Hudson Whiskey and Tuthilltown Spirits: New York's First Craft Distillery Since Prohibition
Updated: 15 hours ago
Tuthilltown Spirits sits in a former gristmill complex in Gardiner, in New York's Hudson Valley, and makes Hudson Whiskey. The official story says the aim was to make whiskey in New York for the first time since Prohibition.
In this guide
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Hudson at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | Hudson |
Country and region | New York, United States |
Ownership / operator | William Grant & Sons |
History | The official Our Story page says the project began in 2003, when Ralph Erenzo had an idea to move upstate and start a distillery, well before craft distilleries became common. It… |
Whisky identity | Tuthilltown's craft whiskey under the Hudson label includes bourbon, rye and finished releases. |
Visiting | Check the producer's latest official tour and opening information before travelling. |
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At a glance
Location: 14 Grist Mill Lane, Gardiner, New York 12525
Idea for the distillery: 2003, by Ralph Erenzo (official Our Story page)
Owner: William Grant & Sons, which has owned the Hudson brand since 2010 and bought the whole 36 acre Tuthilltown site in April 2017
Strength: Hudson whiskeys on the official range are bottled at 46% ABV
Official line: Whiskey as Bold as New York
The story
The official Our Story page says the project began in 2003, when Ralph Erenzo had an idea to move upstate and start a distillery, well before craft distilleries became common. It describes him as fighting for his whiskey and challenging the government to change the laws for craft distillers. The same page notes there are now over 1,800 distilleries in the US and over 180 in New York alone.
Master of Malt records that Erenzo bought Tuthilltown Gristmill and the roughly 35 acres around it, and that distilling was far from his mind at the time. Hudson Whiskey grew out of that site.
On 18 April 2017 Scotch Whisky and Whisky Advocate reported that William Grant & Sons, the Glenfiddich and Balvenie owner, had bought Tuthilltown Spirits. Whisky Advocate noted the company had owned the Hudson brand since 2010 and now owned the distillery too. The deal covered the 36 acre site including the distillery, restaurant and visitor centre. The official site now states the brand is fully owned by William Grant & Sons, described as a fifth generation Scottish family distiller.
The people
Ralph Erenzo: founder and the driving force behind the distillery, per the official story
William Grant & Sons: owner of the distillery and brand
Current head distiller: not confirmed in the sources read
The range
The official range page lists these whiskeys, each at 46% ABV.
Bright Lights, Big Bourbon: New York Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Do The Rye Thing: New York Straight Rye Whiskey
Short Stack: straight rye finished in maple syrup barrels
Back Room Deal: straight rye finished in peated Scotch barrels
Four Part Harmony: four grain bourbon aged a minimum of seven years
New York Straight Bourbon 5 year: 95% corn and 5% malted barley, aged 5 years in new American oak
Hudson Mets Limited Edition: aged a minimum of 3 years, kosher certified
Hudson Rye Calvados Cask Finish
Visiting
Address: 14 Grist Mill Lane, Gardiner, NY 12525. Phone: (845) 419-2964.
Hours listed on 20 October 2026: Monday and Wednesday 12:00 to 6:00pm, Thursday to Sunday 12:00 to 8:00pm, Tuesday closed.
Tours can be booked through the official distillery page. Prices were not read.
Tuthilltown and William Grant
Scotch Whisky magazine reported on 18 April 2017 that William Grant and Sons acquired Tuthilltown Spirits of Gardiner, New York, its first move into American craft distilling. The deal covered the whole 36 acre site, including the distillery, restaurant, visitor centre and grounds. The report describes Tuthilltown as established by Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee in 2005 as the first distillery in New York State since Prohibition. Other sources give 2003.
Hudson brand: William Grant and Sons bought the Hudson whiskey brand in 2010
Hudson range: Baby Bourbon as the flagship, plus Manhattan Rye, Single Malt, New York Corn Whiskey and Four Grain Bourbon
Other spirits: gins, vodkas and liqueurs
People: Ralph Erenzo was to stay involved in the business after the sale
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Hudson Whiskey?
William Grant & Sons. It has owned the brand since 2010 and bought the Tuthilltown distillery site in 2017.
Where is Hudson Whiskey made?
At Tuthilltown Spirits in Gardiner, in New York's Hudson Valley.
Who founded Tuthilltown Spirits?
Ralph Erenzo, who had the idea in 2003 and bought the gristmill site.
What ABV is Hudson Whiskey?
The whiskeys on the official range page are 46% ABV.
Sources and gaps
Sources read on 20 October 2026: hudsonwhiskey.com home and Our Story pages; scotchwhisky.com and whiskyadvocate.com reports of 18 April 2017; Master of Malt Hudson blog snippet.
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Scotch Whisky magazine report of 18 April 2017 on William Grant buying Tuthilltown Spirits.
What makes Hudson distinctive?
Tuthilltown's craft whiskey under the Hudson label includes bourbon, rye and finished releases.
Hudson whisky bottles and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Hudson Bright Lights Big Bourbon | NAS / varies | Check label | Tuthilltown's craft whiskey under the Hudson label includes bourbon, rye and finished releases. |
Hudson Do The Rye Thing | NAS / varies | Check label | Tuthilltown's craft whiskey under the Hudson label includes bourbon, rye and finished releases. |
Hudson Short Stack | NAS / varies | Check label | Tuthilltown's craft whiskey under the Hudson label includes bourbon, rye and finished releases. |
This table describes documented expressions. It does not guarantee current stock, age statements or strengths. Check producer labels for details.
More distilleries to explore
Frequently asked questions about Hudson
Where is Hudson based?
New York, United States.
Who operates Hudson?
William Grant & Sons.
What distinguishes Hudson?
Tuthilltown's craft whiskey under the Hudson label includes bourbon, rye and finished releases.
Which bottlings are documented?
Hudson Bright Lights Big Bourbon, Hudson Do The Rye Thing, Hudson Short Stack. Some editions may be historical.
Can you visit Hudson?
Please check whether tours are currently operating and book through the producer before travelling.
Sources and editorial checks
Original research and historical notes have been retained. Visitor details, owners and bottle ranges may change.
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About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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