Hillrock Estate Distillery
Double Cask Rye – Tawny Port Cask Finish
Spirits
Hillrock Double Cask Rye – Tawny Port Cask Finish is a distinctive estate-crafted rye whiskey that combines traditional American rye character with the rich influence of fortified wine cask maturation. Produced in New York’s Hudson Valley, the whiskey is first matured in new charred American oak barrels before being finished in Tawny Port casks, adding layers of complexity and depth.
This additional maturation contributes notes of plum, raisin, fig, date, and candied fruit that complement the spirit’s natural rye spice. The aroma reveals caramel, vanilla, maple syrup, and winter fruit, while the palate balances bold rye spice with dried fruit, oak, and subtle sweetness.
The finish is long and warming, featuring lingering notes of dark chocolate, leather, and ripe fruit. By combining estate-grown rye with carefully selected Port casks, Hillrock creates a whiskey that showcases both the robust character of American rye and the elegant richness associated with Tawny Port wine maturation.
Producer
Hillrock Estate Distillery is a premium American whiskey producer located in the Hudson Valley region of New York. Founded by Jeffrey Baker and Cathy Franklin, the distillery was established with the goal of reviving the region’s historic farm-distilling tradition and producing authentic estate-made spirits using a true “field-to-glass” approach.
Situated on a historic estate dating back to 1806, Hillrock controls every stage of production, from cultivating grain and floor malting barley to distillation, maturation, and bottling. The distillery is recognized as one of the few whiskey producers in the world to manage the entire production process on-site and was the first American distillery since Prohibition to floor malt its own grain.
Working closely with the late master distiller David Pickerell, Hillrock gained international recognition for its innovative whiskeys, including one of the first Solera-aged bourbons produced in the United States. The portfolio features bourbon, rye, and single malt expressions that showcase the unique terroir of the Hudson Valley.
Through its commitment to traditional craftsmanship, estate-grown grains, and small-batch production, Hillrock Estate Distillery has become one of the most respected names in American craft whiskey.