McKenzie Bourbon Whiskey is a very rich bourbon with just enough rye spice to complement the subtle sweetness. A local variety of corn makes 70% of the mash bill. We age in new charred barrels and finish in local chardonnay casks, which gives the bourbon a round, buttery finish. Master Distiller Thomas Earl says: “Some folks think you can only make bourbon in Kentucky. Bull. We went way back for this bourbon, aging it at a lower proof for that good old fashioned bourbon flavor.”
• Straight bourbon whiskey produced by Finger Lakes Distilling in Burdett, New York
• Mash bill of New York-grown grain that includes 70% Yellow Dent corn, 20% Danko rye, and 10% two-row malted barley
• 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 a minimum of 4 years in heavy char barrels
• Aromas of roasted peanuts, cacao, and marzipan on the nose transition to a round palate with notes of peanut butter, charred oak, and hazelnut.
• NY Farm Distillery License eligible
• Non-chill filtered; 45.5% ABV
Finger Lakes Distilling’s flagship straight bourbon displays all the rich caramel and vanilla one expects from a classic bourbon, complemented by notes of dry tannin and aromas of freshly cut lumber.
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.