NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (Feb. 16, 2016) – Beacon-based Denning’s Point Distillery has joined the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance, a cluster initiative of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. (HVEDC).
The Food & Beverage Alliance focuses on helping area food and beverage entrepreneurs work better together by providing networking opportunities, hosting educational forums, providing a regional advertising platform for marketing their products and promoting the region as a major craft beverage and specialty food producer to target audiences. The organization includes food businesses, farmers, vegetable growers, beverage makers, distributors and other industry-leading organizations and entities.
Denning’s Point’s philosophy of creating the smallest environmental footprint possible while achieving the greatest flavor profile possible is reflected in all aspects of its operation. Nearly all of its equipment has been recycled, reclaimed, refurbished, updated, upgraded and overhauled from existing equipment found on eBay and Craigslist, with only a few exceptions.
“We source our grain through several family-owned farms in the Hudson Valley, the Catskills and the Finger Lakes region in New York State,” said Susan Johnson, the distillery’s co-owner. “Our philosophy is ‘the closer, the better,’ but we will never sacrifice quality for drive time.”
Water is sourced from local Hudson Valley reservoirs, lakes, rivers and ponds. All potential impurities are removed through reverse osmosis, with the ultimate goal that the purity of the water enhances and reveals the flavor the grain and resulting spirits.
Once distillations are completed, Denning’s Point Distillery’s spent grains are picked up by local farmers. Typically, after distillation, the grains are 28 percent protein, perfect for animal feed.
“It’s great, free feed for the animals, no waste to dispose of for us,” said Johnson. “It’s a win-win. And what’s also a win for us is the Alliance membership, because we believe the ability to interact with other spirits entrepreneurs and network with food and beverage innovators will make us a better and more successful company.”
Denning’s Point Distillery’s environmental stewardship and passion for using locally sourced ingredients is a leadership position for other craft beverage companies to follow,” said Laurence P. Gottlieb, HVEDC president and CEO. “The Distillery team’s experience in this area will show others in the industry that they, too, can be both socially responsible and creative in their daily operations. Denning’s Point Distillery is a fantastic addition to HVEDC’s Food & Beverage Alliance.”
About the Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance
The Hudson Valley region boasts the most vibrant and growing base of food & beverage-related businesses in the nation. Alongside many well-known industry names and successful and growing industry players, the alliance brings organizations within the food and beverage industries together, helping area businesses forge strong partnerships. The alliance provides access to economic guidance and marketing resources to businesses throughout the region.
About Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC)
HVEDC is the leading economic development agency for the seven-county region of Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties. The public-private partnership markets the region as a prime business location to corporate executives, site selection consultants and real estate brokers. HVEDC helped start the organizational, branding and promotional effort for NY BioHud Valley, Hudson Valley 3D Printing, Hudson Valley EDs & MEDs, Hudson Valley Food & Beverage Alliance and Hudson Valley PLAY. To learn more, call 845-220-2244 or visit hvedc.com.
