What's New At Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery

A few weeks ago I was at the launch of Hudson Valley Restaurant Week where I spoke to Don and Lionel from Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery.

They have a lot of new things going on there.  Watch the video as Don and Lionel talk about their new Wheat Vodka, Gin, Triple Sec, Basement Bitters and more.



 

Tuthilltown Cassis

I was over a friends house for dinner and they pulled out this bottle of Tuthilltown Cassis they received as as a gift.  I immediately went into blog mode.  I didn't realize they were making Cassis.  They are known for their Baby Bourbon, Whisky and Vodka so I was excited to taste their Cassis.

The black currants for this Cassis were grown by Fishkill Farms in Dutchess County and aged in old whiskey barrels. I have to tell you I kept going back for more. I couldn't get enough, it was so good!

The Cassis was a gorgeous color!  The nose was a very fruity with tart intense black current.  As you inhaled the beautiful aroma of this Cassis (which kept you coming back to take another whiff in enjoyment,) there was a third layer that brought hints of mint to your nose.

The palate was silky smooth and balanced.  Black currant and vanilla leading to a carmelized finish of Creme Brulee.

If I had three words to describe this Cassis it would be "Beautiful and Elegant!"  Wonderfully crafted!

I believe there are only 500 bottles of this produced and it is sold only at the Distillery in Gardiner, NY.

Restaurant Week Kick-off - Spotlight on Hudson Valley Wines

Today kicks off  Hudson Valley Restaurant Week. There are many restaurants to dine at during the next two weeks and many of them will be serving Hudson Valley Wines.

One restaurant group that is a great supporter of Hudson Valley Wines is Xaviars, owned by Chef Peter Kelly.  Two of his restaurants participating in Restaurant Week are Restaurant X and The Bully Boy Bar and X20 Xaviars on Hudson.  You will be able to enjoy a prix-fixe lunch for $20 and dinner for $28.  A wine and dine visit a  must!

Hudson Valley wines to be paired with the wonderful dishes Chef Peter Kelly will be creating are; Awosting White from Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Millbrook Vineyards and Winery and Cabernet Sauvignon from Brotherhood Winery.

It doesn't stop at the the wine.  They have created three wonderful cocktails to be served using Hudson Valley wines and spirits.  If  vodka is your spirit, try the Valley Cosmo made with Tuthilltown Heart of the Hudson Vodka and Creme de Violette.  For rum lovers, try the River Rim Punch made with Tuthilltown Rum, Strawberry and Pineapple.  For the fans of bubbly, try the Hudson Bubble Cocktail made with Brotherhood Blanc de Blanc and St. Germain Liqueur, Blood Orange.

Cheers to the beginning of Restaurant Week!

NY's first Farm Distillery Whiskey Tasting Room

You go wine tasting, but how about Spirit tasting. Tuthilltown Spirits, New York 's first Whisky distillery will be opening Friday July 3, 2009. Tuthilltown is the first New York Farm Distillery Whiskey Tasting room since prohibition. In addition, The Tuthilltown Grist Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

On Sunday, July 5th you can take part in the "gathering of the grain" where customers will be able to take part in the harvest of the Distillery's first crop of rye grain in the traditional method, by hand. You will then bundle it and stack it to dry. The Distillers will then take that rye, hand thresh and clean it and make whiskey.

Tuthilltown also offers classes where you will make your own whiskey. This combines technical instruction and practical experience.

Tuthilltown will be open this weekend Friday, July 3 - Sunday July 5 from 11am - 6pm. The tasting room hours for the rest of the season are Thursday - Monday 12pm - 6pm. Tours will be given Saturday and Sunday at 12pm and 3pm by reservation only.