Just a few miles outside the village of Ellicottville sits a hidden gem for spirit lovers: Ellicottville Distillery. Set against a backdrop of rolling farmland and open skies, this locally owned craft distillery delivers big flavor in small batches, with a relaxed, rustic vibe that will make you want to stay awhile.

Specializing in handcrafted whiskey, vodka, gin, and seasonal infusions, Ellicottville Distillery sources its ingredients from New York State farms, offering a true taste of the region in every pour. Their flagship vodka is smooth and clean, while the straight bourbon whiskey is rich with character - aged to perfection, and poured with pride. Flavored varieties like Honey Spirit, Appleshine, and their popular Blueberry Vodka rotate in and out, offering something new with every visit.

The tasting room is laid-back and welcoming - part country bar, part cocktail lab - where you can sip flights, enjoy signature drinks, or grab a bottle to take home. Whether you're lounging on the patio with friends, chatting with the makers behind the bar, or discovering your new favorite spirit, Ellicottville Distillery offers a genuine, off-the-beaten-path experience.

They also host a wide range of events on the distillery grounds. And now that summer is in full swing, the Distillery is rolling out a full season of fun. If you’re looking for something that lets you enjoy the outdoors with the option to be boozy, and is family friendly, the Ellicottville Distillery’s Car and Motorcycle Show is the event to add to your calendar.

Set for Sunday, June 22nd beginning at 10:00am, vehicles entering the show will welcome fellow competitors and other guests to admire various makes and models throughout the day, with the “Best Of” awarded later in the afternoon. The in-between time will be filled with laughter, good drinks, food truck grubs, live music from the Chillbillys, 50/50 raffle drawings, and of course enjoying the fresh summer air and beautiful land that the Distillery sits on.

Proceeds from the event, including Show entry fees and 50/50 raffle money raised will benefit Oishei Children’s Hospital in downtown Buffalo. The Distillery often puts event proceeds towards a good cause. “It just seems like the best thing to do,” said Renee Scharf, co-owner of the Distillery. “We all understand how important it is.”

It’s important to remember that the Distillery has a great additional attraction with the Bigfoot Park Golf Course located right on-site. Park golf is a modified golf game native to Japan, similar to our mini golf courses we have here in the United States. The courses are often themed and mid-sized (bigger than mini golf, smaller than real golf). The game itself is a good mix of croquet and golf, with a large, softer ball and a mallet-like club. It’s designed to be easy to pick up and fun to play, making it great for families. While the Distillery might seem like it’s geared toward people old enough to enjoy handcrafted spirits, it’s really an excellent place for families with the fun events and the park golf course.

If you can’t make it this weekend and would love another chance to spend the day at the Distillery, head to their website at ellicottvilledistillery.com for operating hours and a list of upcoming special events. The Ellicottville Distillery is located at 5462 Robbins Rd., Ellicottville, NY, phone 716-597-6121.