Re-establishing New York’s legacy as a mecca for house-made spirits, one beautiful bottle at a time, Karl and Susan Johnson are launching Denning’s Point Distillery in Beacon, New York. Located just off the city’s bustling Main Street, Denning’s Point Distillery will celebrate a grand opening of its facility and tasting room on Saturday, September 20.
Spurred by the New York Farm Distillery Law, passed in 2007, there are now close to 40 craft distilleries in the state. Denning’s Point, named after the city’s scenic peninsula that reaches out into the mighty Hudson River, is Beacon’s first.
The 2,800-square-foot space, soon to showcase a custom-made, 250-gallon copper pot still from Kentucky’s Vendome Copper and Brass Works, has been open occasionally for informal visits. The Johnsons officially open their doors on September 20 for tastings Friday through Sunday and tours on the weekends. Spirits are available for purchase, along with souvenirs.
“We’re going big barrel, slow aging. Tried and true traditional methods, with a bit of alchemical wizardry on the side,” said Karl Johnson. “After a lot of work behind the scenes, we’re eager to open our doors to spirits enthusiasts far and wide. We’re very excited to be a part of Beacon’s vibrant community and look forward to boosting all that this great city has to offer.”
Drawing from owner and co-founder Karl Johnson’s Midwest farming heritage and former life as an analytical chemist, Johnson and his wife, Susan, are using the finest Hudson Valley wheat, rye, corn and barley and New York state malt to produce farm-to-bottle rye, bourbon, whiskey, vodka and gin. Ready to sample and sell are a house-made Viskill Vodka, the original Dutch name for Fishkill Creek, a Hudson River tributary that flows along Beacon’s East end. Smooth, pure and creamy, Viskill Vodka is distilled with Finger Lakes wheat and cut with New York State spring water. With light notes of molasses and a hint of fruit, Denning’s Point’s Beacon Premium Reserve American whiskey is cut with New York State spring water and aged for 7 years in oak barrels. A rye whiskey and aged bourbon are due for release later this year.
Denning’s Point Distillery is located at street level, in a renovated garage in one of downtown Beacon’s classic 19th century buildings, at 10 North Chestnut Street, between Main and Church Streets. http://www.denningspointdistillery.com/
