Taconic Distillery is situated in the Hudson Valley region, but its official location is at 179 Bowden Rd. Standfordville, NY. The distillery is a former farm and is now owned by Paul Couglin, who used to be a Wall Street guy. He made the switch to the whiskey world in 2013 and has been making is mark ever since. Taconic is approximately 100 miles North of NYC so plan your travel time and transport method on the country roads. I recommend staying in Rhinebeck, NY at one of the many Bed & Breakfasts and having dinner in the downtown area.
After receiving a few bottles over the last couple of years Paul and I spoke and he invited me up for a behind the scenes tour. I visited on a Saturday in late October 2023. He showed me the distillery, rickhouses, bottling, and packing area. I was impressed to see the amount of volume produced in what would be considered a “small location”. It was very refreshing to go on a tour, even behind the scenes, where the owner shows you everything and is so full of passion. I have been on a few distillery tours before and they can get very dull very quickly. In the rickhouse I got to sign a barrel and in my excitement I spelled whiskey incorrectly on the barrel. I feel like a dumbass, I think I should probably buy that barrel. Paul, give me a call please.
Taconic has a nice outdoor patio with a view of the hillside and a smaller indoor space to order or enjoy drinks. Depending on the weather there will be food trucks and live music. The indoor bar has all the Taconic expressions to enjoy as a drink or purchase to take home. There are also other whiskeys, merchandise, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks available to purchase. Since it was late October I thought it would be best to sample a Maple Old Fashion. They two were mixed by Carol Ann and they were very good. I really enjoyed them listening the music as the sunset over the farm lands hills.
Taconic expressions: Dutchess Private Reserve, Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey, Founder’s Straight Rye Whiskey, Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey, Double Barrel Maple Bourbon Whiskey, New York Wheated Bourbon, Bottled in Bond Bourbon, New York Single Malt Whiskey, Horse & Jockey Bourbon, Fox & Hare Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Cream, Rolling Hills Rum, Stubbornly Different Gin, Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup, and a few other specialized expressions.
I am glad I finally got up there and I look forward to going back soon. I highly recommend a visit if you are in Upstate area of New York or you should do an overnight trip!
If you like it, drink it! – Chris
If you like it, drink it!
