Tuthilltown Spirits Farm Distillery is New York State’s first whiskey distiller since Prohibition, and is best known for its lineup of whiskeys – including a bourbon, rye and single malt. The distillery also produces vodka and corn whiskey, if you’re keeping score at home. And today they announced an addition to that portfolio – Half Moon Gin.
Half Moon Gin is named for the vessel upon which Henry Hudson explored the New York river that now bears his name. In producing Half Moon Gin, Tuthilltown goes beyond the typical gin makers’ approach of flavoring neutral spirit with a blend of botanicals. Instead, the distillery has created a new spirit base from 80% wheat and 20% apples.
From the company —
The distinctive subtleties of the apple blend in the base spirit create a smoother and rounder gin, more drinkable than the standard grain neutral spirit base used in other gins.
Tuthilltown’s Chief Distiller Joel Elder notes the break from tradition: “Gin has become a battle of the botanicals, with more and more complicated recipes making use of obscure flavors that get lost in the mix. We chose to keep our botanical bill small and focus attention on the base spirit which makes up most of the gin, using the botanicals to compliment and enhance the delicate flavors inherent in the base.”
Half Moon Gin is primarily aimed at bartenders, inviting them to explore new cocktails that highlight the gin’s base, rather than its botanicals. It will be regionally available this spring with a suggested retail price of $35. Following close behind will be a line of additional varieties, each crafted with its own unique base of grains and fruits.
