An apple orchard.

ESD Announces Drumlin Field Ventures to Build Brandy Distillery in Columbia County

Company Will Produce Field-to-Glass Brandy Using Ingredients Grown On-Site; Distillery and Tasting Room Project Expected to Create 25 Jobs

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Drumlin Field Ventures will establish a field-to-glass brandy distillery and tasting room on 182-acres of property in Claverack, Columbia County. The company plans to produce apple and grape brandies using fruit from trees and vines planted on the property. The project is expected to create 25 new jobs.

ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Drumlin Field's new distillery and tasting room is a great example of the investments being made by New York State's craft beverage producers that are creating jobs, supporting our farms, welcoming tourists and growing our regional economies."

Drumlin Field will establish a brandy distillery on the property that uses traditional French methods complemented by American technology and innovation. Grapes and apples grown on the premises will be crushed, fermented into wine and cider, then distilled and aged to produce an ultra-premium New York State brandy. The company plans to offer direct spirits sales at the distillery and regional farmers markets, as well as through distributors outside the immediate region.

Drumlin Field President John Frishkopf said, "We chose a site which falls within an agricultural district and qualifies as a start-up farm, and we were happy to find so much support for agribusiness and craft spirits production in New York State. The local climate and conditions are ideal for growing fruit for brandy production, and the Claverack property provides a stunning location for the tasting room. We thank the team at Empire State Development for their assistance, and we are excited to bring new jobs to the region."

The company has committed to invest more than $6.3 million in property, construction, equipment and design costs. ESD has agreed to provide up to $400,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program Tax Credits for the creation of 25 jobs. The company believes most of the jobs can be filled locally within Columbia County. The project was recently approved by the Town of Claverack Planning Board, and construction is expected to begin this summer. Initial orchard and vine planting is scheduled for 2019.

Drumlin Field plans to contract local and regional growers to provide the fruit for the initial distilling operations while the company’s orchards and vineyards mature. They will also supplement future fruit-growing operations. Drumlin Field is currently evaluating apple cultivars for the orchard, with interest in American heirloom apples, as well as traditional English and French cider varieties

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "Drumlin Field's commitment to source its ingredients from local growers and invest in its own orchards and vineyards will provide a marked boost to the region's agricultural and tourism economies. Since the Governor's initial support of the craft beverage industry at the very first summit, there's been no sign that the growing demand for farm-based craft beverages is slowing down.  With more consumers looking for unique, local products than ever before, Drumlin Field is a great addition to New York's award-winning craft distilling community."

State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley said, "Thanks to the policies implemented under Governor Cuomo, it has become easier and less expensive for startup craft manufacturing businesses to open and thrive in New York State. Drumlin Field Ventures exemplifies the State’s booming craft industry, where manufacturers are using locally grown products, creating jobs and spurring economic development."

Since Governor Andrew M. Cuomo hosted the state's first Beer, Wine, Spirits and Cider Summit in 2012, New York State has experienced unprecedented growth in craft distilling. New York is now home to 156 craft distilleries, with more than 100 new distilleries opening since 2012. Additionally, there are 128 farm distilleries in the State, a more than 350 percent increase from 28 in 2012.

Drumlin Field Ventures is a Boston-based private firm established to invest in value-add agribusiness, initially focused on this field-to-glass fruit brandy farm distillery. Longer-term, the company plans to be active in related sectors such as heirloom apple production and in the application of precision agriculture.

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, "This exciting announcement of Drumlin Field Ventures' brandy distillery coming to Columbia County is great news on many fronts, from creating jobs to increased tourism to using locally sourced apples and grapes. The premier spirits Drumlin Field will be making adds a new element to our region’s booming cider and craft beverage industry. Drumlin Field is sure to be a sought-after destination on the growing Hudson Valley beverage trail."

Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chair Matt Murrell said, "Drumlin Field's decision to establish their distillery in Columbia County is great news for our residents. This project will create jobs while supporting our local farmers and fruit producers. Our thanks to ESD for helping to bring this project to our community."

Claverack Town Supervisor Clifford "Kippy" Weigelt said, "This is a great project for our area, furthering the growing craft beverage industry. We are happy to provide support for any businesses establishing, growing and expanding in Claverack, and we look forward to the world-class products from Drumlin Field."

About Empire State Development        

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NEW YORK," the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

 

Contacts:

Adam Ostrowski (ESD) | [email protected] | (518) 292-5148

ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313