137. Empire Rye: New York's Own Whiskey

Cidiot® sits down with Andrew and Michael, the duo behind FINCH, the Hudson lifestyle store that mixes vintage furniture and art with new design. Mat gets into how FINCH actually started — the leap from Andrew's career building luxury fashion stores and Michael's background in finance to opening a shop in Hudson. Plus, the genuinely sweet story of how a bird's nest (and a very confused house painter) gave the store its name.They also talk about growing a home and lifestyle brand beyond one storefront, the pull between staying small and going national, and how ventures like Sexy Gardener and their new bench and tabletop collection with local artist Helen Dealtry fit into that vision. And Andrew and Michael let two pieces of actual breaking news slip on tape: their new Tomato Leaf candle, and a scent launching this fall they almost swore Mat to secrecy over. Find out in the last episode minute!Special offer for CidiotsWant to discover the unique, layered shopping experience you're hearing all about? Visit FinchHudson.com to shop online and check out Michael's playlist, or visit the flagship store on Warren Street in Hudson — open every day. Celebrate the new scents with 10% off any new FINCH candle or room spray when you use code CIDIOT at checkout. One use per customer, for a limited time. Thanks, Finch!Recorded at Upstate Podcast Studio in Kingston, NY and edited by Drew English©2026 MCZ Media LLC. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

Head north to Old Chatham in the Hudson Valley with us for another walk-and-talk adventure — this time at Silver Brothers Distillery, set on a beautiful former sheep farm with rolling hills, open vistas, and serious "old money" energy. Host Mat Zucker sits down (and walks around) with founder Matt Greitzer — yes, two Matts for the price of one — who traded 25 years of NYC marketing and advertising for full-time farm life and a whiskey business named after his twin sons.Matt G. gives us the full grain-to-glass tour: the milling room, the mash tun, an echoey barrel room holding 610 barrels, and the difference between a hammer mill and a roller mill (it matters more than you'd think). We get into what makes New York whiskey distinct, the Empire Rye designation, why Matt's rye is naturally gluten-safe, and how climate shapes flavor from the Hudson Valley to Kentucky to Scotland. Then it's tasting time: the American Single Malt, the three-year rye, and the very limited Single Barrel Rye #8 — plus new vocabulary for your next tasting room visit, including "grapefruit pith" and "distiller's beer."🥃 Special offer for Cidiot listeners: Silver Brothers is offering a complimentary tour and tasting, just like the one Cidiot took. Head to silverbrothers.com, select "Tours and Tastings," book a tour, add it to your cart, and enter the discount code CIDIOT at checkout to make it free. The offer is for first-time customers only and available for a limited time — so book soon. And while you're at it, head to the Cidiot.com blog for a tasting guide so you can pour like a pro at home.🎧 Episode Timestamps[00:00] Cold open — Matt Greitzer on New York's Empire Rye designation[01:10] Cidiot theme song[01:20] Intro: heading to Old Chatham and Silver Brothers Distillery[02:50] Matt Greitzer's roots in the area and the path back home[05:20] From wine hobbyist to whiskey distiller[06:50] Why whiskey: grain, water, and barrels all on one farm[08:20] The story behind the name "Silver Brothers"[10:00] Property history — from working sheep farm to distillery[11:00] Grain prep and the difference between malted and unmalted barley[11:40] How malting works[12:10] Inside the milling room — hammer mill vs. roller mill[14:40] The production room and the mash tun[15:20] Mashing in and converting starch to sugar[16:00] Fermentation and "distiller's beer"[17:10] How a pot still works and the science of distillation[19:30] 🎁 Silver Brothers listener promo — complimentary tour & tasting[20:10] Into the barrel house — 610 barrels aging[20:20] Where the barrels come from (cooperages and used bourbon barrels)[21:30] Terroir, climate, and how geography shapes whiskey flavor[23:30] What Empire Rye is and why it matters for New York whiskey[24:30] Advice for whiskey "cidiots" just getting started[25:50] The tasting begins[27:20] Tasting the American Single Malt[29:10] Tasting the three-year rye[29:40] Tasting the Single Barrel Rye #8[31:20] Where to find Silver Brothers

Whether you are packing up a one-bedroom apartment or hauling a heavy, beloved upright piano between boroughs, moving is a massive, stressful milestone. In this episode of Cidiot, we are pulling back the curtain on the moving industry to unpack the mysteries of proper packing, budgeting, and storage.Mat sits down with Ryan Hart from Mabey’s Moving & Storage—Columbia County's newly crowned best moving company by the Register Star—to deliver the ultimate guide for cidiots on the move. Fun fact: Ryan was actually on the crew that moved Mat into his own Hudson home (though Mat admits his official moving strategy is total abandonment until the dust settles!).What We Unbox in This Episode:Pack Like a Pro: Why paper is your best friend over bubble wrap, and how to use the "blue tape" method to streamline your next local move.The Reality of Rates: What to actually expect from an estimate, and what a "white glove" service really adds to your timeline.Storage Secrets: The critical importance of climate control for your household goods (and your couple hundred missing books).Broker Beware: The massive red flags that signal you are dealing with a moving broker instead of a real, local brick-and-mortar company.Local Gems: Ryan shares his favorite escape in the Adirondacks and the absolute best cider donut/distillery combo in Columbia County.Special Live Read: We kick off the episode with a beautiful, moving live reading from Tony Barnstone, poet, author, and professor of literature and creative writing at Whittier College. Be sure to check out his beautifully illustrated book, Apocryphal Poems, linked below.Links & Resources Mentioned:Poetry: Apocryphal Poems by Tony Barnstone (Amazon)Our Trusted Mover: Call Mabey's Moving & Storage at 518-283-0017 for a free estimate, or visit them online to download their comprehensive "packing bible."Ready to dive in? Get out your blue tape, stay off the Reddit horror threads, and let’s get moving!Thanks for listening to Cidiot®. Come visit. And special thanks to Mabey’s Moving & Storage, and to guest editor Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio and host of Kaatscast: The Catskills Podcast.©2026 MCZ Media LLC. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

Ah, there is nothing quite like being out on the water—especially on our beloved Hudson River! 🌊In this episode of Cidiot®, we are diving headfirst into the boating lifestyle. I’m joined by Josh Rosella of Freedom Boat Club to talk about how they are making waves right here in the region. As the world’s largest boat club, they are opening up the water to everyone with three fantastic Hudson Valley locations spanning both sides of the river—Ossining, Haverstraw, and Piermont—plus a spot at Liberty Landing in Jersey City for our New Jersey listeners.We talk all about the incredible local boating lifestyle, including my absolute new obsession: "dock and dine" (because what is cooler than pulling up to a restaurant by boat?). Plus, Josh fills me in on what it actually means to go "sandbarring." 🎁 Special Offer for Cidiot Listeners!Ready to get out on the water yourself? Save $500 off your membership fee to Freedom Boat Club!Text “Cidiot” to Membership Director Vince at 845-271-2999, or email [email protected] and mention the Cidiot podcast.The offer is available to new members only and expires at the end of the 2026 boating season, in October.Thank you, Freedom Boat Club, and Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio and host of Kaatscast: The Catskills Podcast.©2026 MCZ Media LLC. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

New York City has the energy, but Columbia County has the air.Two years moving here from just 20 minutes south in the Hudson Valley, host Mat Zucker still feels like a bit of a "cidiot" sometimes—always eager to explore more of the incredible 635 square miles of valley, hills, farms, and villages right in his backyard.In this special episode, produced in collaboration with Columbia County Tourism, Mat serves up a very personal seasonal guide. Whether you're a foodie chasing the ultimate farm-to-table breakfast slot, an outdoor enthusiast hunting for hidden trails (and accessible restrooms!), or a shopper looking to bring a piece of the Hudson Valley home with you, we’ve got you covered.Best of all, you won't just hear from Mat. This episode features a collection of local voices dropping in via "audio postcards" to share their own favorite spots and neighborhood pride. Thanks for the audio postcards to: Chef Jonas at Serre (Hudson); Emily at Woodlife Market (New Lebanon); Matthew at Hillsdale General Store (Hillsdale); Bill from Kinderhook; and Emily at Clermont Historic Site. Consider this an open invitation from an entire county that’s ready for its close-up. Below are the places and links mentioned:Part 1 For Foodies:Cafes and Coffee Shops:Kitty’s (Hudson) The Maker Cafe (Hudson) Little Rico (Hudson) Wylde Hudson (Hudson) Moto Coffee/Machine (Hudson) Supernatural Coffee + Bakery (Hudson) Lev & Ida’s Sandwich Bar (Hudson)  Quinnie’s (Claverack) Bartlett House (Ghent)Fork & Whisk Cafe & Bakery (Chatham)Cook & Larder (Hillsdale)  Twisted Sisters Coffee House (Hillsdale) Otto’s Market (Germantown) Cupps Coffee (Germantown) Briskette & Birdie (Canaan)Blueberry Hill Market Cafe (New Lebanon)Country Diners:Dan’s Diner (Spencertown) Dove’s Diner (Ancram) Hudson Diner (Hudson)Breweries, Distilleries and Wines:Neverstill Wines Tasting Room (Hudson)Cooper’s Daughter Spirits at Olde York Farm (Claverack) Roe Jan Brewing Co. (Hillsdale)  Hillrock Estate DistillerySuarez Family Brewery (Clermont)  Hudson- Chatham Winery (Ghent) Finer, Fancier Dining:Serre at The Maker (Hudson)Bimi’s Canteen & Bar (Chatham) Shadow 66 - French (G

Just in time for Frederic Church’s 200th birthday, we’re taking you along for a "boots on" tour of the moving landscape he spent decades designing here in the Hudson Valley. I’m walking the carriage roads of the Olana Historic Site with Annik LaFarge, author of the new book Composing Olana: A Journey on Foot Through Frederic Church's Greatest Work of Art. It’s the first book about this thoughtful and artful landscape.You’ll hear the wind in the trees and the crunch of the gravel as we discover how Church used the earth itself as his canvas—from a man-made lake that mirrors the Hudson to the "erratic" boulders left behind by glaciers. Walking Olana, you’ll hear, is like "standing inside a painting." It’s an episode about seeing the hidden layers of the valley we love, sponsored by our friends at the Olana Partnership. We’ll learn a ton about Olana and about Frederic Church, who wasn’t necessarily a weekender but just might have been a cidiot. Annik and I also came up with a new sitcom idea: “Cole & Church.”Grab your walking shoes, let’s head outside.Links to Highlights:Olana Partnership Frederic Church 200th: (OLANA.org/FC200)Composing Olana: A Journey On Foot Through Frederic Church’s Greatest Work of Art (Cidiot Bookshop on Bookshop dot org)Germantown Boat LaunchCatskill Mountain House“He used features of the landscape as his characters.”—Annik LaFarge on Frederic ChurchThank you to The Olana Partnership for supporting this episode and guest editor Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio and host of Kaatcast: The Catskills Podcast.  Come visit.©2026 MCZ Media LLC. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

Let's go bean-to-bar.In this episode of Cidiot,® Mat Zucker dives into the world of world-class indulgence right here in the Hudson Valley. Joining the show is Bryan Graham, the award-winning chocolatier and co-founder of Fruition Chocolate Works.From his roots in the Catskills to the kitchens of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), Bryan shares his journey of building a bean-to-bar empire. We talk about the "American craft chocolate movement," why milk chocolate is making a massive comeback, and the surprising truth about where those cacao beans actually come from.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Fruit Factor: Why your favorite chocolate bar actually starts as a tropical fruit seed.Local Collaborations: How Fruition incorporates Hudson Valley flavors, from West Wind Orchard raspberries to Tuthilltown Distillery bourbon.The Tasting Notes: What to look for in a high-quality bar (and why "cocoa" vs. "cacao" isn't as scary as it sounds).Inside the Shop: The scoop on Fruition’s locations in Shokan, Poughkeepsie, and their new pop-up in Cambridge, MA.Whether you're a dark chocolate purist or a fan of "adult chocolate milk," this episode is a sweet celebration of local craft.Special Offer for Cidiot ListenersFruition Chocolate Works is offering 20% off for the Cidiot community! Use code CIDIOT20 at checkout.Shop Online: Fruition Chocolate WorksIn-Person: Visit the retail stores in Shokan (Route 28), Poughkeepsie (Eastdale Village), or the pop-up on 1316 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA. (Limit one use per customer. Valid online and in-store. For a limited time.)Links & Resources:Fruition Chocolate Works: fruitionchocolate.comAlleyway Ice Cream: Mentioned in the episode for their local collaboration - https://alleywayicecream.com/Stockade Tavern: Home of the legendary (and exclusive) Jalapeno Corn Nut snack - https://www.stockadetavern.com/Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to Cidiot on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocketcasts, or Goodpods and leave us a review!Special thanks to guest editor Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio, and host of Kaatscast: The Catskills Podcast.©2026 MCZ Media LLC. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

In this episode of Cidiot®, we explore the literal "connective tissue" of our region: the bridges. Host Mat Zucker is joined by Chris Steber, Public Information Officer for the New York State Bridge Authority, to discuss the five major vehicular crossings—from the "grand-daddy" Bear Mountain Bridge to the Rip Van Winkle.  We dive into the fascinating history of these landmarks, including why Franklin D. Roosevelt vetoed the first attempt at a northern bridge, the "engineering epic" of the Mid-Hudson Bridge construction, and the mystery of why the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge doesn't actually land in Rhinecliff or Kingston.The episode also highlights a truly unique marriage of infrastructure and art: Bridge Music. Composer Joseph Bertolozzi transformed the Mid-Hudson Bridge into a massive percussion instrument by recording the sounds of its cables and railings. If you're walking the bridge between April and October, look for the listening stations at each tower to hear the bridge's own soundtrack!Episode Highlights & Resources:Engineering History: Insights into the Bear Mountain Bridge Centennial Page and archival 1924 Fox Newsreel Footage of Bear Mountain Bridge of its construction. (Note: This footage was provided courtesy of the Moving Image Research Collection at the University of South Carolina.)Local Lore: The story of Monsignor Joseph Sheahan, the Poughkeepsie priest who campaigned for the Mid-Hudson Bridge, and the 1930 Universal Newsreel showing its grand opening.Chris’s Recommendations: Explore the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College or the "hidden gem" gardens at Wethersfield Estate & Garden. Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Joseph Bertolozzi for his generous permission to feature his music in this episode. We also want to extend gratitude to guest editor Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio and host of Kaatscast: The Catskills Podcast, for his expert help in bringing this story to life.©2026 MCZ Media LLC. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

After a brutal winter, spring in the Hudson Valley isn't just a temperature change—it’s a shift in soul. In this episode, Cidiot® explores the "palpable optimism" of the season, from the practical (and messy) realities of country living to the psychological power of starting fresh.Mat shares his 7-step guide to mastering spring upstate—covering everything from the melody of melting creeks and the return of outdoor farmers' markets to the essential "joiner" culture of CSAs. We also hear a moving reflection on the deeper meaning of the season. And from a conversation with Cidiot listener Jacqui Rose, we discuss the concept of "Springing Through" grief, the healing power of the Hudson Valley landscape, and the importance of rebuilding community after loss.Episode highlights:The Mud & The Melody: Why muck boots are your most important spring investment.Country Logistics: Fixing gravel driveways and the "Project" mindset.The Return of the Outdoors: Ending the boycott of indoor farmers' markets and the hunt for the best farm stands (Copake, Kingston, Montgomery Place, MX Morningstar, and Samascott Orchards).Car Soccer Memories: A tribute to Red Hook’s legendary (and flammable) town event.CSA 101: Why you should join a Community Supported Agriculture program (and yes, you will use all that lettuce).Spring Flavors: What’s actually in season, from ramps and fiddlehead ferns to maple syrup.Healing in the Valley: Jacqui Rose on moving through grief, becoming a "joiner," and finding a home in Slow Food Hudson Valley.Special Event Mention: Wild Hudson Valley, a fundraiser presented by Rigor Hill Farm at Liberty Farms.Date: Sunday, April 26Benefit: Supports Slow Food Hudson ValleyTickets at Slow Food Hudson Valley site Links to highlights mentioned in the episode:Slow Food Hudson ValleyMontgomery Orchard Wayside Stand, Red Hook Hearty Roots Community Farm, Clermont MX Morningstar, Claverack Samascott Orchards, Kinderhook Kingston Farmers Market, KingstonCopake Hillsdale Farmers Market, HillsdaleHudson Valley CSA Coalition Guest editor: Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio and host of the other most-awarded podcast in the region, Kaatcast: The Catskills Podcast.This episode's sponsor: Super-extra thanks to long-time Cidiot listener Jacqui Rose for sponsoring this beautiful episode and sharing her story, and helping us all “Spring through.” (If you'd like to sponsor an episode of Cidiot, please reach out via the Contact Us page at Cidiot.com.)Thanks, everyone, for tuning into magical Season 9! Come visit.©2026 MCZ Media LLC. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.

Who do you trust for the "real" news? In a landscape of paywalls and strictly managed county reporting, Mat sits down with Jeff Yeh, the man behind the largest social media news source in Hudson Valley's Columbia County. From tracking DUI arrests to questioning local political transparency, Jeff’s unconventional approach has earned him millions of views—and a fair share of controversy.In this episode of Cidiot®, Mat and Jeff discuss the "wild west" feel of Columbia County, the delicate balance of being a "local meddler," and why Jeff isn’t afraid to delete your comment if you won’t sign your name to it.Hyperlocal newspapers & blogs (please send in others you know of):Columbia County Morning News - "Start Your Day with with Yeah"A Little Beacon Blog (Beacon)Bluestone Press⁠ (Marbletown, Rochester, Rosendale)Columbia PaperCroton History & Mysteries (Croton)The Daily Catch (Red Hook and Rhinebeck)Daily Freeman (Ulster, Green & No. Dutchess Counties)The Gardiner Gazette (Gardiner):The Gossips of Rivertown (Hudson)The Highlands Current (Philipstown, Cold Spring, Garrison)Hudson Common Sense (Hudson)Hudson Valley One (Ulster County)Hudson Valley PostIMBY (several counties)Kingston Wire (Kingston) Mid-Hudson NewsOssining History on the Run (Ossining)Porcupine Soup News (Green County)Tgazette (Taghkanic)Trixie's List (Hudson)Visit Cidiot.com for more links and episodes. Thanks for tuning into Season 9!©2026 MCZ Media LLC. Cidiot® is a registered trademark.