FINGER LAKES DISTILLING CELEBRATES 10+ YEARS IN BUSINESS
Producers & Purveyors of McKenzie Whiskey Hosting All Day Celebration Including a Release of First Single Malt on Saturday, September 21
Finger Lakes Distilling, one of the pioneers in the NYS craft distilling movement and a major destination in the Finger Lakes region, is now 10 years old. The distillery began producing in late 2008 and opened their tasting room, which hosts 35,000 people a year, in 2009. To commemorate this milestone, a full day of festivities are planned for Saturday, September 21 from 11 am - 10 pm.
The highlight of the day will be the highly-anticipated release of the first batch of McKenzie Single Malt Whiskey. McKenzie Single Malt is made from 100% malted barley, 75% of which was grown in New York State. “When we started our business, no one was malting barley in New York, so we had to do it ourselves. Since that time at least 15 malt houses have opened in the State. To my knowledge, this is one of the oldest craft-distilled whiskeys released in the U.S., to-date,” said Brian McKenzie, Founder and President. After a proper introduction by the Caledonian Highlanders Pipe & Drum Band, only 350 bottles will be available at the distillery starting at 12:30 PM.
The party will continue with live music by Groton Ave, Virgil Cain, Luke G & John Hayward, and Leah Brown and the Side Hustle. Handcrafted cocktails, beer, wine and food will be available all day. An in-depth tour of the production facility will be conducted at 11:00 AM (prior reservations are required). There will also be a lot of other fun activities, including a chance to break a Bloody Mary world record at 11:30 am, barrel bowling, barrel pong and a book signing by Don Cazentre, author of Spirits & Cocktails of Upstate New York. All details can be found on the distillery’s website (www.fingerlakesdistilling.com).
About Finger Lakes Distilling
Distilling since 2008, Finger Lakes Distilling is best known for producing their flagship line of award-winning McKenzie Whiskeys. With an emphasis on local ingredients, traditional distillation methods and sustainable practices, everything at Finger Lakes Distilling is handcrafted in small batches without any shortcuts. The full product line includes vodka, gin, whiskey, grappa, brandy, and liqueurs. Finger Lakes Distilling products have been recognized in publications such as the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and Chicago Tribune and are now sold in eight states.
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