Cathy Franklin and husband Jeffrey Baker, founders of Hillrock Estate Distillery are ardent advocates of the “field-to-glass” movement. Located in the verdant Hudson Valley, Hillrock produces super premium, authentic artisanal spirits from revived grain fields surrounding the historic estate.
Cathy and Jeffrey carefully designed Hillrock to honor the regional history and are committed to organic farming and hardy heirloom grains—the latter of which eventually find their way to the Hillrock malt house, one of the first purpose-built American distillery malt house since Prohibition.
From their meticulously restored 1806 Georgian farmhouse on the estate, Cathy runs the Hillrock’s sales, marketing, distribution, public relations, and events. Recently, she worked with the distillery team to craft the bestselling “Cathy’s Cuvee,” her own special blend of their flagship Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey.
Simultaneously, she remains one of Manhattan’s top real estate brokers of luxury properties as well as mother to three grown sons and a pair of adorable Australian Shepherds.