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Finger Lakes Distilling NewsletterApril/May 2012
In This Issue
Tastings
Kentucky Derby at FLD
Manhattan Cocktail Classic
Employment Opportunities
Latest News
Cocktail Ideas
Quick Links

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Upcoming Tastings and Events
 
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Wednesday, April 25:
Beer & Rye Tasting
Idle Hands, NYC
7-10 pm

April 27-29:
Spring Wine & Cheese Weekend
Seneca Lake Wine Trail


Saturday, May 5:
Kentucky Derby Party
Finger Lakes Distilling
5 pm

Thursday, May 10:
Tasting
Taverna Banfi
Statler Hotel, Cornell University
4:30 pm

Friday, May 11:
Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala
The NY Public Library, NY
10 pm - 1 am

Sunday, May 13:
From Still to Farm: NY Spirits and Pig Roast
Hearth Restaurant, NYC
1-3 pm

Monday, May 14:
YOU Choose the Next Iron Bartender
Huckleberry Bar, Brooklyn
12-2 pm

Monday, May 14:
From our Farms to You: Whiskey-n-Victuals
The Fat Radish, NYC
5-7 pm

Friday, June 1:
Tasting
WineMaker Magazine Conference
Cornell University
6 pm

June 18-24:
Restaurant Week
Finger Lakes Wine Country


  



Please come out to see us!
  
  

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Dear Friend of FLD,    

As we sat down to write this newsletter a week or so ago, it looked like we were going to transition right from an unusually balmy winter to instant summer-like conditions. Since then, we got hit with about 6" of snow and more seasonable temperatures.



We worry about the agricultural implications of this strange weather. In particular, the impact on local fruit and grapes that we utilize in our vodka, brandies and liqueurs. It's a strong reminder that we are truly an agriculture-based business and that our spirits are a reflection of the local farming community.

We're really excited for some upcoming events over the next few weeks. Our biggest event of the year takes place on May 5th here at the distillery. Come join us for our 3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Party (details below). We also have a lot planned for the Manhattan Cocktail Classic in mid-May.

We're looking forward to the tourist season kicking into high gear here in the Finger Lakes. I hope you'll find some time to visit our region to take in the natural beauty, awesome attractions, and the great food, wine AND SPIRITS that we have to offer.

Sincerely yours,
 
Brian McKenzie
President, Finger Lakes Distilling

  

 Derby Party

  
Please join us for one of our favorite nights of the year. There's no better place to enjoy the Kentucky Derby than FLD. We'll show the race and have some fun contests to keep you interested. We're livening things up this year with some great tunes from Alvin and the Upsetters. Food and cocktails will be well covered from our friends at  Stella's. Thomas Earl will be on hand to entertain everyone with his Southern charm and tours of our new production facility.

To secure your tickets, please call the distillery at 607.546.5510. We require an RSVP and are limiting the attendance to 100 guests (spots are filling up fast).

Don't miss this event!  
        
Manhattan Cocktail Classic

 

FLD is set to make a big splash at this year's Manhattan Cocktail Classic with a focus on our newest brand, White Pike Whiskey.

The Manhattan Cocktail Classic takes place over 5 days in early May and attracts thousands of cocktail enthusiasts who take part in seminars, cocktail parties, and other debauchery across the 5 boroughs of NYC.
The festivities kick off on May 11 with an over-the-top gala held at the NY Public Library.

From Still to Farm
FLD's involvement starts on Sunday, May 13. We're joining other NYS distillers and our friends at Hearth Restaurant for a Pig Roast and cocktail pairing at 1 pm. Sounds amazing!

You Choose the Next Iron Bartender
The party continues on Monday at 12 pm with an event at Huckleberry Bar in Brooklyn. Attendees will help some highly-acclaimed bartenders select ingredients and determine which cocktails are best - an Iron Chef of Bartenders, if you will.

Whiskey-n-Victuals
Later that day, we'll be at The Fat Radish where Thomas will speak about how local farming plays such a vital role in our spirits production. Cocktails will be served with organic meats from Prescott Farms.

Please join us for one - or all - of these awesome events.



FLD Employment Opportunities

We've had a ton of interest in our current job postings - Retail/Marketing Manager, Assistant Distiller, and Tasting Room Staff. We've interviewed dozens of candidates and will be making some decisions in the next week or two.

It's not too late to apply, though we will be closing the application process in the very near future. To learn more about the positions, click here.

Please contact us ASAP if you are interested in any of these opportunities. 




In case you missed it...

You most certainly heard about the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Locally, we paid tribute to this historic event (and local survivors) with an amazing gala held at the Harbor Hotel. Our good friends, John and MaryAlice Pulos, spearheaded the planning of the event and did a remarkable job. We were on hand at the cocktail reception to serve Manhattans to the guests who then sat down for a re-creation of the dinner that was served that fateful evening.




Tony Sachs wrote a great piece on the booming NYS spirits industry that appeared in the Huffington Post. He had lots of love for our McKenzie Rye, Vintner's Vodka, and White Pike Whiskey.

Our Seneca Drums Gin also appeared in Edible Manhattan in a very unique cocktail devised by Nick Venditti at Frankly Wines in Manhattan. It features our gin with Ice Wine and NYS cider and cider molasses.




 
 
  cocktailsCreative Cocktails

   

We're hoping this month's cocktail suggestions provide a good transition between the seasons. Please enjoy!    

  

 

CORNED COLLINS   

 



 
 

2 oz. Glen Thunder Corn Whiskey
1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp superfine sugar
Club soda
1 very long lemon twist

Rub the twist along the rim of a Collins glass. Put one end of the twist in the bottom of the glass and fill 1/3 of the way with ice, spinning the twist so it stays in the center of the glass. Repeat until the glass is filled with ice. Combine all remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into the Collins glass. Top with soda.

 

 

 

BEBBO COCKTAIL 

  

Came across this one in Ted Haigh's Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails. While the name might not be as catchy as The Bee's Knees, it is a derivation of that cocktail, including a touch of orange juice. Great spring time cocktail!  

  

 

 

   

1.5 oz Seneca Drums Gin
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Honey
2 Tsp Orange Juice

Stir all ingredients (without ice) until honey is dissolved, add ice, shake and strain into chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry.

  

 
Please send us your ideas for cocktails using our products. With your permission, we may feature your cocktail in a future newsletter. If selected, we'll send you an FLD hat or T-shirt.

Want to know more about our spirits? Just visit
Our Products for details and tasting notes on our gin, vodka, whiskey, brandy, fruit liqueurs and other products.