World’s First Solera-Aged Bourbon Introduced During National Bourbon Month
Owner Jeffrey Baker and Master Distiller Dave Pickerell announce the September 1st opening of Hillrock Estate Distillery. Hillrock is proud to be one of the few field-to-glass distilleries in the world and the first distillery the U.S. since before Prohibition to floor malt and hand craft whiskey onsite from estate grown grain.
Combining Pickerell’s industry experience, as Maker’s Mark Master Distiller for 14 years and extensive craft distilling track record, with Baker’s farming knowledge and passion for fine spirits proved to be the perfect recipe for the creation of truly unique operation in the craft spirits market.
“I approached the craft spirits movement from a farming perspective, looking to create premier whiskies that reflect the local terroir, in the tradition of great estate vineyards,” said Jeffrey Baker, owner, Hillrock Estate Distillery. “After research, I found that there were no truly field-to-glass distillery operations in the United States hand crafting spirits with grain grown and floor malted on the estate. That’s when I reached out to Dave Pickerell to realize our vision.”
Growing its rye and barley organically on the estate, Hillrock traditionally floor malts, and smokes its grain in small batches onsite in the first new Malthouse to be built at a distillery in the U.S. since before Prohibition.
“By controlling every aspect of production from planting and harvesting heirloom grains, to traditionally floor malting our grain, to crafting whiskies in our 250 gallon copper pot still, to aging in small oak barrels and hand bottling, we are able to create premium whiskies reflecting the unique terroir of the Hillrock Estate,” said Dave Pickerell Master Distiller, Hillrock Estate Distillery.
Hillrock Estate Distillery will introduce the world’s first Solera Aged Bourbon to New York in September 2012, just in time for the 5th anniversary of National Bourbon Month, and their Estate Single Malt Whiskey will follow shortly thereafter in October. The Hillrock Estate Rye and Bourbon are expected to be introduced in 2013.
Hillrock Estate Distillery will open for reserved weekend tours and tastings beginning September 15. Those interested can visit the website or email [email protected] for reservations.
Hillrock Estate is located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, about two hours north of New York City in Ancram, NY.
Proud to be one of the few “field-to-glass” whiskey producers in the world, Hillrock is also the first U.S. distillery since before Prohibition to floor malt and hand craft whiskey on site from estate-grown grain. Led by Owner Jeffrey Baker and renowned Master Distiller David Pickerell, Hillrock’s commitment to quality embodies the rich history of craft distilling in the Hudson Valley.
Hillrock Estate is located about two hours north of New York City in the historic Hudson Valley town of Ancram, NY. The estate features a Georgian house overlooking the Distillery and 100 acres of farmland growing heirloom varieties of rye and barley. The Distillery complex is comprised of the Malthouse, Granary and Visitor Center as well as the Distillery which features a custom made 250 gallon copper pot still.
