{"title":"Finger Lakes Distilling","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"finger-lakes-mckenzie-bourbon-750ml","title":"Finger Lakes Mckenzie Bourbon 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinger Lakes McKenzie Bourbon 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a double-pot distilled New York State bourbon finished in local chardonnay wine casks, bottled at 45.5% ABV (91 proof). Scored 86\/100 by \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e, this expression draws its signature buttery character from secondary maturation in barrels sourced from neighboring Finger Lakes wineries — a production step firmly rooted in its Seneca Lake origins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 45.5% (91 Proof)  |  Origin: Finger Lakes, New York  |  Style: Chardonnay Cask-Finished Bourbon  |  Distillery: Finger Lakes Distilling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinger Lakes Distilling sits on the western shore of Seneca Lake, surrounded by one of New York's most celebrated wine-producing regions. McKenzie Bourbon is double-pot distilled from a corn-forward mashbill built on 70% locally grown corn with rye, then aged in new charred American oak quarter casks before receiving a secondary finishing in chardonnay barrels from nearby Finger Lakes wineries. This wine barrel maturation — a natural outcome of the distillery's geography rather than an imported novelty — produces the bourbon's distinctive buttery roundness and separates it from conventionally aged expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Orange peel and honey arrive first, followed by vanilla, clean hay, and a faint maple sweetness. A subtle herbal note — somewhere between mint and fresh basil — emerges with time in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is warm with brown sugar and cinnamon, giving way to orange custard and caramel at mid-palate. Cardamom and toasted oak spice build toward the peak, layered with butterscotch and a pomegranate-like fruitiness that signals the wine cask influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a buttery, rounded texture courtesy of the chardonnay cask maturation. Lingering notes of cinnamon bread, bay leaf, and gentle oak tannins carry the close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink McKenzie Bourbon\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcKenzie Bourbon drinks well neat or with a single ice cube, which opens up the citrus and butterscotch aromatics without dulling the wine-cask complexity. Its 91-proof backbone makes it a strong candidate for an \u003cstrong\u003eOld Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the buttery finish plays beautifully against Angostura bitters. It brings welcome depth to a \u003cstrong\u003eBoulevardier\u003c\/strong\u003e — the orange peel and cardamom spice complement Campari's bitterness rather than competing with it. Try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the chardonnay-finished character echoes the cocktail's red wine float for a cohesive, layered drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whiskey enthusiast who values small-batch, regionally produced spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring New York State's growing craft bourbon scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside baked desserts or aged cheeses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to wine-cask-finished American whiskey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does McKenzie Bourbon taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e McKenzie Bourbon leads with brown sugar, orange peel, and caramel, followed by cardamom and cinnamon spice midway through the palate. The chardonnay cask finish adds a distinctive buttery roundness and subtle fruit character not typical of standard bourbons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does McKenzie Bourbon compare to Buffalo Trace?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are corn-forward bourbons at a similar proof point, but McKenzie distinguishes itself through chardonnay wine barrel finishing that adds buttery, fruity complexity absent in Buffalo Trace's traditional profile. Buffalo Trace leans more heavily on classic vanilla and caramel oak tones without secondary cask influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs McKenzie Bourbon good for cocktails?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its 91-proof backbone holds structure in stirred and shaken drinks, while the wine-cask finish adds an extra layer of complexity to classics like the Old Fashioned and Boulevardier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is McKenzie Bourbon made?\u003c\/strong\u003e McKenzie Bourbon is produced by Finger Lakes Distilling, located on the shore of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The distillery sources its grain locally and finishes its bourbon in wine barrels from neighboring Finger Lakes wineries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with McKenzie Bourbon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged cheddar complements the caramel and butterscotch notes; grilled stone fruit mirrors the bourbon's orange and citrus character. Dark chocolate highlights the cinnamon and spice layers, smoked pork pairs naturally with toasted oak and brown sugar, and apple tart echoes the buttery, baked-dessert quality imparted by the chardonnay casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does McKenzie Bourbon come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e McKenzie Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs McKenzie Bourbon worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e McKenzie Bourbon sits in the craft bourbon tier, priced above mass-market labels but competitive within the small-batch, wine-cask-finished category. Local grain sourcing, double-pot distillation, and genuine chardonnay barrel finishing justify its positioning for drinkers seeking regional character and production transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy McKenzie Bourbon?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets McKenzie Bourbon apart is its authentic connection to place. The chardonnay cask finishing — using barrels from wineries just down the road along Seneca Lake — produces a buttery roundness that is genuinely distinctive in the American whiskey landscape, not a borrowed flourish but a direct expression of geography. Double-pot distillation and New York–grown grain reinforce the distillery's commitment to regional identity at every production stage. With an 86\/100 score from \u003cem\u003eWhisky Advocate\u003c\/em\u003e validating its approach, McKenzie Bourbon has earned a credible position among drinkers looking beyond Kentucky and Tennessee for serious, well-made bourbon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Finger Lakes Distilling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836685283497,"sku":"23322","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/finger_lakes_mckenzie__55707.jpg?v=1730466532"},{"product_id":"finger-lakes-mckenzie-rye-750ml","title":"Finger Lakes Mckenzie Rye 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinger Lakes McKenzie Rye 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a craft American rye whiskey from New York's Finger Lakes region, bottled at 45.5% ABV (91 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Winner of the 2012 Good Food Award for Spirits, this expression earned a 4.5 out of 5 from The Whiskey Wash and stands out for its sherry-barrel finishing—a nod to the region's deep winemaking roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 45.5% (91 Proof)  |  Origin: Finger Lakes, New York, USA  |  Rye Whiskey  |  Distillery: Finger Lakes Distilling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinger Lakes Distilling operates in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes wine country, producing spirits from locally sourced New York State grain. The McKenzie Rye uses an 80% rye and 20% malted barley mashbill, distilled using traditional methods and entered into barrels at 100 proof—well below the industry-standard 125 proof, which allows more of the grain's character to come through during maturation. The whiskey ages in fresh charred quarter barrels of roughly 15 gallons each, dramatically increasing the ratio of wood surface to spirit and accelerating flavor extraction. A final finishing period in local sherry barrels tempers the rye's natural spiciness with dried-fruit sweetness, connecting the whiskey directly to the Finger Lakes winemaking tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Overripe pear and dried hay open the nose, followed by layers of orange peel, cardamom, and a subtle burlap-like earthiness. The sherry influence emerges as the glass opens, carrying dried red fruit and a hint of mint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is rich with nougat and dark chocolate, giving way to a mid-palate of gingerbread, cinnamon crumble, and butterscotch. As the rye spice builds, blackberry and blueberry fruit notes push through alongside flaky pastry sweetness and dill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium to long, with lingering cinnamon, oregano, and vanilla cream that gradually dries into warm baking spice. The sherry barrel influence holds on through the close, leaving a final impression of dried fruit and gentle oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink McKenzie Rye\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 91 proof, this rye drinks well neat or with a single ice cube to open the sherry-influenced fruit notes. A few drops of water coax out additional sweetness without diminishing the backbone. In a \u003cstrong\u003eManhattan\u003c\/strong\u003e, the dark chocolate and dried fruit complement sweet vermouth beautifully. A \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac\u003c\/strong\u003e lets the rye spice and cardamom shine against absinthe's herbal edge. For a lighter serve, a \u003cstrong\u003eWhiskey Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e highlights the butterscotch and citrus peel notes against fresh lemon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRye whiskey drinkers exploring New York's craft distilling scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a whiskey enthusiast who values small-batch, award-winning spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManhattan and Sazerac cocktails where fruit-forward rye depth is desired\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside chocolate or baked desserts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does McKenzie Rye taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e McKenzie Rye leads with nougat, dark chocolate, and dried red fruit, followed by layers of gingerbread, cinnamon, and butterscotch. The sherry barrel finish adds a rounded sweetness that balances the rye grain's natural spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does McKenzie Rye compare to Bulleit Rye?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bulleit Rye uses a 95% rye mashbill and is a larger-production Kentucky whiskey, resulting in a leaner, more aggressively spicy profile. McKenzie Rye's 80% rye mashbill, lower barrel entry proof, and sherry barrel finishing produce a rounder, more fruit-driven character with noticeable dark chocolate depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs McKenzie Rye good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its 91 proof provides enough structure for neat sipping without being overpowering, and the sherry barrel finishing adds a layer of fruit sweetness that makes it approachable on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is McKenzie Rye made?\u003c\/strong\u003e McKenzie Rye is distilled and bottled by Finger Lakes Distilling, located in the Finger Lakes wine region of New York State. The distillery sources its grain from New York farms and finishes the whiskey in sherry barrels tied to the area's winemaking heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with McKenzie Rye?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles amplify the whiskey's cocoa notes. Aged cheddar mirrors its butterscotch richness. Cinnamon-spiced apple tart echoes the baking spice profile. Smoked duck benefits from the rye spice cutting through fat. Blue cheese plays against the dried fruit sweetness from the sherry finishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does McKenzie Rye come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e McKenzie Rye is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs McKenzie Rye worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e McKenzie Rye positions as a premium craft rye whiskey, priced above mass-market ryes but justified by its small-batch production, quarter-barrel aging, sherry barrel finishing, and Good Food Award recognition—placing it squarely in the serious-craft tier rather than the everyday-pour category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy McKenzie Rye?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of quarter-barrel aging and sherry-barrel finishing is uncommon in American rye whiskey and gives McKenzie Rye a flavor profile that genuinely stands apart from both Kentucky and other craft ryes. The lower 100-proof barrel entry preserves more grain character than the industry norm, resulting in a whiskey where the 80\/20 rye-to-malt mashbill remains clearly legible through every sip. Its 2012 Good Food Award and 4.5\/5 score from The Whiskey Wash confirm that the production choices translate into the glass. For anyone interested in what New York State rye whiskey tastes like when a distillery leans into its regional identity rather than imitating established styles, this bottle makes a compelling case.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Finger Lakes Distilling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836685414569,"sku":"23321","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/finger_lakes_mckenzie_rye__04730.jpg?v=1730466535"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/finger-lakes-distilling.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}