New York bourbons represent a diverse and thriving landscape within the state's craft distillery scene. Distilleries across New York embrace a variety of mash bills, aging techniques, and unique approaches to bourbon production, resulting in a spectrum of flavors and profiles. The bourbons from the region often showcase a commitment to local ingredients, with some using New York-grown grains, contributing to a sense of terroir. From the picturesque Hudson Valley Highlands to the bustling cityscape, New York bourbons capture the essence of the state's rich history and entrepreneurial spirit, offering enthusiasts a taste of the Empire State's distinctive whiskey craftsmanship. Shop New York Bourbons!
Widow Jane, a hyper-small-batch Brooklyn-based distillery, is dedicated to reviving the art of blending by marrying the finest and rarest bourbons from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana in exclusive five-barrel batches. Utilizing non-chill filtered bourbons, they proof their spirits with mineral water from New York's legendary Rosendale Mines, the same place that inspired their name. The Widow Jane 10 Year Bourbon is an uncompromising and bold expression with deep cherry notes and a charred oak finish, embodying the distinctive New York style. Noteworthy accolades include being named World's Best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards and receiving a Double Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Buy it now!
Dave Pickerell, with a distinguished career that includes graduating from West Point Military Academy, exemplary service, and earning a master's degree in Chemical Engineering, spent thirteen years at Maker's Mark Bourbon. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Kentucky Distillers Association and was a member of the Distilled Spirits Council. In 2006, he embarked on an independent venture, transforming a 200-year-old farmhouse in the Hudson River Valley into Hillrock Farm and Distillery—a "farm-to-bottle" estate producing exceptional whiskies. The Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey, aged for a minimum of six years using the Solera method, boasts an "average age" far older due to the unique aging process. Finished in Oloroso Sherry casks, this whiskey undergoes a meticulous and costly process that imparts a complexity unmatched by other methods, making it truly special. Buy it now!
Iron Smoke Distillery, a recent addition to the craft distilling scene in Upstate New York, embraces the local abundance of apples in their spirits production. Their current lineup includes Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Iron Smoke Casket Strength, Rattlesnake Rosie's Apple Pie Whiskey, and Rattlesnake Rosie’s Maple Bacon Whiskey. The Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a true bourbon with a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley, aged in triple charred, virgin white oak casks. What distinguishes this bourbon is the exposure of its grains to applewood smoke, akin to the peat smoke in Single Malt Scotch. However, the smoky flavor is subtly sweet, resembling hints of bacon and Bar-B-Q without overpowering the spirit, offering a unique and distinctive character. Buy it now!
With almost 140 years of history, William Grant & Sons remains a family-owned business boasting a portfolio of distinguished Scotch brands. Their inaugural venture into the world of Bourbon, Fistful of Bourbon, is led by the accomplished Master Blender Kelsey McKechnie. McKechnie and her team traversed America to source exceptional Whiskey, resulting in a super-smooth, expertly balanced, and deliciously flavorful 90-proof blend. The name "Fistful of Bourbon" is a nod to spaghetti westerns, with each finger representing a different Whiskey in the blend—five fingers, five distinct juices. The blend includes sweet & smooth, green & floral, warm & spicy, creamy toffee, and cinnamon & licorice elements, all comprising proper Straight Bourbons. Whether enjoyed neat or mixed, William Grant & Sons gives its blessing either way, and enthusiasts hope for more installments in this promising trilogy. Buy it now!
Founded in 2012 by Jason Barrett, Black Button Distilling in Rochester, Upstate New York, is a unique venture that diverged from the family's button-making tradition. Named as a tribute to his family's heritage, the distillery has become a prominent player in the craft spirits scene. In 2018, Black Button took a significant step by acquiring its farm, not only for cultivating gin ingredients but also for growing oak trees to craft their barrels. The diverse product range includes gins, bourbons, the intriguing "Bourbon Cream" liqueur, vodka, and other spirits. The Four Grain Bourbon, introduced in 2014, stands out with its mash bill of 60% corn, 20% wheat, 11% malted barley, and 9% rye – a unique blend that showcases Black Button's commitment to quality and the influence of their local terroir. Aged for fourteen to twenty-six months and bottled at 42% ABV, this bourbon reflects the distillery's dedication to crafting distinctive and flavorful spirits. Buy it now!
Proof and Wood Ventures Inc., founded by Dave Schmier in Connecticut, epitomizes the essence of blending, aging, and bottling American Whiskey. The name "Proof and Wood" alludes to the critical factors of a spirit's bottling proof and the wood of its aging barrel. Beyond American Whiskey, the company has diversified its portfolio to include Rum and other Spirits, such as Dutch Genever. With a focus on developing brands and sourcing high-quality spirits globally, Proof and Wood Ventures offers a range from cocktail-friendly to premium collector's editions. One notable creation is the Idle Hands Bourbon, a collaboration with the now-defunct NY Whiskey bar of the same name. Crafted from a high-rye mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley, this small-batch gem, distilled in 2015 in Indiana and aged for at least 5 years in new American oak, delights with flavors of caramel, vanilla, fruit, baking spice, and oak notes at a pleasant 95.2 proof, inviting enthusiasts to savor it neat or explore its nuances with a few drops of water. Buy it now!
Kings County Distillery, honored as the Distillery of the Year by the American Distilling Institute, holds a distinctive place in the world of spirits. Pioneering the revival of distillation in New York since 2010, they stand as the state's first distillery post-Prohibition. Their commitment to passion, innovation, and craft is not just a slogan but a way of life, evident in every facet of their operation. The emphasis on quality and simplicity is evident in their uniquely packaged Bourbons, Whiskies, and Moonshine, housed in medicinal-style flasks adorned with typewriter-written labels, emphasizing that it's the flavor inside that matters most. Among their remarkable offerings, the King's County Peated Bourbon is a standout. A Bourbon at its core, it takes a bold twist with barley from Scotland malted and dried over peat smoke, reminiscent of traditional Islay practices. The result is an unparalleled flavor profile, marrying the smokiness of a Single Malt with the youthful vibrancy of Bourbon—a testament to Kings County's innovative approach to crafting distinctive spirits. Buy it now!
Denning's Point Distillery, established in 2014, stands as a beacon of craft distillation in the Hudson Valley, offering a contemporary take on the historic Spirits of the region. With over 25 years of local distilling expertise, their range, including Bourbon, Vodkas, Brandy, and Gin, is a testament to their commitment to local-sourcing. All their spirits are crafted from grains and fruit harvested from family farms within a 50-mile radius. The Beacon Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, a meticulous creation, showcases the essence of New York State with grains aged for four years in premium charred white oak barrels. Bottled at a robust 100 proof, this small-batch gem unfolds with notes of vanilla, oaky spice, cinnamon, maple, and dark fruit, making it a delightful sipper neat or a distinguished choice for upscale cocktails. Denning's Point Distillery thus captures the spirit of the Hudson Valley in every carefully crafted bottle. Buy it now!
Bootlegger Whiskey, hailing from the Do Good Distillery in Roscoe, New York, embodies the spirit of its name, paying homage to the city's historical association with bootlegging. Mashed, distilled, and bottled on the outskirts of New York City, the Do Good Distillery is no stranger to crafting high-quality spirits, including Vodka, Gin, and Bourbon Cream. Bootlegger New York Craft Bourbon stands out as a testament to the state's grandeur, exclusively using locally grown corn. The pot-distilled Spirit undergoes maturation in new charred oak barrels of varying sizes, aging until deemed perfect by the distillers. Unfiltered through anything but a cotton mesh, this gluten-free and kosher-certified Bourbon showcases the uniqueness of New York, giving enthusiasts yet another reason to love the city that never sleeps. Buy it now!
Hudson Whiskey's journey began serendipitously in 2001 when Ralph Erenzo, initially planning a rock-climbing ranch, pivoted towards whiskey after facing neighborhood resistance. Seizing the opportunity presented by the acquired grist mill and the surrounding farm, Erenzo, along with his partners, inadvertently established the first distillery in New York since Prohibition. Two decades later, Hudson Whiskey boasts a collection of awards and a refined core lineup featuring the recently updated Bright Lights Big Bourbon. This expression is a testament to traditional craftsmanship, with a high-corn mash bill (95% corn, 5% malted barley), a minimum three-year aging process in new oak barrels, and a bottling strength at the favored 46% ABV. The modern aesthetic of the bottles and labels complements the old-school charm of the whiskey, delivering a warm and sweet profile accentuated by caramel notes. Buy it now!
The Mazza Family, entrenched in the U.S. Northeast's Spirits scene since 1972, expanded its legacy with the construction of a new facility along Route 20 in Upstate New York in 2005, which later became a trifecta of wine, beer, and spirits under the name Five & 20. The distillery, established in 2015, has become an integral part of this dynamic trio. Five & 20 Straight Bourbon Whiskey, tailored for discerning whiskey enthusiasts, boasts a mash bill featuring 70% corn, 15% rye, and 15% malted barley. With a focus on sweeter caramel notes from the high corn content and a touch of floral hints from the elevated malted barley, this bourbon undergoes a two-year aging process in extra small casks. The result is a bright spirit with the influence of seasoned wood, offering delightful vanilla notes expected from a more mature whiskey. At 45% ABV, Five & 20 Straight Bourbon is well-suited for both sipping and crafting exquisite cocktails. Buy it now!
Widow Jane Distillery, born out of the creative minds of aerospace engineer Daniel Preston and chocolate expert Vince Oleson, is not a tale of ghosts but a captivating narrative of craft distillation. Initially a chocolate factory, it evolved into a Whiskey haven, boasting unique New York terroir. Daniel's ingenuity in designing one-of-a-kind stills ensures that every nuance in the ingredients shines through. Commitment to quality is evident in their use of GMO-free components and the renowned limestone mineral water from Rosendale mines, known for constructing iconic American structures. Widow Jane's Decadence 2022 Edition showcases a meticulously aged 10-year-old Bourbon, culminating in barrels formerly cradling artisanal maple syrup from Crown Maple. Bottled at 91 proof, this decadent offering guarantees a rich, creamy, and subtly sweet sipping experience, sweeping you into a dance of vanilla, burnt sugar, and cinnamon bar flavors that defies ordinary libations. Buy it now!
Iron Smoke Distillery, a recent entrant in Upstate New York's craft distilling scene, draws inspiration from the abundance of locally grown apples in the region. With a product lineup featuring Iron Smoke Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Iron Smoke Casket Strength, Rattlesnake Rosie's Apple Pie Whiskey, and Rattlesnake Rosie’s Maple Bacon Whiskey, the distillery showcases the rich influence of this local crop on their spirits. Among their limited edition releases, Iron Smoke CASKet Strength stands out as an enhancement to their already acclaimed Straight Bourbon. Recognizing the potential for improvement, the team elevated their award-winning Bourbon to cask strength, bottled at a robust 60% ABV (120 proof), promising a powerhouse of flavor and intensity. The result reflects their commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional craft whiskey experiences. Buy it now!
Exploring the world of bourbon becomes an exciting and flavorful journey with the addition of Black Button Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey to your collection. This unique bottle stands out for its distinctive flavor profile, ensuring it's not just another run-of-the-mill bourbon. Crafted with care in the United States and bottled at a robust 55.1% ABV, this well-rounded bourbon caters to both spirits enthusiasts and those new to the bourbon experience. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or an adventurous novice, this bottle promises a delightful and memorable tasting experience. Buy it now!
Nestled in the enchanting Hudson Valley Highlands, Hillrock Estate distillery boasts not only a captivating landscape but also a rich history spanning two centuries, overcoming the challenges of Prohibition and skeptics. A true family endeavor, the distillery, surrounded by scenic barley fields and distant Berkshire Mountains, produces handcrafted spirits with a meticulous approach, controlling every aspect from grain to glass. The dynamic duo of Jeffery Baker and Cathy Franklin, along with Master Distiller Dave Pickernell, has unlocked the formula for a thriving whiskey business. Their commitment is evident in the Hillrock Pinot Noir Finish Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey, a remarkable spirit aged in a Solera of Hillrock and Oloroso Sherry casks, and refined in Shea Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir wine casks. Clocking in at 92.6 proof, this copper amber whiskey delights the senses with ripe fruit aromas, sweet toffee, vanilla notes, and a lingering rye spice finish—a truly decadent choice for pairing with dessert or savoring after a gratifying dinner. Buy it now!
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