Brandy distillery, tasting room opens in Columbia County

CLAVERACK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A new brandy distillery, tasting room and event space has opened in Columbia County. Klocke Estate is located on 160 acres of land at 2554 Route 27 in Claverack.

According to Empire State Development (ESD), Klocke Estate focuses on sustainable farming and has several varieties of apples and grapes for brandy. The soil-to-glass distillery will be maturing its product in French Limousin oak barrels, and will also have limited releases of unaged brandy.

"The ways we grow our apples and grapes, care for our land, distill and age our spirits, and apply our craft create a cycle of enrichment, sustainability, respect, and quality," said John Frishkopf, Klocke Estate Founder and CEO. "It is my hope that Klocke Estate will not only define a new category of American Brandy in the Hudson Valley but that we will create an experiential destination and a legacy of excellence to transcend generations, positioning Klocke as a leader in the world of extraordinary spirits and elevated hospitality."

For it's opening, Klocke Estate has a red and white vermouth, which is available at the distillery until it can be further distributed. The 12,000 square foot distillery and venue has a full bar, dining room, library lounge, private tasting salon and outdoor patio spaces.

The restaurant part of the estate features cocktails, wine, beer, cider, and seasonal cuisine for lunch and dinner. You can make reservations on the Resy website. The restaurant is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

ESD said the distillery cost more than $21 million to get up and running. The estate received a $125,000 capital grant from ESD, up to $400,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program Tax Credits with creating 26 jobs, and was awarded a $275,000 Market New York grant from I LOVE NY.

The estate is launching its pilot program for distillery tours on Saturday, August 3. The tours will talk about Klocke’s history, agriculture, brandy, vermouth, drink making processes, and finish with a tasting. The tours will be offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

"Klocke Estate distillery and tasting room is a great example of the investments being made by New York State's craft beverage producers that are creating jobs, supporting our farms, welcoming tourists and growing our regional economies," said ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. "ESD is proud to grow the agritourism sector in New York State which creates jobs and investment across the state."