img_7419Taconic Distillery in Dutchess County was founded by avid outdoorsmen and bourbon aficionados who decided that tapping into the farm-to-table and farm-to-bottle movement, was the best way to combine both the outdoors and bourbon they enjoyed. Taconic Distillery’s Dutchess Private Reserve Straight Bourbon is cut with natural spring water from the properties own Rolling Hills Farm in the beautiful area of Hudson Valley, NY!

Bourbon whiskey, is known as “America’s Native Spirit,” and is a barrel-aged distilled spirit made from corn, rye and barley. At Taconic they take this pretty seriously and keep barrels in shipping containers, which helps preserve the “angels share”. One whiff inside those containers, and your nasal passages are completely cleared out! 

In the 19th century American settlers made use of the materials on hand, using locally harvested corn for the grain mixture, or “mash” and virgin white oak trees for the barrels.

The historic Hudson Valley is filled with beautiful scenery, charming villages, National Historic Landmarks, and bountiful farms. It is home to the first wine-producing region in the U.S. and a world-class culinary institute. Four hundred years of history and hospitality make the region an ideal location for production of our own native spirit.

From George and Martha Washington’s home during the American Revolution, to the Great Estates of the Vanderbilts, Roosevelts and Rockefellers, to the hunting preserves and horse farms of today, bourbon whiskey has been savored for generations. Open a bottle of Taconic’s Dutchess Private Reserve and celebrate today! – Taconicdistillery.com

img_7422I had the pleasure of tasting with Master Distiller Matt Frohman, and seeing the new distillery being built. This Fall it should be open and in full swing, and I can’t wait to go back! My tasting consisted of:

Dutchess Private Reserve: This is a Straight Bourbon Whiskey which is subtle and sophisticated. Nothing to aggressive on the palate, and beautifully well balanced with a A bouquet of spice and honey complimented by gentle notes of vanilla, and a smooth finish.

Founder’s Rye Whiskey: Named for our country’s founding fathers, Taconic Distillery’s Founder’s Rye Whiskey is aged in virgin American white oak barrels where it then becomes a golden caramel color. If you’re a rye lover, you will certainly appreciate this bold, spicy flavor with a mildly sweet finish… perfect on the rocks or in cocktails!

img_7436Rolling Hills Rum: I was surprised to see a rum being made here, but I am always happy to find new sipping rums, and this one is definitely a sipper! Made from sugarcane molasses, this very smooth and almost “gentle” rum has been aged for two years in bourbon barrels and spends its last few months finishing in recently emptied Taconic Distillery’s Founder Rye Whiskey barrels.  It is then cut to 80 proof with fresh spring water from the farm. This spirit is gold, copper and bronze in color. On the nose and palate, a lot of caramel complemented by vanilla and a hint of bourbon linger into a medium to long finish.

Double Barrel Bourbon Whiskey with Maple Syrup: This deliciously sweet syrup is a Double Barrel Maple Bourbon Whiskey, and is the product of a relationship with Catskill Mountain Sugarhouse. Two Hudson Valley Classics: Bourbon and Maple Syrup. Taconic empties their Bourbon barrels to then send them to Catskill Mountain Sugarhouse, who fills them with their maple syrup. After a few months of aging, Taconic bottles the barrel aged maple syrup, and then immediately refill  those same barrels with their bourbon!  This sweet and floral whiskey spends another few months in the barrels to become their annual release of Double Barrel Bourbon Whiskey with Maple Syrup.

If you’re seeking your Husdon Valley getaway, make sure you spend some time at Taconic, where Matt is creating some pretty amazing spirits!