William Grant & Sons takes on US whiskey production

William Grant & Sons has made its first foray into American whiskey distillation with its acquisition of Tuthilltown Spirits – a 36-acre facility in New York that produces a number of craft spirits including Hudson Whiskey.

Tuthilltown’s distillery in New York

The acquisition includes Tuthilltown’s distillery, restaurant and visitor centre, and will see William Grant & Sons move into the production and distillation of American craft whiskey for the first time, having acquired the Hudson Whiskey brand in 2010.

The craft distillery was co-founded by Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee, with its acquisition by William Grant & Sons described as a “logical addition” to its US portfolio.

“In 2010, William Grant & Sons bought the Hudson Whiskey brand as we were not only attracted to the possibilities within the American whiskey category but in particular, the authenticity of the Hudson brand and the excellence of the whiskey; the same is true of the distillery,” said William Grant & Sons’ chief executive officer, Simon Hunt.

“Ralph will still be very much involved in the business on a day-to-day basis collaborating and experimenting with our team of distillery experts and master blenders.”

Since it was launched in 2006, the Hudson Whiskey range – which initially consisted of Hudson Baby Bourbon – has expanded to include Hudson Manhattan Rye, Hudson Single Malt Whiskey, Hudson New York Corn Whiskey, Hudson Four Grain Bourbon as well as additional seasonal releases.

“William Grant & Sons is a company that holds true family values and is home to a number of spirits brands we respect and admire. It is renowned for its excellence in distilling and we share similar,” said Erenzo.

“We’ve been working with William Grant & Sons for a number of years and look forward to building on that relationship to help Tuthilltown fully achieve its potential.”