By Daryl Gibbs
General Manager, Grace’s Plaza Wine & Spirits

Whiskey or whisky, is traditionally made from a variety of grains including barley, rye, wheat, and/or corn. There are also many different types of whiskeys in existence - the type depends on from where it is produced.

Whiskey is believed to have been originally introduced by the Irish missionaries in the 6th or 7th century from the Mediterranean area. When the European settlers came to America they brought with them the art of making whiskey. Their style of whiskey changed based on what types of grains were available and growing in the area in which they were settled. One prime area is what now is Kentucky state - or back then, Bourbon County. Corn was grown in abundance, so it was used to produce whiskeys for the farmer's use. They then began to ship their whiskeys to different areas, and for many people this was the first time they had ever tried corn whiskey. And, one could say - the rest is history - for that area, at least.

Bourbon County was not the only area where local farmers had set up distilleries. Before Prohibition there were actually thousands of small farm distillers in the fertile farm areas all along the eastern part of the US. New York State in particular had more than 1,000 small farm distillers alone - producing alcohol from fruits and grains of the area. Tuthilltown distillers, which is located about 25 minutes from Poughkeepsie NY, are bringing back traditional batch-distilled spirits.

For 220 years Tuthilltown Gristmill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, used waterpower to render local grains to flour. In 2001 Ralph Erenzo and Vicki Morgan acquired the property and with the help of partner Brian Lee, they converted one of the mill granaries to a micro-distillery. The partners worked tirelessly to teach themselves the craft of small-batch distillation while navigating the legal and administrative aspects of building the company. Tuthilltown specializes in small-batch spirits distilled from local Houdson Valley products. All whiskeys and vodkas are hand-crafted, hand-bottled, and hand-labeled to ensure the best expression of quality and personality.*

Two and a half years later, Tuthilltown Spirits produced their first batches of vodka from scraps they collected at a local apple slicing plant. Now the distillers use fresh cider from nearby orchards. Production includes vodkas, whiskeys, rum, eau de vie, brandy, and infusions. New York's first Bourbon is HUDSON BABY BOURBON, distilled from 100% New York corn. Tuthilltown whiskeys are the only legally distilled and aged grain spirits produced in New York since Prohibition.

*Tuthilltown information sourced from: www.tuthilltown.com and www.domaineselect.com

Here's what is available at Graces:

Hudson Baby Bourbon 375ml: $49.99

This is a single grain bourbon whiskey made with 100% New York corn and aged in special small American Oak barrels. This unique aging process produces a mildly sweet, smooth spirit with hints of vanilla and caramel.

Hudson 4-Grain Bourbon 375ml: $49.99

This bourbon is produced with a mixture of New York corn, rye, wheat and malted barley, then aged in special small American Oak barrels. The end result is well balanced bourbon with notes of sharp pepper, rich full flavored sweetness, and a smooth subtle finish.

Hudson Manhattan Rye 375ml: $49.99

This whiskey is produced with 100% New York rye and aged in special small American Oak barrels. Floral, fruity and smooth, a perfect compliment to sweet vermouth…