New York’s craft distilling scene is bigger than you likely know. To showcase many of the great whiskeys coming from the Empire State, several distilleries have team to launch the inaugural Hoochenanny Whiskey Festival.
Happening October 20 and 21 in Geneseo, NY, Hoochenanny’s tagline, “Cultivate the Uncommon,” reflects a commitment to celebrating the extraordinary and pushing boundaries. The Rickhouse Rendezvous, an educational whiskey tasting experience, will feature brands from across the state, including Iron Smoke Distillery, Cooperstown Distillery and Great Jones Distilling.
A partnership with the New York State Distillers Guild (NYSDG) fortifies the festival’s commitment to showcasing the state’s spirits and artisans. Participating guild members include 1911 Established, Black Button Distilling, Finger Lakes Distilling, Hudson Whiskey, Lock 1 Distilling Company, Old Scotland Road Distillery, Southern Tier Distilling Co, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, The Better Man Distilling Co. and New Scotland Spirits.
Fireside chat programming will allow attendees to enjoy panel-style education sessions. Fee Brothers will lead a discussion on post-Prohibition brand evolution, Vendome Copper will showcase the unsung heroes of whiskey distilling, while the NYSDG discusses the history of whiskey in New York.
“Bringing the Rickhouse Rendezvous to life at Hoochenanny is a dream come true,” said Tommy Brunett, the mastermind behind Hoochenanny and Iron Smoke Distillery’s CEO and Co-Founder. This celebration of the unconventional, where the art of whiskey-making meets the thrill of discovery, is an opportunity for fans to explore the unparalleled flavors of New York’s finest spirits, learn from the masters and immerse themselves in the rich heritage of craft liquor.”
“At Cooperstown Distillery, we’re thrilled to bring our distinguished craft spirits to the Hoochenanny Rickhouse Rendezvous,” added Gene Marra, Owner and Founder of Cooperstown Distillery. “This unique event perfectly aligns with our commitment to showcase our award-winning spirits while celebrating the excellence and people of New York State.”
“The Distillers Guild is excited to bring a piece of our craft to this unforgettable event,” said Brian Facquet, president of the NYSDG. “With New York having the highest concentration of distilleries for any state east of the Mississippi, this is the perfect opportunity for consumers to immerse themselves in craft culture.”
The two-day festival will kick off on Friday (October 20) with an exclusive VIP “Best of New York” sip and stroll event at the Wadsworth Homestead overlooking the scenic Genesee River Valley. From 6-11 p.m., this event will offer guests in food, libations and curated luxury experiences of the Finger Lakes region by select wellness, hotel and lifestyle organizations. Additionally, the party will feature a sip and stroll experience including tasting stations with small bites, beer, wine and distilled spirits while guests are treated to an intimate music performance.
Hoochenanny’s main event is Saturday at the Geneseo Village Park located at the intersection of Main Street and 20A. From 12-10 p.m., guests will be treated to a day of live music, street performers and more. Attendees can also relax in the IDE Honda Recharge Lounge, featuring free mobile device charging stations.
VIP access to the festival grants entry to the exclusive Rickhouse Rendezvous. Rickhouse access will also be available for purchase with general admission tickets and onsite, allowing attendees to sample the premium spirits for a nominal fee.
Hoochenanny Whiskey Festival tickets are available here, ranging in price from $29.99-$350.
