In late August, I was invited to tour the Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery. I had lunch with a family friend in Manhattan and she told me about a beautiful farm distillery near my home in Lake George. Farm distilleries have been popping up all over northern new york the past few years.
Indian Ridge Distillery Cap - Queensbury NY - August 2014
Dr. David Bannon and Mike Forcier operate Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery in the foothills of the Adirondacks. When driving up to the farm, their location impressed me. Immediately I knew that this might be one of the most beautiful places on earth for a distillery. Dave and Mike gave me a tour of the distillery and the farm. Inside of a two story barn, near the entrance of the property, the still sits. Building the barn was a year long process. Inside of the barn, the still sits in the back of the space with a tasting space near the entrance. The german built still is a beautiful copper beast. The original name of the distillery is engraved prominently on the distillation chamber cap. Dr. Bannon had planned to name the distillery "Indian Ridge Distillery". After he had the still shipped to his farm, he decided to name the distillery after the spring fed brook. The brook is located behind the distillery and is the primary water source for the have. Due to the local topography and the spring, the locals named the area Springbrook Hollow.
Distilation Pot and Condenser - Queensbury NY - August 2014
German Still - Queensbury NY - August 2014
Farm Distillery - Queensbury NY - August 2014
Good things take time - Queensbury NY - August 2014
Clear Spirits and Clear Bottles - Queensbury NY - August 2014
Adirondacks - Queensbury NY - August 2014
During my visit, Dave and Mike were finishing out the interior of the distillery. Currently they are waiting for approval to start operations. Mike told me they are going to produce many types of spirits while infusing fruits that are grown on the farm. Farm Distilleries in New York must produce at least 50% of their raw materials on site. Some of these spirits include Sly Fox Gin and Howl at the Moonshine.
Open - Queensbury NY - August 2014
Barrel - Queensbury NY - August 2014
Missouri Oak - Queensbury NY - August 2014
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery - Queensbury NY - August 2014
I'd like to thank the Bannon family and Mike for showing me around the still and farm. Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery is planning on opening in the Fall. For more information on the distillery, I recommend you go to their facebook page.