Hudson Valley Distillers sits in a 100-year-old red barn on 14 acres in the Hudson Valley, about two hours north of Manhattan, where the Yozzo and Moyer families have been making farm-to-bottle spirits since 2014. The distillery is veteran, women, and LGBTQ+ owned and operates with a clear philosophy: source local, keep it approachable, price it fairly. Their lineup covers bourbon, rye, gin, applejack, and vodka, all made from Hudson Valley grains and fruit. The applejack is distilled from local apples and aged in New York white oak barrels, landing with notes of vanilla and a hint of cinnamon. The gin draws from New York grapes and a bouquet of bright botanicals for something lighter and friendlier than most. The bourbon won converts with its toasted oak nose and an easy citrus-and-apricot finish. Come on a weekend and you can take a 45-minute distillery tour for $10, taste through the range, hang out in the cocktail garden, or grab a bottled cocktail from their Hudson Cocktail Company line. There's usually a food truck on site, and they're upfront that dogs and kids are welcome. If you're doing a day trip up the Hudson Valley, this is a worthwhile stop.