Joining the DISCUS Craft Distillery Advisory Council

For years, the Distilled Spirits Council (DISCUS) has helped the largest spirits companies in the world shape public policy and perception with regards to high proof alcoholic beverages. A few weeks ago, it became clear to me that the growing craft distilling industry had caught their attention. I received a call regarding the formation of a Craft Distillers DISCUS membership. I also had the honor of being asked to sit on the 11-member Advisory Council for Craft Distillers. I consider this a testament to what we're doing at Finger Lakes Distilling, as there are now over 200 small distilleries they could have chosen from to serve in this capacity.

This news was released today and I'm thrilled to be involved. I believe we can help DISCUS achieve their goals of promoting the responsible enjoyment of spirits. We can also attest to the economic benefits of the craft distillation movement - new jobs, tax revenues, value-added use for agriculture products, tourism, etc.

I'm looking forward to getting involved with this organization, learning from its more established members, and helping to promote our industry in any way we can.

Nice McKenzie Rye review on Spiritsreview.com

What you should do this weekend

2 suggestions:

1. If you are in the vicinity of FLD, stop in to try our newly-released grappa. We offer 3 varieties - Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Muscat. Each has its own distinct character, but all are highly aromatic and a lot smoother than most grappa on the market.

2. If you live in the NYC area, come see us at one of our tastings this weekend.

We'll be pouring our McKenzie Rye at Crush Wine & Spirits on Friday from 5:30-7:30.

On Saturday, we'll be mixing up classic martinis and a specialty cocktail at Martinibowl from 2-5 pm at Union Square Wines.

We'll also be tasting our full range of spirits from 4-7 on Saturday at Bowery & Vine.


Hope to see you out and about.

NY Distillers show off their wares at industry tastings

Last week, we joined 6 other NYS distilleries to showcase the high quality spirits made in our state. The NY Wine & Culinary Center (NYWCC) sponsored two industry tastings (one in Saratoga Springs and the other at the Culinary Center in Canandaigua), as well as an evening seminar that was open to the public. In addition to giving the attendees some background on NY Farm Distilleries and the processes we use, 15 spirits were sampled. We poured our Seneca Drums Gin and McKenzie Rye which were both very well received.

It was great to see such positive reactions from those in attendance. While most were in the business as liquor store or bar/restaurant owners, there were a few media folks.

Renowned spirits journalist, Bill Dowd, had this to say about the event. He also took a liking to our Rye - click here to see his review.

Another blogger from the Albany area wrote this about the seminar and described our Rye as "haunting...so distinctive and delicious...(he) kept imagining the taste the following day."

I hope we get more opportunities to promote NY craft spirits a group. I think we opened a lot of eyes and can be proud of the products we're putting out. So, next time you're in your local liquor store, keep NYS spirits in mind.