Dutchess Private Reserve from Millbrook Distillery
Stanfordville
Making its debut in October 2013, this small-batch whiskey quickly earned high praise from reviewers and bloggers, and the “lad” magazine Maxim awarded it a blue medal, writing, in its slightly creepy and leering way, it’s like “being kissed by a sunny field. Tongues and everything.” Moving on…
This fine spirit is cut with natural spring water from the distiller’s Rolling Hills Farm in Stanfordville, and the mash is 21 to 25 percent rye, says owner Paul Coughlin (most bourbon is made predominantly from corn). “That’s one of the reasons I believe people like it,” he says, adding that a rye whiskey will be launched after Thanksgiving. Other reasons for the bourbon’s popularity; its inviting, coppery color, somewhat sweet nose, and bourbon-y notes of vanilla, oak, honey, butterscotch, and malt. It’s smooth and spicy on its own, and mixes well in a Manhattan, Old-Fashioned, or however you wish. 845-868-3044; www.millbrookdistillery.com
