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    Finger Lakes Distilling

    4.4 (88 reviews)
    Open • 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Spirited R.

    Our next stop of the day took us to our first distillery visit of the trip, and wow--Finger Lakes Distilling did not disappoint. What surprised us most? This was our very first time visiting, and we hadn't even realized they had been established since 2007! Knowing that they had been perfecting their craft for over 17 years, we were eager to dive into the tasting experience and see what they had to offer. The tasting room had a laid-back yet polished feel, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to guide us through their lineup of small-batch, handcrafted spirits. The distillery prides itself on using locally sourced grains and fruits, and you could tell from the first sip that quality and attention to detail were at the heart of their process. The Tasting Lineup I opted for a tasting of four different spirits, and after enjoying those, I was encouraged to try two more--a bonus that made the experience even better. Here's what I sampled: 1 Straight Bourbon - This was beautifully balanced, with sweet corn and vanilla upfront, followed by a warming spicy rye kick on the finish. Smooth yet complex, it was a fantastic introduction to their bourbon lineup. 2 Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon - A true standout, this one had rich caramel and toasted oak flavors, along with the perfect balance of spice and warmth. Aged for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof, it had a bold yet refined character that made it easy to appreciate. 3 McKenzie Straight Rye - If you're a fan of rye whiskey, this one is for you. It had that signature spicy rye bite, but what really made it unique was the sweet sherry cask finish, adding a layer of richness and complexity that lingered beautifully. 4 Bottled-in-Bond Rye - One of the most interesting pours of the day, this rye was bursting with flavors of chocolate, nougat, and dried red fruit. The influence of the barrel aging was prominent, giving it a decadent, almost dessert-like quality while still holding onto its classic rye spice. After those four, I couldn't resist trying two additional spirits: 5 Apple Brandy (Aged 10 Years) - A masterfully aged apple brandy that showcased deep, caramelized apple flavors, balanced with warm baking spices and oak influence. The 10 years in the barrel really allowed this spirit to develop incredible depth and smoothness. 6 Grappa - This was an unexpected favorite--simply sensational. Grappa can sometimes be overpowering, but this one was smooth, refined, and packed with rich grape flavors, making it one of the best versions I've tried. Taking a Piece of Finger Lakes Distilling Home While every single pour was impressive, the one that stood out the most for me was the Straight Bourbon--so much so that I had to bring a bottle home. It reminded me of a classic Rye Whiskey, with just enough spice to keep things interesting but smooth enough to sip neat. Final Thoughts Finger Lakes Distilling far exceeded expectations, and I can't believe it took us this long to visit! With their commitment to quality, incredible range of spirits, and inviting tasting experience, this is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Finger Lakes region--whether you're a bourbon lover, rye enthusiast, or just appreciate finely crafted spirits. It was the perfect stop to break up a day of wineries and breweries, offering something distinctly different yet equally enjoyable. Next time, I'd love to stay a little longer, maybe sip on a whiskey cocktail and take in the atmosphere even more. Cheers to great whiskey and new discoveries!

    My vodka spritzer with blueberry and ginger.
    Christine S.

    Had a fun time. Went in by myself. Had a good day, felt accomplished and needed a break. I had one of their Vodka Spritzers. They had options to infuse it with different flavors. I chose blueberry and ginger. It was delicious. I loved that she added 4 plump delicious blueberries on a toothpick in the drink. The bartender/hostess Lisa was super nice and helpful. I sat and had my cocktail. Chatted up with some tourists, it was all very pleasant and relaxing. I love their Vodka that is made with grapes. It's nice and smooth. Would make an excellent Martini. The vibe is super welcoming. I was in there during a slow time, of day in the middle of the week, but they still had a fair amount of business during this time. It was just what I needed, quite pleasant conversation, and a cool cocktail. I imagine it can get quite crowded and loud during the weekend. They have some cool gift items, martini shaker sets, Olives and Olive juice, and some different flavored syrups that they actually use behind the bar. The cherry on top for me would have been if they served Martinis. The bartender was so sweet, when I ordered one, she said it had been a while, but was willing it give it a go. I declined and asked for her suggestion, and as a result I had my wonderful cocktail mentioned above. So, all was good in my world. Plus Lisa and I had fun making a new creation. She said she never did made it with blueberry and ginger! It was fantastic and refreshing. My reason for declining the martini, was because for me the perfect Martini is served in a chilled Martini glass. Which I don't think they had. I did find it odd that you can buy everything you need to buy and take home to make a martini, but do not have it on the menu. Hopefully in the future they will make their own signature martini, perhaps blueberry. Cause I tell you that blueberry syrup, in a chilled Martini glass, with a splash of vermouth, with their grape Vodka, and the blueberry garnish, would have been sublime! I will definitely be back and In the end I was super happy with the drink, it was much more refreshing than a martini. Thank you Lisa it was an excellent suggestion. I ended up buying a bottle of Vodka, and the blueberry syrup. The blueberry syrup had a hint of vinegar in it, and I thought it would make an excellent reduction sauce for my deserts. I also thought I could make a nice salad dressing with it too. Or maybe it's just time for me to chill my Martini glasses at home. Ooh, I almost forgot. They have out outdoor seating, and a woman came in and ordered two drinks, and mentioned she was sitting outside because she has her dog. The bartender told her dogs are welcome both inside and outside. I loved hearing this, maybe next time I will bring my dog. This is also one of the things I love about this side of the finger lakes, dogs are welcome in a lot of businesses.

    a picnic area with red chairs
    Michelle A.

    Distillery with big pretzels- the view from the chairs is superior to the view from the deck.

    a view of the ocean from a porch
    Erica S.

    Stopped by here with some friends while on a wine tour! This is a fun spot to try something different while exploring the wineries in the area. There's plenty of outdoor seating and you can try flights or cocktails. I got the gin and tonic and was given a couple options of gin. I enjoyed the flavoring and the strength of the drink. A couple of my friends sipped on various flights and ended up buying a couple bottles. It was very refreshing to sit on the deck and take in the view of Seneca lake while sipping on a variety of drinks.

    Bar area
    Tamara C.

    Beautiful group of people! Great whiskey and cigar selection! Our bartender the GOAT. Thank you for being such a gracious host

    View from behind the patio area
    Patricia B.

    Came for a tasting with a few girlfriends and had a great time. We made a reservation for the covered patio. We had the space to ourselves and the rep that did our tasting (Doug) was wonderful. He had great stories and fun facts that he sprinkled throughout the tasting. I surprisingly really liked the soju. I would also recommend sampling the grape brandy. It is unlike anything I have ever had. The bourbon whiskey was nice as well. I bought some of the cassis for making kirs with the white wine I plan to purchase from one of the wineries in the area. The view of the lake from the patio is so beautiful. If you are in the area, I recommend making this a stop.

    Graham K.

    Was in the region with my girlfriend for Deck the Halls weekend, but we are both cocktail people as well so we decided to go off the passport path. Glad we did. For $5 for 4 tastes, you can mix and match any combination of their distinct whiskeys, bourbons, gins, vodkas, and even a shoju (Korean liquor) The staff was incredibly knowledgeable about all of their offerings and we chatted for a while about different flavor profiles, distilling processes, and mixing potentials. They also sell cigars that have been flavored with some of their spirits. Awesome stop. Well worth it.

    Beautiful views thru their glass; cool, almost "steam-punk" looking equipment!

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great tasting menu and friendly staff. Nice reprieve from the hot day with refreshing drinks as well on the menu.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Nice location, great staff. In my opinion, the spirits are OK but not great. They have a nice outdoor patio as well

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Awesome place! We had several drinks and enjoy ed the view of Seneca Lake. Service was great and so relaxing.

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    3 years ago

    Interesting spot to visit. The best item is the Seneca Drum gin. Very accommodating, nice views, friendly atmosphere.

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    3 years ago

    Love it here. Love the gin and the bourbon. Staff was wonderful and helpful. Will definitely return!

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    Ask the Community - Finger Lakes Distilling

    Review Highlights - Finger Lakes Distilling

    “Brian McKenzie (the owner) did a fantastic job explaining how they produce their Whiskey, Gin and Vodka.”

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

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    Solera Tap House - Love the vibe | #intenselypassionatephotography

    Solera Tap House

    4.1(15 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Solera Tap House is a hidden gem in the Finger Lakes. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed…read moreby a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and an impressive selection of craft beers, cocktails, and local beverages. The food is outstanding--everything is fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. The wings are some of the best around, and the menu offers something for everyone. Whether you're stopping in after a day at the wineries or looking for a place to relax with friends, Solera delivers a great experience every time. The outdoor seating area adds to the charm, especially during the warmer months. Excellent service, great drinks, delicious food, and a fun, laid-back vibe make this a must-visit spot. We came for dinner and trivia and ended up meeting Caroline. She was a Rockstar behind the bar and was quick to offer great suggestions. Tom ran trivia and endured everyone had fun. Even though we were riding the "Struggle Bus" we ended up winning. We'll definitely be back!

    Amongst winery after winery after winery, Solera is such a refreshing stop for an AMAZING on tap…read morelist, good cocktails, games, and really good food. A great variety on tap such as Trillium and Fidens. Fun cocktails like an Orange crush which brings me back to beach vibes and lavender lemonades. They have darts, a selection of board games, outdoor seating and stage in the summer time. I got the cuban which had a perfect crust to it and their fries are SOLID. There's a reason it's always crowded!

    Photos
    Solera Tap House - Fun game area | #intenselypassionatephotography

    Fun game area | #intenselypassionatephotography

    Solera Tap House - Pesto tomato grilled cheese | #intenselypassionatephotography

    Pesto tomato grilled cheese | #intenselypassionatephotography

    Solera Tap House - Beer selection

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    Beer selection

    Ithaca Wine and Spirits

    Ithaca Wine and Spirits

    4.9(20 reviews)
    19.3 mi
    •$

    Stepping into Ithaca Wines & Spirits is like finding a hidden gem right in the heart of Ithaca. The…read morelocation is super convenient for grabbing your favorite liquors, and the prices are fair. During my last visit, I came with a friend and the staff member behind the counter was not only friendly but also had a great sense of humor. I couldn't find my ID (it was hiding behind my phone, classic me), and the staff cracked a joke that had us both laughing. I can't really comment on how helpful the staff are with giving suggestions since we knew what we wanted, but their friendliness definitely made a positive impression. We picked up a whole bunch of wine and some soju, and there was still so much more to explore. The selection here is pretty extensive as they have some local options. Cheers!

    Best liquor store in collegetown and it's not even close. The selection of wine is more than…read moredecent, the recommended wines are legit, prices are fair, and the liquor selection, while limited, has some decent options. They also have a good array of sake at the back. Wide price range from $8 bottles of crap to $60 bottles of excellent wines from legit names. They also have decent hours: I believe they're open every day and stay open fairly late (although the hours on Google were incorrect today, it said until 10 and they closed at 8 so I was glad I called). Their main downside is the staff working. It's a slew of very very nice, young college age women who are as sweet as can be but know nothing about wine. This is not meant as judgmental, I also knew nothing about wine at their age, but you simply cannot establish yourself as a serious wine shop without employees who can answer basic questions about what's in stock. Again, they have all been extremely nice. I don't blame the employees for this but just a note to the owners that some training would be extremely beneficial. Overall will absolutely go back. No competition in collegetown.

    Photos
    Ithaca Wine and Spirits
    Ithaca Wine and Spirits
    Ithaca Wine and Spirits

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    The O'Begley Distillery

    The O'Begley Distillery

    3.5(21 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    •$$

    Plenty of parking. The inside is very clean, floors are…read morepretty and cool for the dog to lay down and cool off while we sample. The lady working the counter was friendly and helpful. We tried all the the samples-4 bourbons, 2 creams and 3 Absinthe's. My husband and I loved the regular Bourbon. The creams were flavorful. I didn't the the Absinthe ones because I don't like black licorice, My husband loved it - he bought two bottles to go. Bathroom was very clean.

    We were driving past this place and I said it's a distillery and wasn't popping up anywhere. let's…read morestop and see what this place is all about. I said it may be a bust but what the hell. We arrive and the woman came to us and said here is the list, I'll be back as she was finishing up a tasting with three other guys. You were able to select a single pour tasting, FLX Tasting which was three for $10, Whiskey Flight which was Reserve, SM, Bourbon for $16, Full flight for $22 and a cocktail flight for the same. The whole flight was 12+ and I'd not be able to drive if I did that. I decided on a few which the smoked bourbon, single malt and Distillers Reserve 7 year at 120 proof at $120 bottle. It was really good, but I couldn't justify paying that much for a single bottle, although I've paid $150 for a single malt two years ago. At the end of the day my favorite was the Smoked Bourbon at $70 for a bottle. It was good and different, but I think the Distillers Reserve was probably the best but at a better price then I'd gone for that. Overall this is a place for tasting and buying. But they do offer cocktails, beer and spirits by the glass. Seating outside is nice.

    Photos
    The O'Begley Distillery
    The O'Begley Distillery
    The O'Begley Distillery

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    Finger Lakes Distilling - beer_and_wine - Updated October 2026

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