Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Handcrafted Hudson Valley Excellence

Updated → September 2025

A sophisticated wheated bourbon from New York's Hudson Valley, Blue Stone Manor delivers smooth vanilla and caramel notes with a 5-year age statement and celebrity backing. At 90 proof, this small-batch spirit offers exceptional value at Pascale's Wine & Liquors.

The New York Bourbon Renaissance

The Empire State has emerged as an unexpected powerhouse in American bourbon production, challenging Kentucky's traditional dominance with innovative approaches and local terroir. Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey exemplifies this movement, bringing Hudson Valley craftsmanship to discerning bourbon enthusiasts throughout New York and beyond.

New York's distilling renaissance builds upon centuries of tradition, from pre-Prohibition rye whiskey production to today's grain-to-glass movement. The state's four-season climate creates unique aging conditions that impart distinctive characteristics to locally produced spirits. Temperature fluctuations in the Hudson Valley accelerate the interaction between whiskey and oak barrels, developing complex flavor profiles in relatively shorter timeframes compared to more temperate climates.

The resurgence of craft distilling in New York has attracted passionate artisans who combine traditional techniques with modern innovation. These distillers benefit from access to exceptional local grains, pure water sources from the Catskill Mountains, and a supportive community of fellow producers who share knowledge and resources.

Spirits Lab Distillery Heritage

Located in Newburgh's historic district, Spirits Lab Distillery represents four decades of distilling expertise concentrated into a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2019. The distillery's location near George Washington's Revolutionary War headquarters connects modern craft distilling with America's founding spirit of independence and innovation.

Spirits Lab's commitment to using exclusively New York-grown grains and botanicals demonstrates their dedication to terroir-driven spirits production. This farm-to-bottle philosophy ensures complete traceability and quality control while supporting local agriculture. The distillery's master blenders bring extensive experience in developing, distributing, and marketing small-batch spirits, creating products that balance tradition with contemporary tastes.

The warm reception from the Hudson Valley community has enabled Spirits Lab to expand their portfolio while maintaining their artisanal approach. Their expertise in barrel selection and blending has become particularly evident in Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey, where each barrel undergoes rigorous evaluation before inclusion in the final blend.

The Bluestone Manor Legacy

The bourbon's namesake, Bluestone Manor in the Berkshires, carries its own storied history. This iconic Massachusetts estate, owned by entrepreneur and television personality Dorinda Medley, inspired the creation of this distinctive bourbon. Medley's vision for the spirit was deeply personal, honoring her late husband Richard's appreciation for fine bourbon while creating something entirely new.

The manor itself, rumored to have served as a speakeasy during the 1920s Prohibition era, symbolizes a sanctuary for self-expression and freedom. This historical connection adds romantic appeal to the bourbon, linking contemporary craft distilling with America's complex relationship with alcohol regulation and cultural rebellion.

Production & Aging Process

The production of Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey begins with careful grain selection from New York farms. The distillery's relationships with local farmers ensure consistent quality and sustainable agricultural practices. Each batch starts with precise milling to optimize starch conversion during fermentation.

Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vessels using proprietary yeast strains that enhance the grain's natural sweetness while developing complex congeners that contribute to the final flavor profile. The distillation process utilizes traditional copper pot stills, which provide superior control over the distillate's character and allow for precise cuts between heads, hearts, and tails.

The aging process represents the most critical phase in developing this bourbon's distinctive character. Each batch ages for a minimum of five years in Independent Stave Company's Cooper's Select 53-gallon oak barrels. These barrels undergo air seasoning that allows natural elements including light, humidity, and beneficial fungal activity to enhance the oak's chemistry organically. This natural seasoning process creates more complex wood sugars and reduces harsh tannins, resulting in a smoother, more refined bourbon.

Wheated Bourbon Mash Bill

The carefully crafted mash bill consists of 70% corn, 25% wheat, and 5% malted barley, placing this bourbon firmly in the wheated category alongside prestigious brands like Pappy Van Winkle and W.L. Weller. The high wheat content replaces the spicier rye typically found in bourbon, creating a softer, more approachable profile with enhanced sweetness and creamy mouthfeel.

Corn provides the bourbon's foundational sweetness and body, while the substantial wheat component adds layers of vanilla, honey, and subtle bread-like notes. The malted barley, though comprising only 5% of the mash bill, plays a crucial role in providing enzymes necessary for starch conversion while contributing delicate nutty and chocolate undertones.

Tasting Notes & Profile

Upon pouring Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the deep golden caramel color immediately signals quality aging and proper barrel interaction. The legs that form on the glass indicate the whiskey's medium body and 45% ABV strength.

The nose opens with inviting vanilla and cinnamon aromatics, followed by hints of dried fruit that add complexity without overwhelming the senses. Deeper investigation reveals burnt sugar, toasted cloves, and threads of dark red fruit, possibly cherry or blackberry. Subtle notes of cocoa and oak sawdust indicate the five-year aging while maintaining youthful vibrancy.

On the palate, this bourbon demonstrates remarkable gentleness despite its 90 proof strength. Initial impressions of crème brûlée and vanilla cream give way to toasted dark cherry brightness. The wheat's influence becomes apparent through the whiskey's velvety texture and absence of harsh burn. Mid-palate development brings forward baking spices, particularly cinnamon and nutmeg, while maintaining exceptional balance.

The finish extends into a warm, medium-long conclusion characterized by spicy oak notes that avoid excessive tannins or bitterness. Lingering sweetness reminiscent of caramel and vanilla extract provides a satisfying conclusion that invites another sip.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey allows for multiple serving approaches. For purists, serving neat in a Glencairn glass at room temperature reveals the bourbon's full complexity. Allow the whiskey to rest for several minutes after pouring to let the alcohol vapors dissipate and the aromatics develop fully.

Adding a few drops of room temperature water can open up additional flavors, particularly highlighting the wheat's sweetness and revealing hidden fruit notes. The ideal water-to-whiskey ratio varies by personal preference, but starting with just 2-3 drops per ounce provides a good baseline for experimentation.

For those preferring their bourbon on the rocks, use large ice cubes or spheres that melt slowly to avoid excessive dilution. The gradual chilling and slight dilution can make this bourbon even more approachable for casual sipping while maintaining its essential character.

Cocktail Applications

The smooth, wheated profile makes this bourbon exceptional in classic cocktails. In an Old Fashioned, the bourbon's natural sweetness requires less simple syrup than typical, allowing the whiskey's character to shine through the bitters and citrus oils. Use a light hand with sweeteners and let the bourbon's vanilla notes complement the aromatic bitters.

Manhattan cocktails benefit from this bourbon's gentle nature, creating a more refined drink that doesn't overpower quality vermouth. The wheat component harmonizes beautifully with sweet vermouth's herbal complexity, while the bourbon's fruit notes echo through the cocktail.

For summer entertaining, this bourbon excels in Mint Juleps where its smoothness allows the mint's freshness to coexist without competition. The natural vanilla and caramel notes provide sweetness that reduces the need for added sugar, creating a more balanced and refreshing cocktail.

Food Pairing Guide

The culinary versatility of Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey extends from appetizers through desserts. The bourbon's sweetness and spice profile complement grilled meats particularly well, especially when incorporating bourbon-based glazes or marinades that echo the whiskey's flavor components.

Cheese pairings work exceptionally well, particularly aged cheddars whose sharpness contrasts with the bourbon's sweetness while their creamy textures harmonize with the wheat's influence. Blue cheeses create interesting flavor interplay, with the bourbon's vanilla notes softening the cheese's pungency.

For dessert pairings, dark chocolate items highlight the bourbon's subtle cocoa notes while the whiskey's sweetness balances chocolate's bitterness. Pecan pie represents an ideal match, with the bourbon's caramel and vanilla notes echoing the dessert's flavor profile while cutting through its richness.

Market Comparison

When evaluating Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey against competitors, several factors distinguish it in the crowded bourbon market. At the $46.99 price point at Pascale's Wine & Liquors, it competes directly with established brands like Buffalo Trace, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and Maker's Mark.

Compared to Buffalo Trace's traditional bourbon mash bill with rye, Blue Stone Manor's wheated profile offers a distinctly different experience focused on smoothness over spice. The five-year age statement provides an advantage over many competitors that offer no age statement or younger whiskeys at similar prices.

Against Maker's Mark, another wheated bourbon, Blue Stone Manor holds its own with comparable smoothness but potentially more complex barrel influence from the specialized Cooper's Select barrels. The New York terroir also provides unique character absent from Kentucky-produced bourbons.

Value Proposition

The value proposition extends beyond mere price comparison. Supporting New York distilleries contributes to local economic development and agricultural sustainability. The celebrity connection through Dorinda Medley adds collectibility and conversation value that enhances the ownership experience.

The quality-to-price ratio remains competitive, especially considering the five-year age statement, wheated mash bill, and small-batch production methods. Many craft distilleries charge premium prices for younger whiskeys, making this bourbon's maturity and refinement particularly noteworthy.

Collector's Appeal

Collectors appreciate Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey for several reasons beyond its liquid contents. The distinctive decanter-style bottle design, personally selected by Dorinda Medley, stands out on any bar shelf and makes an impressive gift presentation.

The limited production nature of craft distillery releases creates natural scarcity that can drive future value appreciation. As Spirits Lab continues developing its reputation, early bottlings may become increasingly sought after by enthusiasts documenting the distillery's evolution.

The celebrity connection adds another collecting dimension, appealing to both bourbon enthusiasts and pop culture collectors. The intersection of craft spirits and reality television creates a unique market niche that few other bourbons occupy.

Purchase Guide

When purchasing Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Pascale's Wine & Liquors, consider buying multiple bottles if you enjoy the initial tasting. Craft distillery batches can vary slightly, and securing bottles from a batch you particularly enjoy ensures consistency for future enjoyment.

The bourbon makes an excellent gift for whiskey enthusiasts, particularly those interested in exploring beyond traditional Kentucky bourbons. The presentation quality and story behind the brand add gift-giving value beyond the whiskey itself.

Consider joining Pascale's mailing list or loyalty program to receive notifications about new arrivals and special promotions. Building relationships with knowledgeable staff can provide insights into batch variations and recommendations for similar products you might enjoy.

Storage & Preservation

Proper storage ensures your investment maintains quality over time. Store bottles upright to prevent cork deterioration from prolonged alcohol contact. Unlike wine, bourbon doesn't improve after bottling, but proper storage prevents degradation.

Maintain consistent temperature between 60-70°F, avoiding extreme fluctuations that can cause expansion and contraction affecting the seal. Keep bottles away from direct sunlight, which can alter color and potentially affect flavor compounds.

Once opened, bourbon gradually oxidizes, potentially changing flavor profiles over months or years. While not spoiling in the traditional sense, consider transferring remaining whiskey to smaller bottles if the original becomes less than half full, minimizing air exposure.

Final Verdict

Spirits Lab Blue Stone Manor Straight Bourbon Whiskey represents an impressive achievement in New York craft distilling. The combination of thoughtful production methods, quality ingredients, and careful aging produces a bourbon that competes favorably with established brands while offering unique character derived from Hudson Valley terroir.

The wheated mash bill provides approachability for bourbon newcomers while offering sufficient complexity to engage experienced enthusiasts. At $46.99 from Pascale's Wine & Liquors, it delivers exceptional value considering the five-year age statement and small-batch production quality.

Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in premium cocktails, this bourbon demonstrates versatility that justifies its place in any whiskey collection. The added appeal of supporting New York distilling and the interesting backstory enhance the overall ownership experience beyond the liquid itself.