Hudson Bourbon given greater UK allocation

Hudson, the New-York craft whiskey brand owned by William Grant, has been given increased distribution in the UK following years of limited stocks.

The American whiskey brand, produced at the first legal distillery in New York since Prohibition ended, is giving the UK on- and off-trade greater allocation through William Grant’s distribution partner First Drinks, although it will still be limited.

“Up until now we’ve only managed to bring Hudson into the UK with a bottle here and there, making it extremely rare and very desirable amongst bartenders and specialist retailers,” said Jonny Cornthwaite,  UK brand manager for Hudson. “It’s only been in the past three weeks First Drinks has properly been able to get hold of the stuff.”

The company will have an allocation of 140 cases for the rest of the year, although the number is likely to increase at least five-fold for 2014.

The Hudson range available in the UK includes Baby Bourbon, a 100% corn, three-month old American whiskey; Four Grain, which uses a mash bill of 60% corn, 15% rye, 15% wheat and 10% barley; and Manhattan Rye, a 100% rye whiskey.

All three expressions, which are bottled at 46% abv, will be available ain 350ml bottles at an RRP of £49.99.

Hudson, which is produced by Tuthilltown Spirits in New York, also produces a single malt whiskey and an unaged Corn Whiskey, which may become available in the UK in the near future. In addition it produces a special edition Maple Cask Rye whiskey – released this year – made from a 100% rye mash aged in former Hudson Bourbon barrels that have since aged Canadian maple syrup.