History

Union Grove Distillery is a farm-licensed craft distillery located in the Catskill Mountains in Arkville, New York. The Mulder family, led by Brian and Penny Mulder from Roxbury, invites guests to taste and learn about the handcrafted spirits produced on-site.

Production

Ingredients and Methods - Vly Creek Vodka: Distilled from NY apples and wheat, 40% ABV. Won a gold medal and “Best of Category” at the American Distilling Institute’s Craft Distillers Conference in 2017; 92 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2019; one of the top 100 spirits of 2019. - Catskill Mountain Maple Spirit: Distilled from locally produced maple sap. Aged in used barrels, at least 6 months, 40% ABV. Made like a rum, but enjoyed as a bourbon. Produced and sold primarily at the distillery. - Drie Brook Rye Whiskey: Rye whiskey with a mash bill of 75% rye and 25% malted barley. Aged three years and 46% ABV. - FirGin: Gin with flavors from Catskills trees, including balsam fir and Norway spruce. Maceration of fresh branches and addition of local elements such as Catskill Mountain ginseng, lavender and horseradish, with a light use of juniper. - Flavored vodkas: Made from New York corn and natural ingredients with no sugar added. Flavors include coffee, cinnamon and black tea. - Maple Ginseng Moonshine: Previously mentioned as an upcoming product (Moonshine) after Brian Mulder appeared on Moonshiners: Master Distiller; planned for future release. - Other facilities: Union Grove shares a roof with Calico Outlaw Brewing and offers on-site cocktails and local beers/cider as well as guided tours of the distillery.

Availability and Storage - All products are available for purchase on-site at Union Grove Distillery. - A map and expanded distribution are noted (Vly Creek Vodka is widely distributed, with a focus on local ingredients and craft).

Media History - Brian Mulder appeared on Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners: Master Distiller and was crowned Master Distiller by the judges.

Products / Whiskey Series

• Drie Brook Rye Whiskey is listed as a Rye Whiskey with a mash bill of 75% rye and 25% malted barley, aged three years and 46% ABV. This is the clearly highlighted whiskey product in the range, noted as one of Union Grove’s whiskey offerings.

Visits / Experiences

• The address is Union Grove Distillery, 43311 NY-28, Arkville, NY 12406. Tasting room hours: Thursday 2–19, Friday 15–21, Saturday 15–21, Sunday 14–19; changes may occur due to events.
• Tasting and tours: When the tasting room is open, tours of the distillery and production area are offered, where you can see how vodka, rye, maple spirit and FirGin are produced. On-site tastings are also offered in the on-site tasting room.
• Events and rentals: The distillery hosts ongoing events and the option to book their space for private events such as birthdays, wedding planning, meetings and live music. The possibility to host an event in the beautifully appointed room.
• Food and drinks on-site: There is the option to enjoy cocktails and beer/cider at the bar. Wood-fired pizzas (Catskill Mountain Embers) on Fridays and Saturdays from 4–8 PM.
• The area: The possibility to find accommodations and dining options in the Arkville/Margaretville area for a weekend visit.
• No kitchen on-site: There is no on-site kitchen; guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic, pizza or snacks.

Philosophy

• Union Grove is described as a family-owned, locally oriented distillery with a focus on craftsmanship and locally tailored products in the Catskills. Flavored vodkas are made without sugar and based on natural ingredients, giving consumers the option to choose their desired sweetness.
• Chemical integrity and a close connection to the Catskills region are expressed through the use of local ingredients (e.g., apples, wheat, maple syrup) and collaboration with local partners such as Calico Outlaw Brewing.