Distillery profile

Adirondack Distilling Co.

Explore the distillery's history, craft, production, and the distinctive character of its whiskies.

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Adirondack Distilling Company

Short overview of the Distillery

Adirondack Distilling Company in Utica produces a range of handcrafted spirits using local ingredients, from a lightly aged white whiskey to Central New York's first legal bourbon. The distillery blends modern German stills with local innovations such as filtration through Herkimer diamonds, with a clear local focus: water from the Adirondack Mountains and corn from the surrounding area form the basis of production.

History

Founding and Initiative

Adirondack Distilling was established by master distiller Jordan Karp together with Dr. Bruce Elwell and attorney Steve Cox. Jordan Karp left his previous job as a political consultant to become part of a local movement that aims to reconnect with Upstate New York's food and drink traditions. The founders have emphasized local ingredients and craftsmanship in building the distillery.

Revival of a Historic Building

The distillery is housed in a historic building that previously housed the business operations of the 125-year-old F.X. Matt Brewing Co. The building later became a concert hall, before it fell into disrepair; Adirondack Distilling has revitalized the space and integrated modern German distillation technology within the historic setting.

Local Raw Material Profile and Product Focus

Since opening, the distillery has focused on using 100% locally grown corn for certain spirits, water from the Adirondack Mountains, and local specialties such as filtration with Herkimer diamonds. They produce a range of products from white whiskey to Central New York's first legal bourbon.

Raw Materials and Production

From grain to bottle, Adirondack works with locally grown corn and water from the Adirondack Mountains. Distillation takes place on state-of-the-art German stills, and vodka is triple-distilled for extra purity. A notable feature is the special filtration through local Herkimer diamonds, used to provide clarity and finish. Craftsmanship includes careful separation of the different fractions during distillation, and the distillery's setup enables producing a wide range of products—from white, lightly aged corn whiskies to bourbon, gin and vodka.

Maturation and Barrel Types

Maturation takes place in charred oak barrels, and some of the distillery's products are described as lightly aged with subtle oak notes. The general practice includes finishing in charred oak, which is highlighted as part of the artisanal approach to creating balanced spirits.

Whiskies

The lineup spans Adirondack's flagship products: vodka, gin, a white whisky and bourbon, including products referred to as 1000 Stills White Whisky and 601 Bourbon. The products are marketed widely across New York State and through local outlets. Several of the distillery's spirits have earned international awards, reflecting a focus on both quality and regional identity.

Whisky Type / Series Cask and Style Flavor Profile Status
1000 Stills White Whisky White whisky / corn whisky Charred oak barrel Lightly aged corn whisky with light oak character. Current; Core Range; Available in the distillery's lineup and in New York State
601 Bourbon Bourbon Charred oak barrel New York’s first legal bourbon made from 100% locally grown corn. Current; Core Range; Available in the distillery's lineup and in New York State
Adirondack Whisky Flagship whisky in the distillery's lineup, noted as a Gold Medal recipient at the International Spirits Competition. Current; Core Range; Available in the distillery's lineup
Adirondack Bourbon Bourbon Charred oak barrel Bourbon noted as Central New York's first legal bourbon and described as complex with notes of toffee and dark chocolate. Current; Available in the distillery's lineup

Whiskies: Style and Flavor Profile

Flavor profiles span a broad range: gin described as citrus- and berry-focused with notes of ginger and vanilla, vodka highlighted for its clean, crisp finish, while the bourbon is described with toffee and dark chocolate notes. White whiskey is noted as lightly aged with subtle oak undertones. Taken together, these directions form a picture of a distillery that embraces freshness, spice, and sweeter, fudgy tones.

Visit the Distillery

The distillery offers guided tours Monday through Saturday by appointment, where visitors can see the German stills in action, learn about the process from grain to glass, and participate in tastings or classes. Opening hours are listed as Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, but tours require advance booking. Guests are often greeted by two mascot cats, Gin and Tonic, as part of the experience. The visit takes place in a historic revived building in Utica.

The stated opening hours are Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Tours are available Monday through Saturday by appointment.

Philosophy and Craft

Adirondack Distilling emphasizes local ingredients, craft, and quality at every stage. They combine modern distillation technology with local specifics such as filtration through Herkimer diamonds and a focus on supporting regional agriculture. Each step in production is carefully handled, from milling the grain to aging in oak barrels.

Sustainability

Focus on local sourcing of ingredients and support for regional agriculture.

Prizes and Recognitions

  • Gold Medal (Gold Medal, Adirondack Whisky)

  • Silver Medal (Silver Medal, Mountain Fresh Gin)

  • Platinum Award (Platinum Award, Pure Adirondack Vodka)

  • Double Gold (Double Gold, Adirondack Bourbon)