Last Shot Distillery

Overview of the Distillery

Last Shot Distillery is two miles from the center of Skaneateles, NY, beside the Charlie Major Nature Trail. The distillery opened in December 2015 and has established itself as a small, craft-focused place producing bourbon whiskey and liqueurs. The facility sits on a historic distillery site, and co-owners Chris Uyehara and John Menapace, with a blend of chef and engineering backgrounds, have created a family-owned business with local roots.

History

The site's history goes back a long way: In the early 1800s, Earll & Kellogg Distillery stood here, operating from 1840 to 1864, until the property was converted to paper production. In modern times, Last Shot Distillery opened its doors in December 2015, when co-owners Chris Uyehara and John Menapace transformed the site into a new, local distillery. Chris came to the distillery after a long career as a chef, while John contributed space and engineering expertise. The pair founded Last Shot as a family business with a desire to combine craftsmanship, local traditions, and engagement in the Skaneateles area.

Raw Materials and Production

Last Shot operates as a small craft distillery with on-site production under the leadership of co-founder and distiller Chris Uyehara. The range includes bourbon whiskey and various liqueurs, and the tasting room staff handle pours, tastings, and cocktail service. The specific technical details of the production such as equipment, mash bills, fermentation times, and distillation methods are not described in detail on the site, but the company presents itself clearly as a local, small-batch producer with direct customer contact via the tasting room and local retailers.

Whiskies

The distillery's whiskey range centers around a bourbon whiskey, supplemented by a selection of liqueurs and other craft spirits. The website mentions both bourbon and a Chocolate Crème Brûlée liqueur as examples of the products. The range is marketed locally through the tasting room and via a network of local retailers as well as selected online sales channels.

Visit the Distillery

The public can visit the distillery's tasting room during the stated opening hours throughout the week and on weekends. In the tasting room, tastings, cocktail pours, and product sales are offered, and the staff handle both tastings and customer service. The products can also be purchased at a number of local wine and spirits shops in the area as well as through selected online retailers. Phone number and e-mail are listed on the website for practical inquiries.

The stated hours are WEDNESDAY 3PM - 7PM (seasonal); THURSDAY 3PM - 7PM; FRIDAY 3PM - 8PM; SATURDAY 12PM - 8PM; SUNDAY 1PM - 6PM.

Philosophy and Craft

Last Shot has an explicit aim to bring a new perspective to the art of distillation and run a family business rooted in historic traditions and the local community. The founders' combination of professional backgrounds and local roots underpins an approach where craft, community, and respect for the site's history are central values.

Awards and Recognitions

• Gold Medal (2021, Gold Medal, Bourbon Whiskey)