FIELD REPORT: DISTILLERIES

Hey There. It’s time to get comfy, it’s going to be a good one (I always say that, huh?). I got a quick update: I added a new link if you have an event to submit and another if you want to partner up with The Crew - these will be part of the new website which will be home to far more than just a newsletter. Enough of that. Enjoy the read, reach out anytime, and see ya out there. - Michael

FIELD REPORT: DISTILLERIES

Alright it’s time to drop some pins, assemble the crew, draw straws, and pick your designated driver - because we got a list of some of our favorite distilleries that are worthy of a visit.

Whatever the mood, whatever the pour, there is something here for you. Funky experimental spirits? Gotchya covered. Local flavors? Look no further. Heck, maybe you just need a stiff drink. Yeah, we got that too. Have fun out there and enjoy every sip.

• Do Good Spirits, Roscoe - A nearly 100-year-old firehouse turned distillery. Their Bootlegger lineup (vodka, gin, bourbon) is all corn, no other nonsense.

• Union Grove Distillery, Arkville - A family-owned operation and the makers of the award winning Vly Creek Vodka - but everything they make is great, my personal favorite is the Fir Gin.

• Hillrock Estate Distillery, Ancram - Old-school floor-malting like it’s the 1800s, we’re talking small-batch, estate-grown, solera-aged whiskey. This one’s for the bourbon aficionados and brown water fans.

• Klocke Estate, Hudson - NY Brandy born using regenerative farming practices, crafted with forty-three varieties of apples, nine grape varietals, and a whole lotta patience.

• C. Cassis, Rhinebeck - This is not your typical sipper and that’s the point. This woman-owned business is crafting a low-ABV aperitif made with local blackcurrants. Fun fact, this berry was actually outlawed until 2003.

• Cooper's Daughter, Claverack - A women-owned and family operated distillery, cooperage, and apple orchard. They make some wild spirits that tap into seasonal twists. Try the black walnut bourbon, you’ll love it — if you don’t, send me the rest of the bottle so I can dispose of it properly.

• Arrowood Farms, Accord - Local is the credo and the battlecry at Arrowood. They distill using spring water from their farm along with wheat, rye, and corn grown right here in NY. The spirits are never blended and you can taste the difference. P.S. They make one of my fav beers: Black Sheep.

• Tuthilltown Spirits, Gardiner - Top tier whiskey being made in a 230-year-old gristmill. This place is about small batches, local ingredients, and doing things the slow way, which in my opinion is the right way. The rye is damn good in an Old Pal, which is essentially the cousin of the Boulevardier.

• Hudson House, Highland - The distillery is located in the cellar of a former monastery and the soft mineral water they distill with is called “holy water”. The sip is worth the trip and the views are as good as it gets.

• Catskill Provisions, Callicoon - A woman-owned business run by a beekeeper, so naturally, honey has found its way into many of their spirits. Pro tip: Try the amaro.

BURGER FEST

I’ve joined forces with The Pines in Mt. Tremper to celebrate their CATSKILL CREW BURGER QUEST victory. Mark your calendars for Burger Fest on June 17th. It’s happening on a Tuesday, so technically it’s an industry night, but you don’t need to work in the industry, you don’t even need to have a job. No reservations. No tickets. Just show up for a good time.

THE DELAWARE

I hit the Delaware River last week with a good buddy, guide, and fishy fella, Landon Brasseur. The day started slow which could be interpreted as a sign of good fishing to come - or bad, no one really knows, but anglers tend to be optimists, as David Coggins wrote.

By late afternoon, despite the rain coming down, the trout gods shone upon us. The caddis hatch filled the air, the march browns and green drakes were taking to the sky, but the rising trout were not interested in anything we sent their way. Lucky enough, an Isonychia landed on the boat. We tied on the pattern, dabbed it with floatant and cast it there way. The game was on. We fished the same pattern till the sun went down and disappeared behind the mountains. There is no doubt that fly fishing is the least efficient way to catch a fish, especially with barbless hooks, but it sure is the most rewarding. Hope you find some river time, just don’t ask me for my favorite spots.

THE BULLETIN

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 29,000 friends?

OH-BOY! MARKET returns to Andes on July 5th & 6th with 70+ incredible independent makers, small-batch goods, and the big summer energy we're ready for! Come for the goods! Stay for the good times! Snag your tickets.

Omega Institute located right in Rhinebeck is a place to reset your perspective, recharge your energy, and renew your connection to what matters most. Guided by world-class teachers and nearly 50 years of expertise, Omega creates the environment to discover clarity, connection, and purpose. Browse their 2025 programming.

ZAPWARE creator Becca Van K is a magnet for Lyme disease and mosquitoes, so naturally, she was on the hunt for comfortable, fashion-forward bug protection. When she couldn’t find what she wanted, she sewed her own — in the Catskills. Stay safe out there.

CATSKILL-OPOLY is back, embark on an unforgettable journey through the Catskills - buying, trading, and developing iconic locations to build your empire. Outsmart your competition. Show no mercy. GRAB A GAME

THE REPORT

Adopt Pets: This week we have a few friends looking for some homes, Mya who found her way back to the shelter (no fault of her own), Nebula who is on the hunt for a good fam, and Dr. Phil a Brooks Kingsnake (I think this is a first).

House of the Week: How about a 1968 Bavarian chalet tucked right up to Slide Mountain and the West Branch of the Neversink River.

The Sky Report: We got the strongest daytime meteor shower on its way. Wake up early on June 7th, head out before sunrise, and look towards Aries — you might spot some incredible “Earth-skimmers” skipping through our atmosphere. There will be endless meteors, and unlike most showers, this one’s fed by several parent bodies, not just a single comet.

Sunrise 5:23 AM
Sunset 8:29 PM
Fire Danger [low]
Air Quality [good]
Moon Phase [first quarter]

Want a Featured Event with a poster? Reach out. 
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The Catskills Charmed Circle Fly Classic is a collaboration between Housefly Fishing and West Kill Brewing. Proceeds will go toward Theodore Gordon Flyfishers and their conservation efforts in the area. Grab your tix.

Swing by Shandaken Inn every Saturday for Music in The Meadow. This week will be featuring Wyld Blu. Take a look.

TUESDAY 3RD

Tubby's, Kingston - Ohyung and Ben Seretan from 7-11pm have fun

WEDNESDAY 4TH

Catskill Center, Mount Tremper - Catskills Nature Explorers: Fire Tower Adventure from 10:30-11:30am it’s for the kiddos

The Pines, Mount Tremper - Music Night with Bourbon Sprawl from 7-9pm smash burgies

Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock - Music by Dean Wareham and Escape-ism at 8pm read more

Left Bank Ciders, Catskill - Northern Spy Reading at 6:30pm excellent

Avalon Lounge, Catskill - Mic Night from 6:30-9pm sing it

Rough Draft, Kingston - Game Night from 5:30-7:30pm my fellow nerds, assemble

Tubby's, Kingston - TERROR/CACTUS from 7-11pm funky and fun

Unicorn Bar, Kingston - Queer Trivia Pride Edition at 7:30pm details

THURSDAY 5TH

Sunshine Colony, Livingston Manor - Drinks for the House, a fundraiser for Catskills Community Land Trust from 6-9pm drink for a good cause

Mountain Top Arboretum, Tannersville - Story Walk in the Woodland at 10am this may be for the kids, I don’t know

The Rosendale Theatre, Rosendale - Live Theatre at 7:30pm a bunch more times

Unicorn Bar, Kingston - Rainbow Lounge with the LGBTQ+Center from 6-8pm deets

Tinker Street Cinema, Woodstock - Pee-wee's Big Adventure at 7pm what a film 

FRIDAY 6TH

Starlite Motel, Kerhonkson - Catskills Cocktail Club and Hecho Por Julia doing Friday night right from 5-9pm sip sip

New Memories, Parksville - FirstFriday Of Funk from 6:30-11pm more info

Subversive, Catskill - Oyster and lobster rolls from 4-8pm and live music from Eugene Tyler Band from 6-8pm have fun

Hummingbird, Catskill - Live music: Sarah Gross, Allie Sandt and The Birdhouse Babes at 6:30pm RSVP

The Half Moon, Hudson - Emo Night from 7-11pm ok ok

Deer Mountain Inn, Tannersville - Mountaintop Pride Weekend with Happy Hour and DJ from 4-7pm take a look

Ten Barn Farm, Ghent - Dusty Wright and Friends Concert from 7:30-9:30pm details

Ommegang Brewery, Cooperstown - Pride Fire Pit Friday “Scattered Flurries” from 6-10pm cheers

Athens Cultural Center, Athens - Opening Reception of Material Girl from 5-7pm more info

Sullivan Public, Eldred - Clothing Community Swap and screen printing workshop take a look at the details

SATURDAY 7TH

Catskill Water Discovery Center, Arkville - Managing Riparian Invasive Plants at 1pm learn stuff

Union Grove Distillery, Arkville - Kittens in the Catskills Burlesque at 8pm tix

Maverick Concerts, Woodstock - Live music by Brian Mitchell music, Bluestone quarry, and local school bands from 12-5pm enjoy

Opus 40, Saugerties - Silent Disco with 7pm details

White Feather Farm, Saugerties - Printing with the Sun from 10-1pm info and The Stonewall Inn Piano Bar(n) Pop Up from 5-8pm details

Kingston Land Trust, Kingston - Mushroom Awakening from 10am-12pm learn more

Unicorn Bar, Kingston - A Kingston Pride Party details

Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce, Narrowsburg - First Saturdays from 5-10pm details

Catskill Fly Fishing Museum, Livingston Manor - Saturday Fly Tyers Series - Mike Stewart from 11am-3pm tight lines

SUNDAY 8TH

Catskills Cycling Club, Kingston - 55 mile ride in the Western Catskills at 9am saddle up

Tusten Theatre, Narrowsburg - Enchant & Inspire with the DVAA and The Sullivan County Chamber Orchestra at 1pm sweet

West Kortright Center, East Meredith - Second Sundays: music by Nic Panken at 2pm take a gander

Left Bank Ciders, Catskill - Northeast Native Wildflower Seed Ball Workshop from 12-1pm very cool

Bearsville Theatre, Woodstock - Band of Horses at 8pm surprised there are still tix

The Local, Saugerties - Japanese Folk Jazz: Emi Makabe at 5pm take a look

MONDAY 9TH

Someone do something for us on Mondays