Romanian Distillery, Tasting Room Closer To Hudson Valley

CARMEL, NY — Plans to build the largest distillery on the East Coast in Putnam County have moved forward another step with a new state law allowing the Alexandrion Group, a Romanian company, to not only manufacture alcoholic products but also sell them as a retailer.

Alexandrion is investing $40 million constructing the 118,400-square foot distillery on Seminary Hill Road in the hamlet of Carmel. It will include a visitors center and tasting rooms for patrons.

The legislation was signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday, Assemblyman Kevin Byrne announced.

Byrne said he and state Sen. Pete Harckham were alerted of the need for legislative action late in the 2019 session. They moved quickly to introduce legislation to fix the problem, and then worked together to ensure the bill passed their respective committees and reached the floor for a vote before the session ended for the year.

“I thank the Governor for signing our legislation into law. This distillery will help provide an economic boost to our community and provide a new stream of revenue to Putnam County,” Byrne said in the announcement. “I am thrilled that by working together, we were able to get this bill introduced, passed in both houses and signed into law in less than six months. The construction and operation of the distillery will bring over 100 jobs to the area and help generate new revenue to ease the local tax burden. It’s encouraging to see a business-friendly bill like this move through the process at such a quick pace.”

Alexandrion is Romania's largest spirits producer, and this will be its first United States distillery, producing premium spirits tailored for the U.S. market such as whiskey, bourbon, gin, brandy and vodka.

“We moved and passed this legislation, in record time, so the Alexandrion Group’s distillery could open in Carmel, bringing over 100 jobs, countless visitors and new tax revenue to the town. Thank you, Governor Cuomo, for signing this important bill that will boost the economy of the town and region,” Harckham said.

The company hopes to open the distillery and tasting room in 2020.

“I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important legislation, and once again, I applaud both Assemblyman Byrne and Sen. Harckham for getting this legislation passed in such a short amount of time. The Town of Carmel stands to benefit greatly from this project; whether it is through job-creation, easing of the tax burden or greater economic activity for local merchants. It’s a win-win for us all,” Carmel Town Supervisor Ken Schmitt said.

The company announced plans to expand manufacturing into the United States in 2017. Empire State Development, New York's chief economic development agency, offered the company up to $2.7 million in performance-based tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program.

“Alexandrion is sincerely thankful to Governor Cuomo for signing this bill. It has been a pleasure to work with Senator Harkham and Assemblyman Byrne on the legislation and we are looking forward to commence our project," said Stelios Savva, CEO of Alexandrion. "With all the support we have been given it is clear we made the right decision to build the largest distillery on the east coast here in New York.”

SEE: Romanian Firm To Open Hudson Valley Distillery, Tasting Room