History

Finger Lakes Distilling is the region's first stand-alone distillery and a NYS farm distillery. Located overlooking Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region, they use locally grown fruits and grains to produce high-quality handmade spirits. According to the site, they are pioneers in New York State spirits and offer an award-winning selection of whiskey, vodka, gin, brandy, and liqueurs.

Production / Manufacturing

Distillation setup

The distillery operates with two copper stills. The first is a 350-gallon pot still with a 20-foot-high rectification column (made by Holstein Company in Germany). The second is a 25-foot continuous still and copper thumper from Vendome Copper & Brass Works, primarily used for craft whiskies. The two stills offer a view into the meticulous production that can be observed from the tasting room.

Farm Distillery and raw materials

As a NYS farm distillery, they use locally grown fruits and grains. Whiskies rest in their own oak barrels and mature until they are sufficiently aged to be offered as mature spirits. The traditional approach is evident in the production of both whiskey and other products, where flavor notes and balance are prioritized. Our flavored vodkas and liqueurs are produced by infusing the spirits with fruits, without using artificial extracts or colors.

Production and philosophy

According to the site, whiskeys rest in oak barrels longer as needed until they reach a rich, matured character. The whole process emphasizes craftsmanship and patience without shortcuts.

Products / McKenzie Whisky Series

• McKenzie Straight Bourbon — a rich and spicy bourbon with a mash bill consisting of NY-grown grains, delivering caramel and vanilla like a classic bourbon. The finish is dry with a balanced touch of rye spice to balance the sweetness.
• McKenzie Bottled-In Bond Bourbon — in accordance with the Bottled-In Bond Act (1897), this bourbon is aged at least 4 years and bottled at 50% ABV. The result is a broad-shouldered whiskey with balance and length from nose to finish.
• McKenzie Small Batch Bourbon — produced annually in small batches with a four-grain mash bill and locally grown grains, which gives a harmonious regional spirit. Expect notes of vanilla, caramel and oak, balanced by a hint of spice from McKenzie.
• McKenzie Straight Rye — made from NY-grown grains with notes of nougat, dark chocolate and dried red fruits. The finish in local sherry casks balances the spiciness and acknowledges Finger Lakes’ wine-production tradition.
• McKenzie Bottled-In Bond Rye — Empire Rye, labeled Bottled-in-Bond, celebrates NY rye and highlights the spice, bottled at 50% ABV in accordance with the Bottled-in-Bond Act.
• McKenzie American Straight Malt — a 10-year-old single malt whiskey, showcasing craftsmanship and tradition, and celebrating the McKenzie family heritage.
• McKenzie Pure Pot Still Whiskey — a pot-distilled whiskey inspired by the Irish style, made from NY-grown unmalted barley, malted barley and oats. The result is complex and approachable.
• Mac’s American Blended Whiskey — a blended whiskey designed for cocktails and everyday use, crafted from NY-grown grains and distilled on-site.
• Glen Thunder Corn Whiskey — a classic unaged corn whiskey, paying homage to local racing history and consisting primarily of NY-grown corn.
• Other products in the range include brandy varieties (Apple Brand y, Grape Brand y, Pear Brand y), Riesling Grappa, Maplejack Liqueur and various fruit and berry liqueurs, as well as Mac’s Vodka, based on NY grains and distilled on-site.

Visits / Experiences

• Tasting and cocktails: open year-round with flights, cocktails and small bites. Taste our extensive range in the tasting room, which offers fantastic views of the lake.
• Tours: private tours of the production floor, cask aging and bottling facility with tasting or craft cocktails included. Reservations required and weekly tours require at least one week notice.
• Create Your Own Gin Workshop: Original gin workshop, where groups choose botanicals and have their own gin distilled in a "Wee Still" and participate in a label party.
• Openness and hospitality: open to guests year-round, dogs are welcome (often noted as part of the visitor experience).

Philosophy

• Tradition and craftsmanship as the foundation: the distillery is built around tradition with a focus on delivering handmade, high-quality spirits.
• Local ingredients: the use of locally grown fruit and grain is a key part of the identity and production.
• No shortcuts: flavor and quality are prioritized, and the spirits rest in their own oak barrels until they reach their full potential.