The UK-based company that makes Glenfiddich whisky, The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch whisky, and Stolichnaya vodka has bought the Hudson Valley line of spirits made by Tuthilltown Spirits. The company, William Grant & Sons, now owns a suite of Tuthilltown's most iconic creations, including Hudson Baby Bourbon.
The plan, according to a press release posted today on Tuthilltown's Facebook page, is for Grant & Sons to begin marketing and distributing its new American spirit line while keeping Tuthilltown's independence intact:
"We are extremely happy to be working with a family company that shares our philosophy," said Ralph Erenzo, distiller and partner for Tuthilltown Spirits.
Chuck Cowdery, who seems to have broken the news of the deal on Thursday on his blog, wrote that the sale marks the beginning of a new era of American craft distilling:
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 ...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.
