Hudson Back Room Deal 750ML is a 92-proof (46% ABV) New York straight rye whiskey finished in ex-bourbon barrels seasoned with peated Scotch whisky. It earned a Double Gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 92 points from Whisky Advocate, establishing it as one of the more compelling peat-influenced American ryes on the market.Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 Proof) | Origin: Hudson Valley, New York, USA | Minimum 3 Years Old | Distillery: Tuthilltown SpiritsProduction & HeritageTuthilltown Spirits Distillery, located in Gardiner, New York, was founded in 2003 and became one of the first legal pot-still distilleries in New York since Prohibition. The Hudson whiskey brand is now owned by William Grant & Sons. Back Room Deal starts with a mashbill of 95% New York-grown rye and 5% malted barley, aged a minimum of three years in new, charred American oak barrels. What makes this expression singular is its finishing process: ex-Hudson bourbon barrels are shipped to Scotland and filled with peated Scotch whisky; once those barrels are emptied, they travel back to New York, where they receive the straight rye for a final maturation period. This transatlantic barrel journey layers authentic Scotch peat smoke onto a spicy New York rye backbone — a technique few American distilleries attempt.Tasting NotesAroma: A gentle wave of peat smoke greets the nose first, followed by soft vanilla, ripe apricot, and warm brown sugar. The smokiness is present but restrained, letting the rye grain and stone fruit come through clearly.Taste: The entry is bright and fruity, quickly joined by black pepper, fresh mint, and assertive rye spice at mid-palate. As the whiskey opens up, the peat influence weaves in alongside dark chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts. The balance between smoky and spicy elements stays remarkably even throughout.Finish: Long and smoke-driven, with peat lingering well past the last sip and a trailing sweetness that prevents the finish from turning dry. A subtle peppery undertone holds on at the very end.How to Drink Back Room DealNeat or with a few drops of water is the most rewarding approach — water opens the apricot and brown sugar notes while taming the peat. On the rocks, the smoke character rounds out and the rye spice softens into a smooth, approachable sipper. Penicillin: The peat finish mirrors the smoky Islay Scotch float in this modern classic, letting Back Room Deal serve double duty as both the base spirit and the smoke element. Boulevardier: Dark chocolate and caramel notes complement sweet vermouth and Campari, while the smoke adds unexpected depth. Manhattan: The rye spice provides the traditional backbone, and the peat introduces a savory twist that stands up to rich, sweet vermouth. Best For Scotch drinkers exploring American rye for the first time Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who values unusual barrel finishes Building a home bar shelf of distinctive, limited-production ryes Hosting a comparative tasting of peat-influenced American whiskeys Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Back Room Deal taste like? It delivers a core of bright rye spice, black pepper, and mint balanced by rich dark chocolate, caramel, and smoky peat notes acquired during its unique finishing process. The finish is long, with lingering peat smoke and a touch of sweetness.How does Back Room Deal compare to High West Campfire? High West Campfire achieves its smokiness by blending bourbon, rye, and peated Scotch into a single bottling, while Back Room Deal is a straight rye whiskey that picks up peat character through barrel finishing rather than blending. Back Room Deal tends to express a more pronounced rye spice backbone, whereas Campfire leans into a broader, multi-grain complexity.Is Back Room Deal good for sipping neat? Yes — at 46% ABV it carries enough intensity to reward neat sipping without excessive burn, and a few drops of water further open the fruit and smoke layers.Where is Back Room Deal made? It is distilled at Tuthilltown Spirits Distillery in Gardiner, New York, situated in the Hudson Valley. The finishing barrels travel to Scotland and back as part of the production process, making it a transatlantic collaboration of sorts.What foods pair well with Back Room Deal? Smoked salmon or smoked trout echo the peat character. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the brown sugar sweetness. Dark chocolate truffles amplify the cocoa notes on the palate. Grilled lamb chops complement the rye spice and smoke. Charcuterie with peppery salami mirrors the black pepper and spice.What sizes does Back Room Deal come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is Back Room Deal worth the price? Back Room Deal positions as a premium craft rye, justified by its unique transatlantic barrel-finishing process, its three-year minimum age statement, and its strong critical recognition including a Double Gold medal. Within the peat-influenced American whiskey niche, it delivers distinctive character that is difficult to find elsewhere at this tier.Why Back Room Deal?The transatlantic barrel journey is not a gimmick — shipping casks to Scotland and back is expensive and time-consuming, and the result is a genuinely different flavor profile that no simple peat-smoked malt addition could replicate. A 92-point score from Whisky Advocate and Double Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirm that the execution matches the concept. The 95% rye mashbill using New York-grown grain gives the whiskey a regional identity that connects it to its Hudson Valley home. For anyone seeking a rye that bridges the gap between American grain-forward whiskey and Scotch peat smoke, Back Room Deal occupies a space very few bottles can claim.
