Applewood Winery launches apple vodka
WARWICK — For almost a quarter-century, Applewood Winery owners Jonathan and Michele Hull have been on the cutting edge of the craft beverage movement in Orange County.
And on Friday, Dec. 4, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors joined the Hulls for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the introduction of Applewood Vodka, an elite in a new line of spirits.
The stand-alone vodka is 100 percent distilled from New York State apples. The traditional grain-to-bottle process is not an option for the innovative entrepreneurs.
'Hints of caramel and vanilla'Applewood Vodka creates an ambience all its own. It is not a flavored vodka.
"It rests on the palate," said Michele Hull, "with a subtle, apple taste as it is made from but not infused with the fruit. The sensory experience is accompanied by hints of caramel and vanilla. For the most sophisticated and discriminating taste, this refined beverage is as elegant and cultured as the breath-taking vistas that surround our winery."
After a small vineyard was planted with hybrids such as Seyval Blanc, Vidal, Baco Noir and Cabernet Franc, Applewood, which is one of the oldest working farms in the Hudson Valley, realized success with their wine label.
Tree-to-bottle operationThen Jonathan Hull pioneered the making of hard cider with Applewood's Stonefence. The hard cider, which is produced from apples grown on site, was rebranded recently to the multi-variety and popular Naked Flock Hard Cider.
"Our product line of fine wines and hard ciders," he said, "has now expanded and matured. We are delighted to present our newest sophisticate, Applewood Winery's Applewood Vodka."
As a tree-to-bottle, vineyard-to-table operation, Applewood Winery is a leader in the craft beverage movement in the Hudson Valley and can be found on the web at www.applewoodwinery.com.
Their spirits are available at the winery, which is located at 82 Four Corners Road in Warwick.
- Roger Gavan