Carolann Fisher Linn-
Spirits and the distilling of them have always been part of the fabric of most American towns.
Joe Guy had a small store where Watson’s resides now. Joe’s store and inventory were small so Hank and Hazel Nuszkowski decided to open a liquor store in the late 60’s/early 70’s down the street likely where Daff‘s is now. Now, anyone who remembers this couple will remember Hazel as a very sweet woman. And they will likely remember Hank as a one-man show. The store was a place not only to buy liquor, but to be regaled by Hank’s latest, or most memorable adventures. A seasoned traveler, he wore the spoils of his soirees generally around his neck or on his head, all but begging customers to ask about his newest bangle. And, as I recall, there was no entertainment tax on top of the bill.
Skiers and ex-Buffalonians, Stanley and Barbara Kozlowski opened The Village Wine Rack, where today you’ll find Betsy’s and The Salt Cave. The store was huge, and as I recall, a bit chilly, but customers were immediately warmed up as they were greeted by their beautiful, faithful Golden Retriever who was always willing to help with their selections.
Today, we have a variety of places to sate our palates for a favorite brew, wine, or single-malt-scotch. Shop at any of these fine places:
E-ville Spirits, Liquors and Wines: Owner Shannon has traveled extensively around the world, visiting major wine growing regions and wineries, bringing back to Ellicottville some of the most interesting products these trips revealed. Visit her shop across from The City Garage, 10 Monroe St. 716-699-4474 or visit https://www.evillespirits.com
Winery of Ellicottville: A relaxed and inviting atmosphere with hand crafted wine and a delicious tasting bar for both seasoned wine drinkers and those new to the world of wine. They have newly expanded seating offered in their “Barrel Room”. They offer wine pairing classes, (there are still openings for the Christmas Cookie Pairing Class for $20). Stop by and learn more 14 Monroe St. 716-699-1055 or visit wineryofellicottville.com
Ellicottville Distillery: Offers a homegrown approach to the age-old practice of distilling. Using only the finest locally sourced ingredients, owner and head distiller Bryan Scharf creates high quality spirits and flavored liqueurs.
From their website, “The enchanted mountains of Western New York know how to keep secrets. Every rock, gorge, and stream have a hidden story. We’ve learned something from the trees, though, and it’s become the secret ingredient to our Maple Bourbon Créme. This new liqueur is sweetened with syrup locally sourced from Western New York maple trees. When you drink this spirit, you learn a little secret of these hills…”
Enjoy their tasting room and several events on the lineup, 5462 Robbins Rd. 716-597-6121 or visit Ellicottvilledistillery.com
Steelbound Brewery & Distillery: Where Buffalo meets Ellicottville. Hand crafted & locally sourced craft beers and spirits. Visit them online to see their full lineup. Then stop in and enjoy a meal or sandwich from their fabulous menu.
From their website, “The Ellicottville location is breaking ground and developing into a grand event center that will include a “brewtique” style hotel. Also, Steelbound will be increasing its brewing and distilling operations, that will include a newly designed manufacturing facility on site.”
Stop in for a great meal and 6600 US-219 corner of Route 242, 716-699-2042 or visit steelboundevl.com
Ellicottville Brewing Company: Ranked one of the best bars & brewpubs in New York State, Ellicottville Brewing was established in 1995 when the inspiration that an authentic craft brewery would be the perfect match for the village of Ellicottville, aka “The Aspen of the East”. This pairing of Old-World brewing and winter-worshipping ski culture proved to be a success ahead of the trend, with EBC helping to lead a then-fledgling craft beer market. Stop in and enjoy a bite in their 8,000 sq. ft. restaurant and check out the brew house and German beer garden, 28 Monroe St. 716-699-2537 or visit ellicottvillebrewing.com
Fattey Beer: Fattey Beer is a bottle shop, tap room and a craft community experience. Every location is dog friendly, people friendly and features a large selection of craft beer, wine, cider, seltzer, non-alcoholic drinks and gourmet snacks. Fattey Beer has indoor seating, outdoor seating and they even deliver beer and wine all over Western New York. Check them out at 6696 Route 219 (heading south – just before the stoplight at 242), 716-713-7422 or visit https://fattey-beer.myshopify.com
12 Gates Brewing Co.: Inches away from opening but unfortunately, they will not be open this week. Please look for the article in this week’s paper and save their information for your next visit to Ellicottville.
Prost! Salute! Kampai! Skaal! À votre santé! L’Chaim! And from me – Na Zdrowie, and for Bobby McCarthy, “The Voice of Ellicottville” whom we miss every day, Sláinte!