Local Distillery Releases Its First Whiskey
Westfield, New York
Five & 20 Spirits officially released its first Whiskey to the public on Sunday, September 22nd. The distillery, which shares a home with the new Mazza Chautauqua Cellars in Westfield, NY, began crafting their Rye Whiskey in March of 2012, and less than 1000 bottles are now available for sale from this initial release. They kicked-off the release with a private event at the distillery & winery on Saturday, September 21st, where bottles #2-6 were auctioned off to benefit two local charities.
The Rye Whiskey is the first product of its kind made in the Lake Erie Wine Country Area. According to Mario Mazza, general manager of Five & 20 Spirits, the rye is a blend of 80% New York grown rye and 20% distiller’s malt, and the whiskey has been aged 16 months in new charred American Oak. Distiller Joe Nelson explained that they used a blend of 2 different cooperages and three barrel sizes to provide a complex flavor and to create a smooth and mature spirit. “It’s really exciting for us here at the distillery to bring this historic spirit back to Western New York, and it’s great to see the finished product from over two years’ worth of work,” remarked Nelson.
Five & 20 Spirits also released their unaged Corn Whiskey prior to the release of their Rye Whiskey, and will continue with new product releases throughout the upcoming years including a bourbon in 2014. The Mazzas have also announced that Five & 20 Brewing is set to open on site with Mazza Chautauqua Cellars and Five & 20 Spirits in 2014.