Still looking for something for that person that is so hard to buy for? FLD Gift Cards are a perfect solution and can now be purchased at a discount from now until Dec 23. Online orders must be placed by Friday, December 20 at 4:00 pm in order to receive in time for the holiday.

Place your order here or stop by our gift shop. Our gift cards can be used for any items in our store - spirits, merchandise, or even FLD tours when they resume this Spring.

 

 

 

We at Finger Lakes Distilling are excited to announce our winter seminar series, Whiskey 101. The seminars will begin in February and conclude in April. All sessions will run from 6 to 7:30 pm. FLD staff will use the 3 sessions to give an in-depth look at whiskey making from its earliest stages to the award winning products being produced at Finger Lakes Distilling today. Each session will include a soup or chilli created with McKenzie whiskey and sandwiches also inspired by our long list of spirits.

Session 1: The History of Whiskey

Thursday, February 13

From the primitive stills of the 13th century, this session will trace the history of whiskey to Bourbon County, Kentucky. Learn about the first "moon shiners" in Scotland and the development of whiskey in America. Understand the terms: grain and single malt whiskeys, blended and cask strength whiskeys and more. Learn how the major distilleries of Kentucky and Tennessee differ from the many growing craft distilleries of today.

Session 2: The Making of Whiskey

Thursday, March 20

Spend time in the still room and learn how whiskey is actually made: from whole grain, to flour, to mashing, to fermenting, to distilling. Learn about yeast making, the sour mash process, fermenting, setting the proof, and all aspects of whiskey making before the white dog hits the barrel. Learn the differences between the world's whiskey's: Irish, Scottish, Canadian, and American whiskeys.

Session 3: Cask Aging and More

Thursday, April 10

The last session will be held in the barrel room. An in-depth description of barrel aging will take place, including the making of the modern whiskey barrel. The session will also include time on the bottling line to see how the actual product is hand bottled at FLD. Get a chance to bottle your own whiskey.


Space is very limited for these seminars. Please call the distillery if you have any questions or to enroll. Cost for the seminars is $20 per person per session. Those enrolling in all 3 sessions can attend at a discounted rate of $50. You can also enroll online on our website by clicking here.

Cocktail Corner

 

This month's cocktails are inspired by the season and use rich ingredients like our brown spirits and quintessential Christmas spices like cinnamon, clove and bitter orange.

Bringin' Figgy Pudding


 

      

• 2.5 oz. Fig-infused McKenzie Bourbon 
• 0.75 oz. Maple Syrup 
• 0.5 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice  
• 0.25 oz. Balsamic Vinegar (we used F. Oliver's Autumn Cinnamon Pear) 
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
• Garnish with flamed lemon peel   

 

To make the fig-infused bourbon, quarter figs and allow to soak in mason jar of bourbon for 1 week. We suggest 3-4 figs for each pint of bourbon.

For the cocktail, shake all ingredients with ice and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with flamed lemon peel. 

  

Simple Christmas Punch

 

 

    

  

• 2 cups McKenzie Rye 
• 2 cups Cranberry Juice 
• 1 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec
• Juice from Whole Lemon 
• 20 Dashes Plum or Cranberry Bitters
• Pomegranate Seeds for Garnish 
• Top with Ginger Ale to taste

  

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl with large ice mold. Mix ingredients, then garnish with pomegranate seeds and top with ginger ale. 

  

  

  

FLD Hot Drinks Line-up   

 For all the hot toddy recipes we've been serving in our tasting room this Winter, please see our latest blog post.

      

 

   

  

 

Now it's your turn to experiment with FLD spirits!

    

 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.