-By Kate Bartlett-
October 1 marks the 6th anniversary of the Ellicottville Distillery, located in the beautiful country hills of Ellicottville. Bryan Scharf is the owner and distiller at Ellicottville Distillery. Inspired by his Uncle Bill, he started distilling 11 years ago making his own fruit wines. Bryan took his first step into spirits with his first 25 gallon still. His vision was to create a relaxing environment with a hometown feel in the country for guests to enjoy cocktails. “When you come to the distillery you leave as friends.”
The Distillery has been an 8.5-year project, opening its doors in October 2016. “We started with 2 spirits, and now we’re making 10 different spirits, 4-year-old bourbon, aged whiskey, gin, flavored vodka, honey spirit, vodka and apple shine (local cider-based spirit with caramel and cinnamon).” The Distillery serves a full cocktail list for all of their spirits as well as slushies, craft beer and occasionally offers a food options (food trucks, pig roast, etc.).
“Currently, The Distillery has over 90 barrels of Bourbon/whiskey dyeing and we recently added storage for an eventual rick house (a whiskey aging warehouse) onto the building.” In January, the Distillery will be receiving 50 empty barrels ready to be filled and start aging in this new addition. Bryan has plans for an upstairs tasting room, anticipated to be opening this spring. The space will be available to host private events and overflow on busy weekends.
The Distillery is also available for weddings with a sizeable pavilion, tenting, and a small stage in their picturesque country setting. “The Great Valley creek runs along our property and we recently landscaped this area in order to host wedding ceremonies here. It provides a beautiful background for any event.
They’ve hosted a variety of events through the seasons including Distilled and Chilled Music Fest in August, Pig Roast, Car Show, Food Trucks and most recently the Motorcycle show for Rock ‘n Roll weekend. They frequently host local musicians in their outdoor pavilion and have plans to host tethered hot air balloon rides. This December, Bryan is excited to release a 5-year-old bourbon; be sure to watch their website for updates and events.
The Distillery is family owned and operated. “You’ll always see either my wife Renee or myself there. Our spirits are as unique as our customers. Everyone has a good time here, and it’s a great place to come sip and enjoy our sprits as well as each other.”
The distillery is beautiful in the fall; to see the leaves changing colors on the hills and the turn of autumn. “It’s great to just sit and relax under the pavilion, enjoying some music and the views”, says Brian. His favorite thing about his job is meeting new people and creating new and unique spirits and experiences.
Follow on Facebook and Instagram @EllicottvilleDistillery visit online https://ellicottvilledistillery.com/ for cocktail list and schedule of events email info@ellicottvilledistillery.com or better yet visit them for a cocktail and live music in the county hills at 5462 Robbins Road in Ellicottville.