By Carol fisher-Linn
Always something new at The Ellicottville Distillery. Did I mention you could find Bigfoot there?
Expect the unexpected in Ellicottville. One of the unexpected is a distillery out in the countryside. The Ellicottville Distillery, the first and longest running commercial distillery (in this century in Evl) harkens to one we found in exclusive Liepers Fork, outside of Nashville Tennessee. Found on a country road minutes from town, it reminded me of The Ellicottville Distillery: away from the crowds and hustle, close to town, a bucolic setting amid the hills with wildflowers, sunflowers, rolling fields and a meandering creek.
The Ellicottville Distillery is located on 5462 Robbins Road off Route 242 heading into Ashford, a short four miles from the entrance to the village. Visitors will find a tasting room and full bar where guests can avail themselves to EBC beer, wine and the fine spirits made on the property by co-owner/distiller, Bryan Scharf. Co-owner and resident Agronomist, Charlie Bares grows any crop they need suitable for making spirits: wheat, barley, corn, rye, etc. Using local land, Charlie manages the production of crops used in their products. Bryan then takes the freshly grown local grains, ferments them into an alcoholic mash and distills them using their custom-made German copper still. Their line of spirits, The Agronomist, represents their unique role in the connection between the land and a finished liquor. “From seed to the spirit in your glass.” Their apple products start with cider from Mayer Brothers so they remain local in ingredient sourcing.
Visit Ellicottville Distillery online and discover the heart and soul that goes into each of their products. I’m taken with their Maple Bourbon Creme, made with syrup from the neighborhood, revealing a little secret of these hills. Honey Spirit has been with them from the beginning – they partnered with the local bees to share the treasure of their honey. “From bee, to keeper, to spirit, to you!” Finally, Appleshine – fall in a glass. Their take on Apple Pie Moonshine. You’ll want to try them and more.
Preparing to celebrate their 9th anniversary on October 1, Scharf reflected and proudly remarked how they started with three bottled choices and now have ten. Their Agronomist brand can be found throughout the Southern Tier and into the Buffalo and Rochester areas. Scharf says he still enjoys selling one-on-one at the Farmers Markets and craft shows where he can talk about his product with new customers.
Recently adding a 1600-square-foot rick house which now houses over 150 barrels of aging spirits, the building grew by almost a third. The grounds have a pavilion for outdoor concerts and events. Weddings have been held on the picturesque property with 300+ in attendance, accommodated by large tents. Throughout summer, weekly performers are on the grounds. Their July 3rd fireworks display rivals many in the area. June features their annual car show and in the fall after Halloween, my favorite, punkin’ chunkin’.
The extensive Robbins Road property allowed Scharf to lease some of the land to Ellicottville friend and native as well as contributor to The Villager, Chad Neal to build his own dream – a Park Golf course which he calls Bigfoot Park Golf. Neal opened in 2024 with a grand opening on June 14th. The course, 18 holes, covers around six acres. No carts, so walking is the only option although people are welcome to bring their own, if they wish, says Neal. Seeming to have found himself on the leading edge, Neal says the sport of Park Golf is growing in the US and he is in the process of officially joining the IPGAA (International Park Club Association of America). There must be something magical in the local water that Ellicottvillians seems to spark new ideas long before they take hold elsewhere. Neal refers to his course as a love child of traditional golf and mini golf. Sweet!
Fewer than 1000 yards in distance the course is a short walk, and according to Neal, a less aggravating golf game. “It’s pleasant,” says the owner. A single player on a clear course can play it in half an hour; a group of six may take about two hours or longer depending on the fun and antics along the way. Of course, rules of courtesy apply, if others are waiting, even in this laid back environment. For this pre-season the cost is $20 to golf as much as you want; in the beginning of June as Bigfoot Park Golf opens all week the price is $20 for nine holes and $30 for 18. Rental is included with the green fee, but members who have free play whenever, can rent equipment for $7 or bring their own (only certified Park Golf clubs and balls can be used). Clubs and balls are also for sale in the caddie shack, along with water and Gatorade and some tee-shirts. When The Distillery is open, literally next door, golfers can find adult beverages, soft drinks and snacks (chips, nuts…). Food trucks are generally on site during Distillery events. According to Neal, golfers are welcome to bring their own refreshments. Plan a picnic or bring dogs to cook on their equipment. Park benches have been added for relaxation. Consideration is being given to setting up disc-golf baskets around the property and Neal is offering sponsorships for the holes.
Bigfoot Park Golf is open for parties, benefits, reservations. 716-541-4059. Open weekends to June, then all week – daily 11am. An anniversary party is planned for Saturday, June 14 with hot dogs, burgers, sodas and beer – contests – $20 special – Golf all day. Lots to do on Robbins Road!