History

Four Fights Distilling is described as Corning’s oldest distillery and builds its name on an old tradition, namely four fights for a pint. According to the naming story, a pint of moonshine was rated from 1 to 4, with 4 being the purest and strongest shine, and Four Fights Distilling chose the name as a commitment to quality. The distillery is based in Corning and aims to share a glass with its hometown.

Production

The distillery is run largely as a one-person operation by Matthew Bowers, who is also described as a Corning local, a USMC veteran, and a man who handles milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, bottling and labeling at the heart of Four Fights Distilling HQ. Production is supported by a copper still, and the process is largely locally driven with a focus on the everyday practice of craft. For example, Crystal City Vodka is six-times pot-distilled and made from local corn, filtered with high-quality water and cane sugar, producing a very clean spirit and smooth finish. Emperial Moonshine is described as a corn whiskey made from local corn and barley malt, with a sweet corn flavor and the smoothness reminiscent of a single malt. In addition to vodka and moonshine, other variants are produced where the flavor nuances are pronounced, such as cinnamon and apple pie, which demonstrate the distillery’s approach to combining classic flavors with craft.

Products/Whiskey Series

• Crystal City Vodka – 40% ABV. Made from local corn; six-times pot-distilled; clean and smooth finish; suitable for neat, on the rocks or cocktails.
• Emperial Moonshine – 50% ABV. A corn whiskey made from local corn and barley malt; sweet corn flavor and a smoothness reminiscent of a single malt; classic interpretation as a new Empire State-inspired expression.
• Emperial Cinnamoon – 40% ABV. A corn whiskey with cinnamon, providing complexity between sweet and spicy notes.
• Emperial Apple Pie – 25% ABV. A sweet and spiced dessert-inspired spirit with caramel and vanilla, finished with cinnamon-sprinkled apple for a nostalgic flavor experience.
• Bowers Bourbon – 50% ABV. Rich corn and oak flavors with caramel, finishing with a lightly buttery finish.
• Suite 101 Gin – 44% ABV. An aromatic gin with a pronounced juniper aroma, fresh botanical notes and lime, finished with earthy spices.
• Bowers’ American Whiskey – 50% ABV. A soft, wood-aged spirit with notes of butter caramel and an oak finish, aged in Bowers’ bourbon oak barrels.

Visits / Experiences

Our fully licensed tasting room is open at Four Fights Distilling HQ. Bring friends to our FFD liqueur tastings, weekly cocktail exclusives, and direct bottle purchases. We also showcase local products and FFD-branded merchandise. Sign up for our VIP Club to get the updates first.

Philosophy

The name Four Fights Distilling reflects a traditional stance toward craftsmanship and quality. The company is described as Corning’s locally rooted distillery, driven by a focused effort to deliver honest and fine spirits. The distillery emphasizes its neighborly spirit and the desire to share a glass with its hometown and the local community.