Finger Lakes Distilling will double in size

    BURDETT—In a region known for wines, one distillery has not only grown roots but is expanding after only three years.
    Finger Lakes Distilling (FLD) is located in Burdett; the distillery sits atop a hill overlooking Seneca Lake on Route 414. The facility started the groundwork for an expansion last week. Brian McKenzie, president of FLD, said the new building, located just west of the current facility, will be 42 by 63 feet. He explained the new building will be used for both storage and some production.
    Plans are to complete the new building by the end of the year. When finished, the size of Finger Lakes Distilling will be doubled. McKenzie said the current building, which houses both a tasting room and production areas is 40 by 60 feet.
    The distillery officially opened in July of 2009. Prior to that the business spent a year making the vodka, whiskey, and other products. FLD offered seven products at the time: Vintner’s Vodka, Vintner’s Wildberry, Seneca Drums Gin, Glen Thunder Corn Whiskey, Maplejack liqueur and Cassis liqueur. McKenzie said they have since grown in that area too and now offer 15 different products. He said they will be adding a few more in the coming months.
    McKenzie said they started talking earlier this year about the need to grow. He said they were at capacity in storage. Sales have been growing as well. He explained that people can buy Finger Lakes Distilling products at 350 locations across the state. The business has also just expanded to also selling in New Jersey and Illinois. McKenzie added 50 percent of the sales come from the facility itself.
    The need for an expansion can also be seen in visitor numbers. McKenzie said during the busy season, July to November, there are upwards of 700 people visiting on any given Saturday.
    For now, this expansion is the owners’ main focus. McKenzie added they have just ventured into selling out of state so there is a lot that needs attention.