The Penny Black’s Elysha Bush may just be the go-to-bartender in Brunswick for whiskey knowledge after taking part in a week-long workshop at the Hudson Valley artisanal distillery in New York state.

Hudson Whiskey is produced in a converted mill granary that is part of the historic 1788 Tuthilltown Gristmill. The micro-distillery has been producing craft spirits under the care of Ralph Erenzo and Brian Lee since 2005, and it’s the first whiskey distillery in New York State since Prohibition!

Elysha (pictured left) was one of just four bartenders globally to secure a position and the first Australian Bartender in the Hudson Bartender Working Week program – earning her place through being the highest seller of Hudson product among CLG’s Victorian venues. She was joined by bartenders from Paris, London and Zurich, to visit the award-winning craft distillery to learn about their approach to whiskey production, and the end-to-end process.

Hudson Whiskey Global Brand Ambassador, Tony Vanaria said:

“This first group of bartenders to join the crew here at Hudson was selected for their passion for the brand, their contributions to the bartending community and their appreciation of our pioneering spirit.”

Colonial Leisure Group works closely with suppliers to ensure programs like this one are available so our staff can experience opportunities to grow within the hospitality industry.