Cooper’s Daughter Spirits at Olde York Farm
Cooper’s Daughter Spirits is a woman-owned and family operated distillery, cooperage, and apple orchard. The name of the distillery tells the story of a father and daughter who combined their passions to create a business together.
REVIVING THE LEGACY OF J. RENSSELAER’S DISTILLERY & COOPERAGE CIRCA 1805
Stuart Newsome’s passion is history and he had a 42 year career in historic restoration. His daughter, Sophie Newsome’s passion is the farm-to-table movement. When choosing a location for the distillery the Newsome family chose the fertile Hudson Valley region, so that they could be close to the farmers who inspire each of their spirits. The Newsome’s also chose to set up shop on a property that is part of the National Register of Historic Places with 2 barns circa 1805 & 1790 that were in need of rehabilitation. The property is part of the historic Jacob Rutsen van Rensselaer House & Mill complex. Rensselaer also had his own distillery and cooperage in the early 1800’s.
Today the distillery and cooperage are located in the former carriage house along the Claverack Creek – 10 minutes from the city of Hudson. Local grain, fruit, botanicals, and tree syrups are the foundation for this distillery’s seasonal batch spirits. Barrels are handmade on site and are used to age bourbon & whiskey. On weekends, the distillery is open for drinks & food truck pop ups in the Cocktail Garden.
The apple orchard is located in Red Hook, NY, which was formerly known as Stagais Farm. The established 50 year old orchard is under rehabilitation and the apples will be used to make Cooper’s Daughter Vodka. Cooper’s Daughter is growing Pumpkins for the Pumpkin Spice Vodka and growing vintage roses for the Rose Liqueur at the orchard. Cooper’s Daughter also plans to re-open an existing farm stand on the property for tastings and bottle sales as well as host farmers’ markets.
Olde York Farm sources American White Oak from New York to make barrels by hand on-site. Stuart Newsome, one of the owners, has been a carpenter for over 40 years and recently taught himself how to make barrels as part of his commitment to be involved in every step of the distilled spirits process. His barrel workshop has combined old world techniques with new world hand tools. He starts by sourcing local oak and milling the wood himself. He then kilns the quarter sawn oak and shapes the boards into staves. The process of toasting a barrel gives whiskey, bourbon and brandy it’s dark color and smooth caramel notes.
284 State Route 23, Claverack, NY 12513
Call Cooper’s Daughter Spirits at Olde York Farm at (518) 721-8209
