Ellicottville Distillery Celebrates 10 Years in Business
Ellicottville Distillery Celebrates 10 Years in Business
Bryan and Renee Scharf celebrate a decade of Ellicottville Distillery, reflecting on award-winning spirits, community support and a growing calendar of events.
Bryan and Renee Scharf, owners of Ellicottville Distillery, are raising a glass to 10 years in business this Saturday, October 3, and all are invited to join the celebration! Located at 5462 Robbins Road in Ellicottville, the Distillery uses classic distilling practices and locally sourced, high-quality ingredients in everything they make. Stop by this Saturday, when the fun begins at 1:00pm!
Statistically speaking, most businesses never make it to the ten-year milestone; the fact that Ellicottville Distillery’s first decade is in the books (global pandemic and all) is significant. For the Scharfs, 10 years in business isn’t about surviving; rather, it’s about thriving - making award-winning spirits, hosting popular events that grow each year, and engaging with a supportive community.
“Being able to adapt to and endure anything that life has thrown at us” has been a great source of pride for Bryan Scharf, head distiller, at the 10-year mark. He’s also proud of “how the spirits have continued to improve and being able to add new ones.” Indeed, Ellicottville Distillery’s Straight Bourbon took home the gold medal in the 2022 Great American International Spirits Competition, and their Maple Bourbon Crème and Appleshine were awarded bronze medals. For the Scharfs, Ellicottville Distillery’s success includes the relationships they’ve formed and grown along the way. Bryan noted, “Making lifelong friends and meeting all sorts of new people,” is part of what the Scharfs are celebrating during their anniversary weekend, as well as “our family growing and being a part of so much that we do.”
Bryan said that one of the biggest surprises in the last 10 years of business has been the support he’s received from customers and the community. “I’m surprised by all of the folks looking for new spirits and how they are willing to keep coming back,” he said. “The local community has been super supportive by coming out to events or buying spirits for gifts or special occasions.” Additional support from the community has come in the form of “local businesses using our spirits or selling them and being genuinely excited to help,” Bryan added.
Renee also noted the support from the Ellicottville-area business community. “Some of the local restaurants have used our spirits in their cocktail menus or just have us in their bar,” she said. “Any time we have done our golf tournament and have asked for a donation of some sort, most have donated without question. We are so very appreciative of the local businesses and anyone who has stopped in and supported us along the way.”
Ellicottville Distillery has an active events calendar, which features live music, fundraisers, and other events throughout the year. Renee noted, “Any event we hold, whether it is a fundraiser or just a gathering, seems to grow every year. Our golf tournament and car show are usually big events.”
This Saturday, to celebrate their anniversary, Ellicottville Distillery will have drink specials, live music, and some finger foods for customers to enjoy. Next month on Saturday, November 7, the Distillery is hosting their Punkin’ Chunkin’ event - come out and watch pumpkin launching from a full-size trebuchet! Renee added that the Distillery’s annual Christmas tree funeral will be returning in January as well.
In the next 10 years in business, Renee said that she’s “looking forward to developing new spirits and seeing how age will continue to change our bourbon and whiskey.” To learn more about Ellicottville Distillery’s products, along with cocktail recipes and a full events calendar, visit www.ellicottvilledistillery.com. Renee said, “We are so very thankful for anyone who has walked through our doors or supported us in any way. We couldn’t have done it without you all.”