A Finger Lakes distillery is growing its regional footprint with a new tasting room and bottling operation.
Finger Lakes Distilling, headquartered in Burdett, has opened a second location in Newfield at 1143 Elmira Rd. The facility debuted earlier this month with a soft opening and is now welcoming winter visitors Friday through Sunday from 1-8 p.m. Hours will expand in the spring.
“This expansion nearly doubles our operational footprint,” said Brian McKenzie, owner and founder of Finger Lakes Distilling. “The Newfield location will allow us to better serve both our existing customers and the many travelers along Route 13, providing a convenient and welcoming space to enjoy our spirits.”
Finger Lakes Distilling initially acquired the Newfield property for storage of barrels and finished goods. The company plans to also utilize the facility for the distillery’s bottling operations in the future, although no distillation will occur on-site.
Finger Lakes Distilling, headquartered in Burdett, has opened a second location in Newfield at 1143 Elmira Rd. featuring a tasting room.
The venue features an adjacent tasting room offering craft cocktails and flights, bottle sales of Finger Lakes Distilling’s spirits, and light food items.
The company said the new site “serves as both a practical expansion and an exciting new destination for Finger Lakes Distilling’s loyal patrons,” with the Newfield tasting room intended “to become a hub for the local community and visitors alike.”
Future plans include:
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Educational events about spirits and distillation
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Guided barrel house tours
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Private barrel selections
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Space rentals for small, intimate events
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Collaboration with local food trucks and other food options
Finger Lakes Distilling’s new location in Newfield at 1143 Elmira Rd. features a tasting room, bottling operation and storage.
The company called the Newfield location in Tompkins County “a strategic move,” that is “perfectly positioned to attract commuters and visitors looking to grab local beer, wine, cider, and cocktails to go.”
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Finger Lakes Distilling has been crafting award-winning spirits in the Schuyler County village of Burdett since 2008. It is best known for its McKenzie whiskeys, named after its founders and owners, but also produces vodka, gin, brandies, and liqueurs. The distillery also provides bulk spirits for local wineries and cideries.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Finger Lakes Distilling expands, opens new tasting room in Newfield