Cherry, toasted fennel seed, and caramel on the nose transition to a bright, fruit- and spice-driven palate of red apple, arugula, allspice, and vanilla.
• Bottled in Bond rye whiskey produced by Finger Lakes Distilling in Burdett, New York
• Designated Empire Rye, a trademarked style of rye inspired by pre-prohibition New York rye whiskey
• Mash bill of 80% Danko rye and 20% two-row malted barley, all New York-grown
• Produced using water sourced from aquifers around Seneca Lake, the deepest lake in New York
• 4–7-day open top fermentation
• Distilled in a 25-foot Vendome copper column still and thumper
• Aged 6 years in heavy char barrels under federal bond
• Cherry, toasted fennel seed, and caramel on the nose transition to a bright, fruit- and spice-driven palate of red apple, arugula, allspice, and vanilla
• NY Farm Distillery License eligible
• Non-chill filtered; 50% ABV
Only a whiskey made according to the strict standards established by the Empire Rye Whiskey Association—a collaborative project between New York distilleries—may label their whiskeys “Empire Rye.” To bear this designation the whiskey must be produced from at least 75% New York-grown rye, distilled to no more than 160 proof, barreled at no less than 115 proof, and be aged at least 2 years in new, charred oak. Furthermore, mashing, fermentation, distillation, barreling, and aging must take place at a single New York State distillery. Additionally, this 6-year-old rye is produced in accordance with the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897 which stipulates production by a single distiller in a single season, a minimum of 4 years aging in a federally bonded rickhouse, and a final bottling proof of 100.
It might seem like an odd choice, putting a distillery in the middle of a wine region. But if you think about it, it makes sense. For one thing, we have immediate access to the crop of one of the best grape-growing regions in the country. We even have our own vineyard in front of the distillery. The Finger Lakes region is also home to quite a few small farms, from which we get our corn, rye, barley, and the other grains and fruits that we use to make our premium spirits.
Finger Lakes Distilling is a NYS Farm Distillery, which means that we’re a small operation making a handcrafted product. It also means we’re able to devote all our attention to everything we make; we don’t take any shortcuts. Our flavored vodkas and liqueurs are made in the traditional manner, by soaking real fruits in the spirit. We don’t add extracts or synthetic flavoring to speed up the process. Our whiskies rest in oak barrels for as long as they need to, until they mature into the rich aged spirit we offer with pride.