingredients to make fruit liqueurs, whey vodka, and other spirits. Speakeasy Motors Whiskey Co. is their sister company, focused on whiskey and bourbon crafted from New York State-grown grain and aged in charred American oak barrels. Their popular Rye Whiskey is known for its smooth taste with a flavor profile that’s rich without being overwhelming. Products are available at local retailers or online.

Stoutridge Distillery & Winery | Marlboro NY | @stoutridge

Established more than 25 years ago, not only does Stoutridge offer an extensive line of spirits, from whiskey and vodka to plum or cherry brandy, bitters and absinthe, but they’re also a winery that utilizes onsite or locally grown grapes and ages them in Hungarian oak barrels. Located on the site of a historic farm, with records showing the original vineyards dating back to the 1700s, their tasting room is open from Friday through Monday.

Joppenburgh Gap Distillery | Tilson NY | @joppenbergh_gap_distilling

Moonshine isn’t what it used to be, thanks to the craft beverage movement and to distillers like Jason Gaidies, who opened Joppenbergh Gap Distilling in Tillson two years ago. With unique flavors like Apple Pie, Pickle, Watermelon, and Mocha, guests can try an assortment of unexpected options at the roadside tasting room and cocktail bar.

DUTCHESS COUNTY

Taconic Distillery | Stanfordville NY | @taconic_distillery

Over the years, Taconic Distillery has racked up the accolades, from winning Maxim magazine’s Best Bourbon award to taking home gold at the World Spirits Competition. For more than 10 years, they’ve been crafting small-batch whiskey and bourbon using NY-grown grains and spring water right from their farm. Their standard five spirits are available at local retailers, online, or at their tasting room, which is open on Saturdays.

Denning’s Point Distillery | Beacon NY | @denningspointdistillery

While many of our region’s distilleries are located on farms, Dennings Point distills its spirits in a historic downtown Beacon building, and it feels just as appropriate for crafting this ages-old beverage. From bourbons and gins to apple brandy and tea-infused vodka, you’ll find an array of unique options crafted with grains and fruit sourced from regional family farms available at their production center and tasting room.

Tenmile Distillery | Wassaic NY | @tenmiledistillery

Although this distillery is located in a century-old dairy barn, the Tenmile team uses a combination of modern methods and traditional techniques, along with distillery equipment imported from Scotland, to craft their whiskey, gin, and vodka. Enjoy a guided tour and tasting, or grab a bite from their onsite restaurant and a cocktail to enjoy on their bucolic grounds. In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, Tenmile Distillery introduces its Revolutionary Series, commemorating the 57 battles with timed monthly releases and drawing on historic techniques—much like the framers drew on Enlightenment ideals—to craft a golden-era spirit, the Whisky of Reason (a few are already sold out).

ORANGE COUNTY

Black Dirt Distillery | Pine Island NY | @blackdirtdistillery

Known as New York State’s first microdistillery, open since 2012, Black Dirt is known and loved for its award-winning bourbon, rye, brandies, and Apple Jack (an apple brandy). Named after the Black Dirt region of Orange County, dubbed for its naturally nutrient-rich “black” soil left behind when a glacial lake once covered the land, the distillery pays homage to the area’s history with a decidedly modern outlook rooted in tradition.

DELAWARE COUNTY

Isolation Proof | Bovina NY | @isolationproof

Not just gin, but gin that’s made sustainably, with local ingredients and minimal intervention to truly showcase the region from which it’s crafted. Isolation Proof sources water from an onsite mountain spring and uses botanicals and herbs to create unique blends: Ramp Gin, Strawberry Rhubarb, and Mushroom are unlikely favorites made when their main flavors are in season. While they don’t have a tasting room, you can find their gin at local retailers or through their online shop.

Featured photo by Isolation Proof

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EXPLORE THE DIRECTORY for anything you’re looking for, whether you’re living, visiting, or working in the Hudson Valley!

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