Thursday, June 3, 2010

Sale of Hudson Whiskey Brand Gives Craft Distillers New Credibility.


In at least one key respect, the craft distilling movement came of age today with news that Tuthilltown Spirits has formed a partnership with William Grant & Sons for production and worldwide distribution of Tuthilltown’s Hudson Whiskey brand. William Grant & Sons--makers of Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, and Grant’s--will own the Hudson Whiskey line and distribute it world wide. Tuthilltown will make the whiskeys.

The Tuthilltown distillery itself and its non-whiskey brands will continue to be owned by Brian Lee and Ralph Erenzo.

Established in 1887, UK-based William Grant & Sons is an independent, family-owned distiller, now on its fifth generation of Grant family ownership. Lee and Erenzo opened Tuthilltown in 2003 and launched the first whiskeys in the Hudson range in 2006. The distillery is located in Gardiner, New York.

In addition to its scotch whiskey, William Grant & Sons is behind Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, Sailor Jerry Rum, Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur, and Stolichnaya vodka.

This deal is the most tangible evidence yet that America’s small but hardy band of micro distillers is making an impression on the international distilled spirits industry. Tuthilltown has been a leader in the young movement. It was instrumental in passage of New York’s Farm Distillery Act, which permits farm-based distilleries to give tours, hold tastings, and sell their products at the distillery. Last month, Tuthilltown was named Artisan Distillery Of The Year by the American Distilling Institute.

5 comments:

sku said...

Nice scoop! I haven't seen this news anywhere. Really interesting implications for American craft whiskeys and interesting that Wm Grant thinks this was a worthy investment.

Tuthilltown Sprits said...

Thanks Chuck. We appreciate the support of our fellow micro distillers and hope others will enjoy success with their products as this new era of the small distiller opens.

Drew said...

Congratulations Chuck, on a scoop and Congratulations Ralph, Gabe and Brian -- You guys are always ahead of the curve!

Cheers,
Drew

Anonymous said...

What did it sell for?

Chuck Cowdery said...

I don't recall if the price was made public but if it was, I don't remember the amount.