By Kate Bartlett
Saturday, May 3, marks the third annual KenDucky Derby at Ellicottville Distillery. The event will start at 2pm with live music from The Hick Ups from 3-6pm in their outdoor space behind the distillery. Food will be available for purchase from Big Daddy’s Food Truck and specialty cocktails will include the signature Mint Julep and a leek cocktail.
Bryan Scharf, owner and founder of Ellicottville Distillery, started the KenDucky Derby three years ago after a visit to Kentucky. “The Kentucky Derby is such a big event in this area, for obvious reasons,” says Bryan. “The Derby and Bourbon go hand in hand. It seemed like a fun event to bring to the distillery. It’s been a great success.”
Rubber Ducks will be sold for $10/duck with about 20 ducks per race in the creek located directly behind the distillery. “Our past events have seen about a half dozen races each year, but it totally depends on the crowd,” says Bryan. “Everyone has a great time.” Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.
Bryan has been distilling spirits for 18 years, and officially opened the Ellicottville Distillery 3 years ago. Located at 5462 Robbins Road, the Distillery offers a homegrown approach to the age-old practice of distilling. Bryan creates high-quality spirits and flavored liqueurs using only the finest locally sourced ingredients. Featured products include their two bourbons, American whisky, honey spirit, bourbon crème, apple shine, blueberry vodka and gin. The Distillery offers a tasting room and a variety of hand-crafted cocktails showcasing their house made products. The cocktail menu rotates seasonally, with summer cocktails coming soon.
The Distillery hosts a variety of events throughout the season on their picturesque property, with the rolling hills and valleys in the background. “We try to keep things interesting by trying different events to bring people out to the Distillery,” says Bryan. “It’s a chill, laid-back vibe here; everyone is welcome.”
On Saturday, May 17, the Distillery will host a Jeep Day for “Go Topless Day.” Guests are invited to drive their Jeeps out to the Distillery, kick back and relax and celebrate the day with live music in good company. The summer brings a busy schedule of events including their annual car show on June 22 and Third of July celebration with fireworks. Join the Distillery for live music most Sundays throughout the summer.
For more information, visit ellicottvilledistillery.com and follow on social media.