Nestled in the charming town of Ashford, Connecticut, Westford Hill Distillers stands as a pioneer in the craft distillery movement. Founded in 1998 by Margaret and Louis Chatey, this hidden gem offers visitors a unique taste of New England’s first craft distillery, just minutes from I-84. When you visit Westford Hill Distillers, you’ll experience a relaxing and informative stop where you can sample their award-winning clear and aged brandies and vodka, all distilled on-premise.
For over 20 years, this family-owned distillery has been creating exceptional spirits that have caught the attention of national publications like Business Week, Saveur, Food & Wine, and The New York Times. While exploring northeastern Connecticut, you’ll find this distillery to be a must-see destination where tradition meets craftsmanship in a picturesque setting. The distillery’s commitment to quality has established it as a trailblazer in the craft spirits movement throughout New England.
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Westford Hill Distillers
Westford Hill Distillers stands as a gem in Connecticut’s craft spirits scene. Located in the charming town of Ashford, this family-owned distillery creates award-winning spirits using traditional European techniques. You’ll find their approach refreshingly authentic as they focus on quality over quantity.
When you visit Westford Hill, you can explore their beautiful property surrounded by rolling hills and scenic countryside. The distillery offers tours where you can learn about their unique distillation process and the local ingredients they use. Their brandy, eau-de-vie, and other spirits showcase the best of New England’s fruit harvests.
Beyond just being a distillery, Westford Hill also serves as an event venue. You might want to check their calendar for special tastings, seasonal celebrations, or private events. The rustic charm of the property makes it a perfect backdrop for gathering with friends or family.
The distillery’s dedication to craftsmanship has earned them a stellar reputation among spirit enthusiasts. You’ll appreciate their attention to detail in every bottle they produce, with many of their products winning recognition in international competitions.
Rating: 4.9 (24 reviews)
Location: 196 Chatey Rd, Ashford, CT 06278
Contact: (860) 429-0464
Website: Visit Website
History of Westford Hill Distillers
Westford Hill Distillers has deep roots in Connecticut’s heritage, with the property’s rich history dating back over three centuries and distilling traditions that have evolved from colonial times to today’s award-winning craft spirits.
Founding and Inspiration
Westford Hill Distillers was founded in 1998 by Margaret and Louis Chatey, making it New England’s first craft distillery. The Chatey family has maintained stewardship of this beautiful 200-acre property since 1919, though the land’s history stretches back much further, having been first settled in 1711.
What’s fascinating is that distilling has been part of this property’s heritage since the mid-1700s. When you visit, you’re experiencing a continuation of centuries-old traditions.
The Chateys drew inspiration from European distilling practices to create their own unique Connecticut spirits. Their pioneering vision helped launch the craft distilling movement in New England before it became the popular trend you see today.
Development Over the Years
Over the decades, Westford Hill has grown from a bold experiment to an internationally renowned distillery. They specialize in clear and aged brandies and vodka, all crafted on-premise in Ashford.
You’ll find their products featured in prestigious publications like Business Week, Saveur, Food & Wine, the New York Times, and Bon Appetit. These features recognize their role as pioneers in America’s craft spirits revival.
The distillery’s excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed locally either. The Town of Ashford named Westford Hill Distillers “Business of the Year,” with a special ceremony hosted by the Windham Chamber of Commerce.
When you visit today, you’re just a quick five-minute drive from I-84 (Exits 71 or 72), making it an accessible and informative stop during your exploration of northeastern Connecticut’s charming countryside.
Unique Distilling Process
Westford Hill Distillers stands out with its remarkable approach to creating craft spirits. Their methods blend traditional techniques with modern innovation while maintaining quality at every step.
Craftsmanship and Techniques
At Westford Hill, each spirit is carefully crafted in small batches using traditional copper pot stills. These beautiful stills aren’t just for show—they’re essential to creating the rich, complex flavors that make their products special.
The distillery follows European-style distilling methods that have been perfected over centuries. This approach requires patience and precision rather than rushing the process.
Tours of the facility reveal the fascinating science behind their distilling. You’ll see firsthand how temperature control and timing affect the final product. The Chatey family’s 20+ years of experience shines through in every bottle they produce.
Each spirit goes through multiple distillations to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Nothing is automated or rushed—it’s truly a handcrafted process from start to finish.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
New England’s bounty plays a starring role in Westford Hill’s spirits. The distillery takes advantage of Connecticut’s rich agricultural heritage by sourcing fruits and grains from nearby farms.
Their property’s 200 acres, under the family’s stewardship since 1919, provides the perfect environment for cultivating some ingredients. The clean New England water is another key component that enhances their spirits’ quality.
Seasonal fruits like pears and raspberries are harvested at peak ripeness to capture their full flavor profile. You can taste the difference that fresh, local ingredients make in every sip.
By working with local farmers, Westford Hill supports the regional economy while ensuring the freshest ingredients. This farm-to-bottle approach creates a unique taste that truly represents northeastern Connecticut’s terroir.
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