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!
