Sara Lilkas, Author at Cooperstown Distillery

The Touchdown

Celebrate game day with The Touchdown cocktail, the perfect blend of smooth Canton Distillery bourbon, crisp ginger beer, and a fresh squeeze of lime. Served in a classic copper mug, this drink is a touchdown in every sip. Canton Distillery’s premium bourbon, renowned for its rich flavor and smooth finish, elevates this simple yet bold cocktail to new heights. Whether you’re tailgating or watching from home, The Touchdown is the ideal companion for every victory celebration.

Ingredients:

2 oz Canton Distillery Bourbon
4 oz Ginger Beer
1 Lime Wedge

Fill a copper mug with ice, pour in the bourbon, and top with ginger beer. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink, drop it in, and enjoy!

Cooperstown Distillery Now Available in Korea

Cooperstown Distillery Now Available in Korea

We are excited to announce that Cooperstown Distillery’s Bourbon, Rye and American Whiskey will soon be available in select Duty Free stores at airports in the Seoul, Korea area. This unique selection of Cooperstown Distillery’s fine whiskies is perfect for both whiskey connoisseurs and baseball enthusiasts, honoring the sport and celebrating the rich history of excellence in Cooperstown, New York.

The offerings feature our uniquely designed and patented baseball decanter bottles, which are individually blown and formed in the shape of a professional baseball, right down to the 108 raised seamed stitches on the glass ball. Each bottle sits on a raised pedestal base which is a clever replica of a baseball diamond, complete with all the bases, home plate, pitcher’s mound, and running lanes.

If you are traveling through the Seoul area be sure to be on the lookout for some unique duty free displays introducing Cooperstown Distillery!

Saratoga Revolutionary Rum Shines with 4.5 Stars from Beverage Experts (BevX.com)

We are thrilled to announce that our Saratoga Revolutionary Rum has been awarded an impressive 4.5 stars by Beverage Experts at BevX.com! This recognition highlights the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of our rum.

BevX.com praised the Saratoga Revolutionary Rum for its brilliant medium tawny/amber color and intense aromatics, which feature enticing scents of caramel, dried fruits, and vanilla, complemented by notes of brown sugar, gingerbread, and oak. On the palate, the rum delivers a rich, caramel-driven core with flavors of treacle, baking spices, toasted oak, and marzipan. The finish is long and lingering, with generous spice accents, providing a full-bodied and nicely balanced experience with a supple texture.

Our Saratoga Revolutionary Rum is crafted using the legendary spring water from Saratoga, New York, celebrated for centuries for its unique character. Carefully aged in smaller bourbon casks, this rum boasts a rich, dark profile with intense vanilla, caramel, honey, and oak notes. Packaged in a colonial-style bottle, it embodies the spirit of tradition and quality.

Discover for yourself why this rum is a standout—our secret is in the water!

Cooperstown Distillery Shines in The Tasting Panel’s July/August Edition

We are thrilled to announce that Cooperstown Distillery has been featured in the July/August edition of The Tasting Panel, where our Cooperstown Select Straight Bourbon and Upstate New York Old Fashioned received high praise. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to quality and the unique characteristics that set our spirits apart.

Gene Marra, owner and founder of Cooperstown Distillery, shared insights into what makes our bourbon distinctive. “What’s unique about our bourbon—and perhaps even New York State bourbon in general—is that because we’re in a relatively cold climate, our maturation is slow and subtle,” he explained. Unlike the high-temperature rickhouses in places like Kentucky, our cooler environment results in a gentle extraction process that enhances the complexity of our whiskey. The Cooperstown Select Straight Bourbon, a three-year-old, 100-proof whiskey, exemplifies this. Made from a mash bill of corn, malted barley, rye, and oats, and aged in 100% New York oak barrels, it offers a creamy, unctuous texture that sticks to your mouth.

Marra also highlighted the local essence of our Upstate New York Old Fashioned. Featuring maple syrup as the sweetening agent, this cocktail nods to the region’s rich maple syrup industry. The addition of walnut bitters further accentuates the earthiness, creating a unique twist on the classic Old Fashioned. “We’re going to round it out with some walnut bitters, which brings out the earthiness you can’t find in an Angostura,” Marra noted.

The Tasting Panel’s experts provided glowing reviews of our products:

Neat: “Warming notes of walnut, peach, sandalwood, cocoa, and black-tea tannins. The rye is well pronounced with a creamy texture on the finish.” – Brian Van Flandern, owner, Creative Cocktail Consultants

Cocktail: “A great riff on the classic, with a focus on maple syrup and black walnut. Comforting and decadent.” – Andrew Pollard, director of mixology, The Venetian

This feature in The Tasting Panel underscores our dedication to crafting exceptional spirits that embody the spirit of Upstate New York. We invite you to experience the distinct flavors and rich heritage of Cooperstown Distillery for yourself. Cheers!

Cooperstown Distillery’s Saratoga Fenimore Gin Stellar Rating From Beverage Experts (BevX)

We’re proud to announce the noteworthy rating and review of our Saratoga Fenimore Gin by Beverage Experts (BevX.com). Adding to our list of achievements, Saratoga Fenimore Gin has earned an exceptional rating of 4.5 stars, confirming our position as a pinnacle of quality and excellence in the industry.

With meticulous attention to craftsmanship and an unwavering dedication to quality, Saratoga Fenimore Gin epitomizes the essence of our proud distillation heritage. Brilliant and crystal clear, it captivates with a wonderfully aromatic nose, featuring bold scents of chamomile and juniper, complemented by hints of orange peel, anise, and subtle marshmallow undertones.

In their review, BevX noted that the palate echoes these aromas, accompanied by notes of citrus pulp and zest, orchard fruits, and a touch of licorice. Medium to full-bodied, the gin strikes a perfect balance, offering rich fruit flavors and creamy textures accented by a lively acidity and spice, showcasing its distinguished craftsmanship and appeal to discerning palates.

Cooperstown Distillery’s achievement in BevX’s review not only reaffirms our dedication to excellence and artisanal skill but also showcases New York as a center of pioneering spirit craftsmanship. As we innovate and set new benchmarks, Cooperstown Distillery welcomes enthusiasts and aficionados to accompany us on our voyage of experimentation and revelation in the spirits realm.

Indulge in our award-winning spirit for yourself with this Saratoga Fenimore Gin Fizz cocktail recipe!

1.5 oz Saratoga Fenimore Gin
.5 oz Cranberry Juice
.5 oz Orange Juice
Top with Prosecco

Rosemary and Cranberries for Garnish

In a shaker combine Saratoga Fenimore Gin, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Shake, strain into a glass, top with prosecco, and garnish with rosemary and cranberries. Enjoy!

Cooperstown Distillery Takes Home Top Honors at New York International Spirit Competition

Cooperstown Distillery Recognized as New York Rum Distillery of the Year and wins a Gold Medal for their Saratoga Revolutionary Rum by the New York International Spirit Competition

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Cooperstown Distillery, renowned for its commitment to crafting exceptional spirits, has been bestowed with the title of New York Rum Distillery of the Year from the New York International Spirit Competition (NYSIC). Adding to their accolades, the distillery’s Saratoga Revolutionary Rum secured a remarkable 95 point Gold Medal, solidifying its status as a pinnacle of quality and excellence in the industry.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering dedication to tradition, Saratoga Revolutionary Rum embodies the essence of Cooperstown Distillery’s rich spirit-making heritage. Each bottle is produced with the legendary spring water sourced from Saratoga, New York. Aged in Cooperstown Distillery’s distinguished bourbon casks, the rum develops a rich, dark character, boasting intense flavors of vanilla, caramel, honey, and oak.

The New York International Spirit Competition stands as a beacon of excellence in the industry, with its blind judging panel comprised of esteemed industry professionals. From retail store buyers to mixologists, the judges bring a wealth of expertise and insight, ensuring that only the finest spirits earn recognition. New York City serves as the backdrop for this prestigious event, attracting some of the brightest minds and talents in the beverage industry. As the media capital of the world, the city provides the perfect platform for sharing the results of the competition with a global audience.

Cooperstown Distillery’s success at the NYSIC not only underscores their commitment to quality and craftsmanship but also highlights New York’s position as a hub of innovation and excellence in the world of spirits. As they continue to push the boundaries of creativity and redefine industry standards, Cooperstown Distillery invites enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to join them on their journey of exploration and discovery.

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About Cooperstown Distillery

Employing the highest quality artisanal distilling practices, Cooperstown Distillery is the first and only distillery in beautiful Cooperstown, N.Y., home to baseball and the iconic National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Cooperstown Distillery produces a full line of award-winning spirits, including various brands of Bourbon, Rye, Single Malt Whiskey, American Whiskey, Gin, Vodka, and Rum that are available in many states and stores across the nation. The company’s products are also available in unique, patented or patent pending sports themed decanters. Cooperstown Distillery products including gifts and cocktails are also available at two satellite retail outlets, in Cooperstown and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. For more information, visit www.cooperstowndistillery.com.

Saratoga Arms x Cooperstown Distillery Spirits Dinner

Join us on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 6:00 pm, as Saratoga Arms Hotel hosts an unforgettable evening. Prepare to delight your palate with a specially curated 4-course menu paired with Cooperstown Distillery’s finest craft spirits. With an assortment of distinguished whiskeys, each sip will be expertly matched with delectable dishes, promising an unforgettable fusion of taste and texture. Reserve your seat now for a night of fine dining, exquisite spirits, and memories you won’t forget.

Buy Tickets Here

Andre Dawson Talks About His Elite Edition Bourbon Whiskey

Step up to the plate with baseball legend Andre Dawson as he steps into the spotlight on the Fly the W Podcast! Sharing his thoughts on Opening Day, Dawson also delves into his latest venture with Cooperstown Distillery in crafting his exquisite Elite Edition Cooperstown Select Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Catch him live at Club 400’s charity event on April 4th, where lucky attendees will rub shoulders with the Hall of Famer and snag a bottle of this exclusive blend. Watch the podcast below and buy tickets here!

Saratoga Revolutionary Rum Daiquiri

Front of Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange Saratoga building

In the realm of classic cocktails, few embody the spirit of refined taste and timeless elegance quite like the Daiquiri. We pay homage to this iconic libation with a twist that harkens back to the days of artisanal distilling and the revolutionary spirit that fueled it. Enter the Saratoga Revolutionary Rum Daiquiri – a concoction that celebrates tradition, class, and the artistry of rum-making.

Ingredients:

2 ounces of Saratoga Revolutionary Rum
3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 ounce of simple syrup
Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

Begin by chilling your cocktail glass. You can place it in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
In a shaker filled with ice, pour in the Saratoga Revolutionary Rum.
Add the freshly squeezed lime juice. Remember, the key to a great Daiquiri is using freshly squeezed citrus for that vibrant flavor.
Pour in the simple syrup. This balances the tartness of the lime juice and enhances the overall sweetness of the cocktail.
Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want to achieve a perfect melding of flavors and a delightful frothiness.
Strain the mixture into your chilled cocktail glass, using a fine-mesh strainer if you prefer your drink without ice shards.
Garnish with a lime wheel for a touch of visual appeal and an extra burst of citrus aroma.
Raise your glass to the legacy of artisanal distilling and take a sip of this Saratoga Revolutionary Rum Daiquiri. Let the smoothness of the rum, the tang of lime, and the subtle sweetness of the syrup transport you to a realm of refined indulgence.

In every sip of the Saratoga Revolutionary Rum Daiquiri, we pay homage to the craftsmanship of distillers past and present. It’s a celebration of tradition, class, and the enduring appeal of a cocktail that has stood the test of time. So, gather your ingredients, shake up a storm, and toast to the rich heritage of fine spirits with this exquisite libation. Cheers!

Cooperstown Distillery Recognized with Gold Medal at International Spirits Competition

Cooperstown Select Straight American Single Malt Whiskey wins Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Cooperstown, N.Y. – Cooperstown Distillery’ has been awarded with the high honor of a gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). Since 2000, the SFWSC has had a great influence on what brands prosper in both the United States and global markets. These prestigious awards are indicators of great quality and craftsmanship.

With a panel of judges who are some of the most valued, accomplished experts in the industry, the SFWSC defines gold-winning spirits as “exceptional spirits that are near the pinnacle of achievement; these products set the standard for their categories.” Judges conduct their tastings blindly to ensure equal and unbiased consideration for all spirits.

The Cooperstown Select Straight American Single Malt Whiskey is made from 100% local New York malted barley. This single malt ages a minimum of two years in new American oak barrels before finishing in hand-selected ex-sherry casks. With rich notes of praline, candied apple, and burnt almond on the finish, this exceptional single malt rivals some of the finest Scotch whiskeys.

The Cooperstown Select Straight American Single Malt Whiskey is one of the Cooperstown Select brand offerings; which also includes Cooperstown Select American Blended Whiskey, Cooperstown Select Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Cooperstown Select Straight Rye Whiskey. These exceptional Distinguished Whiskeys compare favorably to even the most celebrated names in the category and have won many prestigious awards in the industry.