Hudson Whiskey competition finds new US brand ambassador

William Grant & Sons’ has hired former environmental activist Han Shan as its new US brand ambassador for Hudson Whiskey following a public competition.

Han Shan has been chosen as the new US brand ambassador for Hudson Whiskey

New York-based Shan was selected for the position following the brand’s Making the Cut competition, which was filmed as a documentary.

William Grant & Sons USA launched a public appeal in March this year for “someone who gets that make-it-happen, can-do spirit” to replace co-founder and master distiller Gable Erenzo as brand ambassador of Hudson Whiskey.

The recruitment process saw hundreds of entries whittled down to just three prospective candidates, who were grilled through a series of challenges at Tuthilltown Distillery in New York.

Shan was selected for his “knowledge of the whiskey landscape” and “his enthusiasm for Hudson”.

Erenzo said: “When we started this project, I never dreamed that we would find someone as passionate and dynamic as Han. To be honest, I can’t help but see a bit of myself in him and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect friend to take over for me as ambassador.”

Hudson Whiskey, which was bought by William Grant in 2005, but still produced at independently-owned Tuthilltown Distillery, is available in five key expressions: Baby Bourbon, Four Grain, Manhattan Rye and Single Malt and New York Corn Whiskey.

Speaking of his appointment, Shan said: “I cannot fully express the level of my excitement to spread love for this wonderful whiskey, and for being graciously welcomed into the family.”