Finger Lakes Distilling: Hector, New York
Updated: 2 hours ago
Finger Lakes Distilling is listed in the Whisky Clan Distilleries collection as a distillery in Hector, New York, in the United States.
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Finger Lakes Distilling at a glance
Quick fact | Finger Lakes Distilling |
|---|---|
Distillery / producer | Finger Lakes Distilling |
Location | New York, USA |
Research overview | Finger Lakes Distilling is listed in the Whisky Clan Distilleries collection as a distillery in Hector, New York, in the United States. |
Whisky Clan guide | History, production, bottles and visitor information |
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History and production
History and approach
The Ithaca Times says Brian McKenzie formed his LLC for Finger Lakes Distilling in March 2007, the year the Farm Distillery Act made his plan legal, and opened the tasting room in July 2009 in Burdett, New York. McKenzie says it was the first dedicated distillery in the region, since wineries with stills existed before.
Equipment: began with a pot still and added a continuous still in 2013 to raise output
Range: vodka and gin made from grapes, and the flagship McKenzie line of American style whiskeys. Straight bourbon is the bestseller
Industry group: part of the Empire Rye consortium for New York rye
Visiting: a tasting room with a view over Seneca Lake, plus distillery tours and home distilling classes
Law: the 2007 Farm Distillery Act let New York farm distilleries sell directly. The article says there are now over 150 in the state
Cover photograph: Finger Lakes Distilling company's signed white production building in Hector, New York. Source: Skurnik Wines and Spirits. Reuse rights have not been independently confirmed.
Image source: Skurnik Wines and Spirits
Finger Lakes Distilling whisky bottles and expressions
The producer and retailer sources below document these named whisky expressions. Older or collector editions may be unavailable. No tasting notes or Whisky Clan ratings are implied.
Bottle or expression | Documented style or detail |
|---|---|
McKenzie Straight Bourbon | Core New York grain straight bourbon |
McKenzie Bottled in Bond Bourbon | Four-year minimum; 50% |
McKenzie Straight Rye | Rye finished in local sherry casks |
McKenzie Bottled in Bond Rye | Empire rye whiskey at 50% |
McKenzie American Straight Malt Whiskey | Ten-year-old American straight malt |
Rare, limited and historic whisky releases
These are producer-documented collector editions, annual batches or limited bottlings. Inclusion does not imply that they are still in stock.
Limited expression | What makes it notable |
|---|---|
McKenzie Small Batch Bourbon | Annual limited four-grain bourbon |
Visiting Finger Lakes Distilling
The Ithaca Times says Brian McKenzie formed his LLC for Finger Lakes Distilling in March 2007, the year the Farm Distillery Act made his plan legal, and opened the tasting room in July 2009 in Burdett, New York. McKenzie says it was the first dedicated distillery in the region, since wineries with stills existed before. Equipment: began with a pot still and added a continuous still in 20
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Frequently asked questions about Finger Lakes Distilling
Where is Finger Lakes Distilling?
The available research places the producer in New York, USA.
What is known about its background?
Finger Lakes Distilling is listed in the Whisky Clan Distilleries collection as a distillery in Hector, New York, in the United States.
Which whisky expressions does Finger Lakes Distilling produce or bottle?
The guide lists McKenzie Straight Bourbon, McKenzie Bottled in Bond Bourbon, McKenzie Small Batch Bourbon, McKenzie Straight Rye. See the bottle and rare release tables for verified details.
Can I visit Finger Lakes Distilling?
Check current visitor access and tour arrangements directly with the producer before travelling.
Sources and further reading
Further source read on 21 October 2026: Ithaca Times Fall Guide, Spirits in the Finger Lakes (September 2023).
Producer bottle range and product details:
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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