Get an inside look at New York’s first stand-alone distillery with a private tour at Finger Lakes Distilling. Follow the transformation from grain to glass, ending with a tasting or craft cocktail in Burdett’s welcoming Tasting Room.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No physical fitness required; tours are mostly standing and walking on flat, indoor surfaces.
Wildlife
History
Finger Lakes Distilling opened as New York’s first stand-alone distillery, pioneering a craft movement in a region better known for wine.
Conservation
The distillery prioritizes sourcing local ingredients to reduce environmental impact and supports sustainable farming practices in the region.
Finger Lakes Distilling
Get an inside look at New York’s first stand-alone distillery with a private tour at Finger Lakes Distilling. Follow the transformation from grain to glass, ending with a tasting or craft cocktail in Burdett’s welcoming Tasting Room.
Finger Lakes Distilling is located in Burdett, New York, and operates as New York's first stand‑alone distillery. The distillery offers guided tours of its production and bottling facilities, where visitors can observe the grain- and fruit-to-spirit process. Tours conclude in an on-site Tasting Room where guests can sample spirits or enjoy a craft cocktail.
The tour experience focuses on the technical and sensory aspects of distillation, with staff explaining mash, fermentation, distillation, and bottling procedures. Finger Lakes Distilling produces a range of spirits using local ingredients and established distilling methods. The facility emphasizes transparency in production and provides a private setting for small-group tours and tastings.
Visitors gain direct exposure to the equipment and workflow of a working distillery, followed by curated sensory tasting notes during the final tasting session. As an early independent distillery in New York, Finger Lakes Distilling occupies an identifiable place in the regional craft spirits landscape. The business accommodates visitors interested in education, flavor exploration, and craft cocktail preparation. Reservations are recommended for the Distillery Tour to ensure availability in the Tasting Room.
The Distillery Tour is a private tour of the production and bottling facilities. The experience includes a guided walk through the stillhouse, an explanation of grain and fruit selection, and concludes with a tasting or a craft cocktail in the Tasting Room. Reservations are recommended for all tours.
Location
Burdett, NY
Situated in the Finger Lakes region
Historic First
NY's 1st stand-alone
Recognized as New York's first stand-alone distillery
Tasting Room
Private tastings
Tasting or craft cocktails available
Tours Offered
Distillery Tour
Guided production and bottling tour
Reserve a private Distillery Tour and tasting to experience production, bottling, and craft cocktails in New York's first stand‑alone distillery.
Book Weekday Tours in Advance
Tours are only offered on weekdays and require booking at least one week ahead to ensure availability.
Arrive Prepared for Tasting
Since spirits tastings are part of the experience, plan transportation accordingly—consider a designated driver or ride service.
Dress Comfortably but Neatly
Wear closed-toe shoes for walking through production areas; the environment is industrial but accessible.
Ask About Production Techniques
Guides are knowledgeable and welcome questions about local ingredients and distilling science—take advantage of their expertise.
Photo ID
Required for age verification to participate in tastings.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Needed for safe access through production areas.
Light jacket or sweater
Production areas may be cool; layers help maintain comfort.
spring|fall|winter
Notepad or smartphone
Useful for jotting down tasting notes or questions during the tour.