Apple Dave’s Orchards and Distillery
82 Four Corners Road
Warwick, NY
(845) 986-1684
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For many years, Apple Dave’s Orchard has been the go-to destination for those looking to pick their own apples in the fall or enjoy drinks year-round in the converted barn. Apple Dave’s is best known for distilling its 1840’s style apple jack, but now, owner Peter Hull is expanding the farm’s offerings with a series of exciting events. From live music to farm-to-table dinners, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful setting.
The summer event series, which started on May 13, features live music and a rotating food truck each Saturday.
“We have a great variety of music lined up, and an equally great variety of food trucks coming,” said Hull.
On June 14, he presented a farm-to-table dinner by chef Shibumi Jones, who runs a locally sourced supper club. Diners savored cucumber salad, grilled zucchini, chicken roulade and more.
He is also planning a July fundraiser for the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards paid apprenticeships for young adults to live on sustainable farms – to work, learn, and be inspired to create change in their communities.
The events add to the vitality of the farm where visitors can enjoy local beers, wine, mixed drinks and the orchard’s signature beverage, apple jack. Hull uses a 19th century process to make the spirit, freezing hard cider to remove the water and increase the alcohol content, repeating the cycle until it reaches about 24 proof.
“This was a farmer’s drink,” Hull said. “This was the easiest, simplest stuff in the world to make.”
But maybe not so easy to make it as good as Hull’s. He adds raisins and brown sugar to help with the fermentation. The result is a brandy characterized by the natural apple flavor.
“They say it tastes like apple pie in a glass,” Hull said. A customer from Montreal said it reminded her of calvados, a French apple brandy.
Add maple syrup and club soda and you’ve got a Deanna, the place’s signature drink. (Other libations include a Moscow Mule, an Old Fashioned and a popular drink called Lavender Fields.) The beers they serve come from nearby craft breweries – “any place we can walk to,” Peter Hull said.
Fortunately, they are near several, including the Destination Unknown Beer Company, The Drowned Lands and Tin Barn Brewing. Rushing Duck Brewing, five miles away, pushes the limit of walking distance, but Hull serves their brews, too.
Peter Hull is the son of David Hull, for whom Apple Dave’s is named. The orchard began when Donald Hull – David’s father – bought the land in 1949. Donald was a retired physician and prolific painter and his artwork still adorns the inside of the comfortable serving area, along with works from other local artists.
The setting also includes a lake that David Hull created in what was a swampy area. It’s a popular spot for people to walk and bring their dogs, which are welcome at Apple Dave’s (as long as the dogs are well-behaved around people).
Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, there are plenty of reasons to visit Apple Dave’s Orchard.
“We’re excited to welcome new friends and our regulars,” Peter Hull said. “Come join us for wonderful times and memories.”
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