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Our Story

 
 

Founders

Sophie Newsome
Owner, Flavor Developer, & Chief Creative Officer

Stuart Newsome
Owner, & Master Cooper

Rory Tice
Head Distiller & Chief Operating Officer

Louise Newsome
Owner

 

Reviving the legacy of J. Rensselaer's distillery & cooperage circa 1805

Cooper’s Daughter Spirits is a woman-owned and family operated distillery, cooperage, and apple orchard. The name of the distillery tells the story of a father and daughter who combined their passions to create a business together. Stuart Newsome’s passion is history and he had a 42 year career in historic restoration. His daughter, Sophie Newsome’s passion is the farm-to-table movement. When choosing a location for the distillery the Newsome family chose the fertile Hudson Valley region, so that they could be close to the farmers who inspire each of their spirits. The Newsome’s also chose to set up shop on a property that is part the National Register of Historic Places with two barns circa 1805 and 1790 that were in need of rehabilitation. The property is part of the historic Jacob Rutsen van Rensselaer House & Mill complex. Rensselaer also had his own distillery and cooperage in the early 1800’s.

Today the distillery and cooperage are located in the former carriage house along the Claverack Creek- 10 minutes from the city of Hudson. Local grain, fruit, botanicals, and tree syrups are the foundation for this distillery’s seasonal batch spirits. Barrels are handmade on site and are used to age bourbon and whiskey. On weekends, the distillery is open for drinks and food truck pop ups in the Cocktail Garden.

The apple orchard is located in Red Hook, NY, which was formerly known as Stagais Farm. The established 50 year old orchard is under rehabilitation and the apples will be used to make Cooper’s Daughter Vodka. Cooper’s Daughter is growing Pumpkins for the Pumpkin Spice Vodka and growing vintage roses for the Rose Liqueur at the orchard and plans to expand the crops grow for the distillery. Cooper’s Daughter also plans to re-open an existing farm stand on the property for tastings and bottle sales as well as host farmers' markets.

Owners, Louise & Sophie Newsome.

Owners, Louise & Sophie Newsome.

Owner, Stuart Newsome

Owner, Stuart Newsome

Head Distiller, Rory Tice.

Head Distiller, Rory Tice.