Our next stop of the day took us to our first distillery visit of the trip, and wow--Finger Lakes…read moreDistilling did not disappoint. What surprised us most? This was our very first time visiting, and we hadn't even realized they had been established since 2007! Knowing that they had been perfecting their craft for over 17 years, we were eager to dive into the tasting experience and see what they had to offer. The tasting room had a laid-back yet polished feel, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to guide us through their lineup of small-batch, handcrafted spirits. The distillery prides itself on using locally sourced grains and fruits, and you could tell from the first sip that quality and attention to detail were at the heart of their process. The Tasting Lineup I opted for a tasting of four different spirits, and after enjoying those, I was encouraged to try two more--a bonus that made the experience even better. Here's what I sampled: 1 Straight Bourbon - This was beautifully balanced, with sweet corn and vanilla upfront, followed by a warming spicy rye kick on the finish. Smooth yet complex, it was a fantastic introduction to their bourbon lineup. 2 Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - A true standout, this one had rich caramel and toasted oak flavors, along with the perfect balance of spice and warmth. Aged for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof, it had a bold yet refined character that made it easy to appreciate. 3 McKenzie Straight Rye - If you're a fan of rye whiskey, this one is for you. It had that signature spicy rye bite, but what really made it unique was the sweet sherry cask finish, adding a layer of richness and complexity that lingered beautifully. 4 Bottled-in-Bond Rye - One of the most interesting pours of the day, this rye was bursting with flavors of chocolate, nougat, and dried red fruit. The influence of the barrel aging was prominent, giving it a decadent, almost dessert-like quality while still holding onto its classic rye spice. After those four, I couldn't resist trying two additional spirits: 5 Apple Brandy (Aged 10 Years) - A masterfully aged apple brandy that showcased deep, caramelized apple flavors, balanced with warm baking spices and oak influence. The 10 years in the barrel really allowed this spirit to develop incredible depth and smoothness. 6 Grappa - This was an unexpected favorite--simply sensational. Grappa can sometimes be overpowering, but this one was smooth, refined, and packed with rich grape flavors, making it one of the best versions I've tried. Taking a Piece of Finger Lakes Distilling Home While every single pour was impressive, the one that stood out the most for me was the Straight Bourbon--so much so that I had to bring a bottle home. It reminded me of a classic Rye Whiskey, with just enough spice to keep things interesting but smooth enough to sip neat. Final Thoughts Finger Lakes Distilling far exceeded expectations, and I can't believe it took us this long to visit! With their commitment to quality, incredible range of spirits, and inviting tasting experience, this is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Finger Lakes region--whether you're a bourbon lover, rye enthusiast, or just appreciate finely crafted spirits. It was the perfect stop to break up a day of wineries and breweries, offering something distinctly different yet equally enjoyable. Next time, I'd love to stay a little longer, maybe sip on a whiskey cocktail and take in the atmosphere even more. Cheers to great whiskey and new discoveries!

Had a fun time. Went in by myself. Had a good day, felt accomplished and needed a break. I had one…read moreof their Vodka Spritzers. They had options to infuse it with different flavors. I chose blueberry and ginger. It was delicious. I loved that she added 4 plump delicious blueberries on a toothpick in the drink. The bartender/hostess Lisa was super nice and helpful. I sat and had my cocktail. Chatted up with some tourists, it was all very pleasant and relaxing. I love their Vodka that is made with grapes. It's nice and smooth. Would make an excellent Martini. The vibe is super welcoming. I was in there during a slow time, of day in the middle of the week, but they still had a fair amount of business during this time. It was just what I needed, quite pleasant conversation, and a cool cocktail. I imagine it can get quite crowded and loud during the weekend. They have some cool gift items, martini shaker sets, Olives and Olive juice, and some different flavored syrups that they actually use behind the bar. The cherry on top for me would have been if they served Martinis. The bartender was so sweet, when I ordered one, she said it had been a while, but was willing it give it a go. I declined and asked for her suggestion, and as a result I had my wonderful cocktail mentioned above. So, all was good in my world. Plus Lisa and I had fun making a new creation. She said she never did made it with blueberry and ginger! It was fantastic and refreshing. My reason for declining the martini, was because for me the perfect Martini is served in a chilled Martini glass. Which I don't think they had. I did find it odd that you can buy everything you need to buy and take home to make a martini, but do not have it on the menu. Hopefully in the future they will make their own signature martini, perhaps blueberry. Cause I tell you that blueberry syrup, in a chilled Martini glass, with a splash of vermouth, with their grape Vodka, and the blueberry garnish, would have been sublime! I will definitely be back and In the end I was super happy with the drink, it was much more refreshing than a martini. Thank you Lisa it was an excellent suggestion. I ended up buying a bottle of Vodka, and the blueberry syrup. The blueberry syrup had a hint of vinegar in it, and I thought it would make an excellent reduction sauce for my deserts. I also thought I could make a nice salad dressing with it too. Or maybe it's just time for me to chill my Martini glasses at home. Ooh, I almost forgot. They have out outdoor seating, and a woman came in and ordered two drinks, and mentioned she was sitting outside because she has her dog. The bartender told her dogs are welcome both inside and outside. I loved hearing this, maybe next time I will bring my dog. This is also one of the things I love about this side of the finger lakes, dogs are welcome in a lot of businesses.