Hillrock Estate Distillery
History of Hillrock Estate Distillery
Hillrock Estate Distillery, nestled in the Hudson Valley Highlands, is reviving the region’s rich distilling heritage that thrived in the early 1800s but was halted by Prohibition in the 1930s.
As one of the few “field-to-glass” whiskey producers globally, Hillrock is the first U.S. distillery since Prohibition to floor malt and handcraft whiskey on-site from estate-grown grain.
Their mission is to create the finest hand-crafted spirits, encompassing every production aspect from planting heirloom grains to hand bottling.
The distillery, crowned by a restored 1806 Georgian house, reflects a deep commitment to quality and tradition, producing whiskies that embody the unique terroir of the Hudson Valley.
Location of Hillrock Estate Distillery
The Hillrock Estate Distillery, nestled in the historic Hudson Valley, is a picturesque establishment two hours north of New York, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Berkshire Mountains.
Its location on prime farmland, combined with the region’s clear water, favorable climate, and a rich history of distilling, contributes to the unique terroir that significantly influences the character of Hillrock’s whiskeys.
In 2006, the Hillrock House underwent a meticulous restoration, with its Palladian window becoming a notable feature on the Hillrock bottle.
The estate’s attention to detail is evident in the preservation of original architectural elements like the twelve over twelve wavy glass windows, wide board floors, and period doors and trim, reflecting the craftsmanship and pride from two centuries ago.
This dedication to preserving historical details mirrors Hillrock’s commitment to quality and tradition in their whiskey production.
Awards Won by Hillrock Estate Distillery
Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey Awards
- 96 Points, Top 50 Spirits for 2013 – Wine Enthusiast 2013
- 94 Points – Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2018, 2016
- Best Spirit of Show, Best of Class Bourbon – Spirits of the Americas 2014
- Platinum – Spirits International Prestige (SIP) 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013
- Platinum, Best of Class – Spirits International Prestige (SIP) 2015
- Double Gold – Spirits International Prestige (SIP) 2018
- Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2016, 2014
- Double Gold, Best Special Finish Bourbon – NY World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWWSC) 2017
- Double Gold – NY World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWWSC) 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014
- Double Gold – The Fifty Best 2020, 2018
- Gold – Berlin International Spirits Competition 2017
- Gold – Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Competition (LAWSC) 2018, 2017, 2016
- Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2017, 2015
- Gold – American Craft Spirits Association 2015, 2014
- Gold – Beverage Testing Institute International Review of Spirits 2017, 2015, 2014
Estate Single Malt Awards
- 97 Points, Top 50 Spirits for 2015 – Wine Enthusiast 2015
- 95, 95.5 Points – Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020, 2017
- Best Whiskey – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition 2019
- Platinum/Best of Show – World Bev Competition 2014
- Best of Class – American Single Malt – Spirits of the Americas 2014
- Best of Class – American Single Malt – Beverage Testing Institute International Review of Spirits 2017
- Double Gold – NY World Wine & Spirits Competition 2019
- Double Gold – Spirits International Prestige (SIP) 2018
- Gold: Best of Category – American Single Malt – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition 2018, 2017
- Gold – Spirits of the Americas 2014, 2013
- Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2017
- Gold – Beverage Testing Institute International Review of Spirits 2017, 2015, 2014
- Gold – American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) 2015
- Consumers Choice Award – Spirits International Prestige Competition (SIP) 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014
Estate Double Cask Rye Awards
- 96 Points – Double Gold – Best Rye Whiskey – Berlin International Spirits Competition (BISC) 2020, 2019
- 94 Points – Wine Enthusiast 2015
- 95 Points – Ultimate Spirit Challenge 2018, 2016
- Platinum – International Spirits Prestige (SIP) 2017, 2016
- Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SF WSC) 2020
- Double Gold – Spirits International Prestige (SIP) 2018
- Double Gold – The Fifty Best 2018
- Double Gold – NY World Wine & Spirits Competition 2015
- Gold – NY World Wine & Spirits Competition 2016
- Gold – Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Competition (LAWSC) 2018, 2017, 2015
- Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2018, 2017, 2014
- Gold – Spirits of the Americas 2014
- Gold – American Straight Rye Whiskey – Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards 2015, 2014
- Gold – Beverage Testing Institute International Review of Spirits 2017, 2014
Hillrock Estate Distillery Tour Information and Experience
The Hillrock Estate Distillery offers three distinct tour and tasting experiences:
- The Hillrock Distillery Tour and Barrel Proof Tasting with Cheese & Charcuterie Plate: This tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at the distillery, malt house, and rickhouse, ending with a tasting of six barrel proof Hillrock whiskeys. Guests enjoy a curated plate of local cheeses, charcuterie, and other bites.
- The Hillrock Distillery Tour and Tasting with Charcuterie & Cheese Plate: Similar to the first, this standard tour ends with a tasting of five award-winning Hillrock whiskeys, accompanied by a selection of local cheeses, charcuterie, and small bites.
- The Hillrock Distillery Tour & Tasting: This option offers a tour of the estate’s key areas and concludes with a tasting of five Hillrock whiskeys, along with light snacks.
All experiences require guests to be 21 or over with valid ID, and bookings must be made online.
Flask & Barrel Review of Hillrock Estate Distillery
As a seasoned whiskey collector who’s been on countless distillery tours, Hillrock Estate really stands out. Their “field-to-glass” approach is genuinely impressive.
The tour through the distillery, malt house, and rickhouse, right in the heart of the Hudson Valley, was both educational and enjoyable. Tasting their barrel proof whiskeys was the highlight for me; each had a unique, robust flavor that spoke volumes of their craftsmanship.
The accompanying cheese and charcuterie plate was a delightful touch. I’d rate my experience a solid 4.7 out of 5. It’s a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast.
What To Do Nearby Hillrock Estate Distillery
- Columbia County Fair Grounds (about 23 miles away): Open 10:00-23:00, located at 182 Hudson Ave, Chatham.
- Olana State Historic Site (approximately 17 miles away): Open 8:00-17:00, at 5720 NY-9G, Hudson.
- Undermountain Golf Course Inc. (roughly 6 miles away): A golfer’s delight at 274 Under Mountain Rd, Copake.
- Copake Country Club (around 9 miles away): Another golf destination at 44 Golf Course Rd, Craryville.
- The Farmer’s Wife (just about 1.8 miles away): A quick snack at 3 County Route 8, Ancramdale.
- Taconic Wayside Inn (approximately 8.3 miles away): Average $20 per person, at 108 NY-344, Copake Falls.
- Dad’s Copake Diner (about 6.7 miles away): Classic diner at 178 County Route 7A, Copake.
- Miller’s Tavern (around 8.3 miles away): A great hangout at 920 State Route 82, Ancram.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Hillrock Estate Distillery?
- West Taghkanic Diner: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1016 NY-82, Ancram, NY 12502.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15188513333.
- El Guacamole: It has a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 7795-7797 S Main St, Pine Plains, NY 12567.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15187713330.
- JoJo’s Pizzeria: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 1015 NY-82, Ancram, NY 12502.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15188516567.
What hotels are near Hillrock Estate Distillery?
- Changing Times Lodging: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 624 Old Rte 82, Taghkanic, NY 12521.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15188513510.
- The Alander: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 7519 NY-22, Copake, NY 12516.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15183293000.
- The Inn at Pine Plains: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 3036 E Church St, Pine Plains, NY 12567.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +15187713117.