Our next stop of the day took us to our first distillery visit of the trip, and wow--Finger Lakes…read moreDistilling 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!

I had a good feeling I was going to like Finger Lakes Distilling, but I didn't realize how much I…read morewould love it. Had tried their McKensie bourbon at a bar or top and liked it, so was happy that it was on the itinerary of our wine and spirits tour. The space, like most wineries/distilleries/breweries up here, overlooks a lake (Seneca in this case) which is very scenic. Inside of the place was very nice and the staff could not be friendlier. I can't underscore the importance of the latter. Selection here is awesome. Some places make 2 bourbons and call themselves a distillery. These guys do whiskey, gin, vodka, varietals and other specialty stuff. I focused on the whiskeys which were awesome. I can see why these guys have won so many medals. I tried the small batch, cannoli infused bourbon, applejack, rye, straight bourbon, bottled in bond, single malt and Applejack. Everything was at least noteworthy. Single malt was awesome, which is the biggest thing I look for as the true test of a distillery. They had just started making the applejack, and it one of these best I've tried. People don't what the hell this is, but it's basically cider-based whiskey; it's great for cooking, drinking and was the first American-invented spirit going back to colonial times. Don't sleep on it. Only one I wish I had tried was the pot stilled, but I had enough to know it's probably good. I took home the applejack and the single malt, as those are really my go to's, however there was a lot worth trying. Also nice to see them offer number of cool cocktail options for those less inclined to drink pure alcohol. We ended the visit with some cigars infused with their cordials, which were an awesome surprise. This place is destination worthy. People think of wine when they think Finger Lakes, but there's more up here than that. This places exemplifies that. Will be back, and will buy their stuff locally.

This place was recommended the owners of Runaway Blue , and it was such a cool experience. We…read morewalked in and the owner Peter immediately greeted us and talked about doing a tasting. We followed him to a bar in the back room. With 5 different tastings to choose from I went with the sippin cream madness! Chocolate was tasty, orange creamsicle was so spot on in flavor, strawberry and cream was smooth but their butter pecan was amazing! I had to buy one! Peter told us how he started the distilled and his experience on the show master distiller and winning. Loved their pre prohibition bourbon with the recipe from 1919!! So many options to choose from, we will definitely have to come back!

Fun little adventure when we ran into this place. Immediately greeted by Pete, and later found out…read morehe was the owner. Check out their logo, Cop chasing bootleggers. Smoke off dual pipes as they outrun cops hence the name, "smoking tails distillery". I sampled the creams abs found all of them delightful. I asked if they offered a sample pack of some sort, but they do not. Unfortunately, smaller bottles just cost too much to procure. Service was wonderful. Beers available. Mixed drinks available with their liquors. Fun times. Something for everyone!

Our first time here over the weekend…read more Located inside the Skaneateles Brewery, this is a small, but welcoming tasting room. We opted for two tastings, which gave us 8 different products to sample. All of them were ok, but the standouts were the 4 Grain and the 2 cream liqueurs. We also ordered two cocktails, one was a whiskey sour and the other was pear based. Again, they were ok, but we would like to see them up their game to showcase the spirits with a house made sour mix instead of pre-bottled. Regardless, the employees were knowledgeable and answered all of our questions.

I met a bunch of friends of mine who are beer drinkers out here today unbeknownst to me that it's…read moremore than a brewery but a distillery as well. Yes, I now know they have the word "distillery" in the title but my assumption was this was strictly a craft brew place... wrong. I consider myself a very casual beer consumer. My preference is bourbon. While my friends all enjoyed their craft brews, I sampled the $4 flight of spirits coming away quite satisfied with every single one. And, I'm picky when it comes to Bourbon. My flight choice included the Four Grain whiskey, the Skaneateles whiskey, the Bourbon, the crème brûlée, and the honey barreled. Yes, I know, that makes 5. Though the flight was only 4 choices the server was very gracious and let me try the maple barreled one... sweet, but yum! The Four grain whiskey was one of the highly decorated spirits winning numerous gold awards. Though my first choice is not whiskey, this was absolutely fabulous! Deep, rich flavor that won't overtake your palette. The master distiller gets a lot of praise for the work he puts into his creations, all of which are earned. I found the Skaneateles whiskey to be quite excellent as well with its smooth finish and flavorful draw. Their bourbon stands right up there with some of the best I've had. I found a hint of maple, cherry flavor but not oaky. The crème brûlée was a nice sweet spirit a kin to Bailey's or Frangelica's. It's something coffee drinkers would find pleasant to add to their drink. I also very much enjoyed the maple whiskey. Having a sweet tooth for these sort of things this New York-based foundation made for a sweet tasty drink. There is seating inside and out. The day we were there they had live music. No question, we will all definitely be back again. I look forward to the time we can sit outside as well.

We used this company to drive my wife Katie and I around for our first time to the finger lakes…read morearea, and we couldn't be happier with our decision. We had Ernie himself drive us. Local guy, extremely knowledgeable on the area, and a true gentleman. Highly recommended!

From the owner: You Drink-We Drive/ Your Car-Our Driverread more

A distillery wasn't on our original path but some one at a prior winery told us we must go for the…read morePeanut Butter vodka. Well that was intriguing!! We went and loved that! Reminded us of a Reece's, and would be delicious mixed in coffee! All the samples we had were wonderful! The woman serving was a delight and told us some of the history of the distillery and her family relation to it. It was near the end of the day but she didn't seem to care that we were there and chatted away happily afterwards! For those of you intimidated by a distillery, the woman next to us was about 80 and having the time of her life!

While driving from Ithaca to Geneva on our recent trip to the finger lakes I noticed Myer Farm…read moreDistillers had a sign. Well lucky for us we stopped in on a whim (let's be honest I'm a sucker for good branding). The property is clean and simple, the tasting room was in line with what we experienced last last in Kentucky in more rural spots. They make gin, vodka and whiskey. I'm not much of a liquor drinker but my husband bought 4 bottles and said it's fantastic- he is very into bourbon and if he says it's good then it is. To my untrained palate it tastes like alcohol. It's $3 for 3 tastings and you can also get a cocktail. There is a fair amount of branded products and souvenirs. So it would be a good spot to pull together a gift basket for Fathers Day or Christmas. Absolutely worth a visit- a beautiful craft distillery with a friendly knowledgeable staff.

Visited for my husband's birthday celebration. What a treat. We sampled hard ciders, but the…read morelocation offers so much more. You can make a day out of visiting Beak & Skiff & 1911. Not only is there a tasting barn that offers flights of ciders, spirits, and bourbon - but there is an apple barn where you can pick up apples without having to go into the orchards, a cafe, a coffee shop, a general store, a playground, wagons consistently taking guests out into the orchard to pick their own apples, a corn maze, a playground for the littles, and so much more. Parking is free but be warned it is in a field and not organized. It was packed, but because there was so much to do, and so well coordinated, it didn't feel overwhelming. Great spot for a fall celebration.

I have been visiting Beak n Skiff for over 30 years. It has only gotten better and better with…read moretime. People that I see there are always in a happy mood. Families always appear to have a great time and positive experience. It's hard to decide what's the best, apple picking, 1911 for a drink, or The general store for many different items. Not too mention the food and Bakery. You just can't go wrong with so many things to do, not to mention the friendly staff, they go out of their way to make you happy! Great place

Wow, this place was super busy when we arrived. We found seats on the deck to enjoy our drinks…read more We only had one round and decided to move on. We weren't completely wowed by the drinks we ordered.

A distillery that takes pride in what they do! Not only do they make well balanced drinks, but it…read moreis clearly a family run business that wants to do well for the community and for those coming to visit. We came for drinks, but came back because the owner and her son personally invited us to upcoming events. The atmosphere is perfect (with a great view) for a traveler stopping in. But it is also a place where locals can stop in and enjoy a friendly game or live music. I would highly recommend!!!

This out-of-the-way distillery in the back hills of Naples has it all: gorgeous views, delicious…read morefood, imaginative and flavorful drinks, friendly and well-organized staff. They have a comeback story that really adds to the experience. Try the tree spirits! I'm so fascinated by the science behind their distillation processes and can't wait to try more of their spirits offerings. Bonus: go when they have live music, you won't be disappointed. Pro tip: make a reservation to ensure that you have a table!

Good ambiance. Beautiful place & mediocre food. Except the burger was good…read more Boiled chicken thighs with brush hairs (lots) in the curry dish. Terrible appetizers. Very greasy bread that was old. The worst tapenade I've ever had (dry, no oil, filled in with nuts). Learn how to make it correctly first. Some potato chips with nice herbs. Drinks were good. It's quite expensive and just not worth it. Jaw dropping bill with mediocre food.

5 stars for excellent craft cocktails, nice property design, and great use of local ingredients…read more There is nice attention to details all around. Bravo! The bartender seemed... hmmmm... idk.... not interested in our presence? But that's ok. She did not lack drink making skills and that's worth 5 stars. It seems harder and harder to find an excellent drink. We had 4. Each great! Took home a bottle of vodka too. It is in the middle of nowhere (seriously) with no cell reception so best to know your way there and back.

We came across this on vacation and it was a big W. Service-Ambiance- and the drinks are second to…read morenone! Great local family business! 10 for 10.