By Sara Goode
Nestled in the picturesque town of Ellicottville, New York, Ellicottville Distillery brings a fresh take on the age-old art of distillation, with a commitment to using the finest locally sourced ingredients. Owner and head distiller Bryan Scharf has mastered the creation of high-quality spirits and flavored liqueurs that captures the essence of the region.
Ellicottville Distillery’s dedication to a “homegrown” approach has quickly earned them a stellar reputation among spirit enthusiasts and locals alike. From grains to botanicals, every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen, resulting in a truly authentic and unique flavor profile. Bryan Scharf, owner and mastermind of Ellicottville Distillery, opened October 1, 2015, and has since been bringing locals and visitors great joy and pleasure with his establishment.
One of the highlights of Ellicottville Distillery is its onsite tasting room, where visitors can immerse themselves in the world of hand-crafted cocktails. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just exploring, the array of flavors and combinations available is sure to captivate your palate. As you sip these artisanal creations, you can also browse the bottled selections, taking home a piece of this craft distillery’s magic. Tis the season for a bottle of maple bourbon crème or my personal favorite, the Apple Shine – “Fall in a glass, great over ice”: local cider based (from Mayer Bros. or seasonally from Pumpkinville) with a caramel & cinnamon back-end; their take on Apple Pie Moonshine.”
But there’s more to Ellicottville Distillery than just fine spirits. This November 4th, they are set to host an event that embodies the spirit of autumn – “Punkin’ Chunkin.” This event is a true spectacle, featuring the launch of pumpkins from a full-size trebuchet every hour. It’s a sight to behold, promising to delight visitors of all ages.
Adding to the festivities, the live music of The Villager’s local favorite the Hick Ups from 3-6pm. They will set the mood for a memorable day. Their lively tunes will have your toes tapping as you watch the pumpkins soar through the air.
No event is complete without delicious food, and a food truck will be on-site to keep everyone well-fed and energized throughout the day.
If you’re interested in this unique event or want to learn more about Ellicottville Distillery, visit their website at ellicottvilledistillery.com or give them a call at 716-597-6121. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to get details on upcoming events as well. They are open Thursday 3-8pm, Friday 1-8pm, Saturday 12-8pm, and Sunday 12-8pm.
“Punkin’ Chunkin” at Ellicottville Distillery is more than just a pumpkin-flinging spectacle; it’s a celebration of the season and craftsmanship. So, mark your calendars for Saturday, November 4 and join in the excitement at Ellicottville Distillery, where tradition meets innovation, and where a taste of Ellicottville’s best awaits.
Ellicottville Distillery is located adjacent to Holiday Valley Tubing Park at 5462 Robbins Rd, Ellicottville, NY 14731.