Iron Smoke Distillery

Located in the picturesque suburb of Fairport, New York, Iron Smoke Distillery is a must-visit destination for all craft spirits enthusiasts. This farm distillery specializes in producing premium bourbon and small-batch whiskey, drawing guests from the city of Rochester and all corners of the USA.

The establishment's main highlight is its unique applewood smoked bourbon. Only local ingredients from farms in the Finger Lakes region are used for production, and a portion of the grain is lightly smoked, giving the drink its distinctive smooth aroma. The distillery has been recognized by Forbes as one of the best bourbon producers outside of Kentucky.

Spanning over 21,000 square feet, the site houses not only a modern production facility but also the striking The Watering Room and Sideshow tasting room. Decorated in a Victorian circus style, it invites guests to immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere while sampling the best of the local spirits.

To get in touch with Iron Smoke Distillery, you can use their official communication channels. We recommend checking availability for tours in advance via their website.

At Iron Smoke Distillery, visitors can expect more than just a tasting; it's a full immersion into the world of craft. You can take a production tour to see the massive 1,000-gallon Vendome copper stills and learn the secrets of aging whiskey in American white oak barrels.

Special attention should be paid to The Watering Room and Sideshow hall, which regularly hosts musical performances. This venue is famous for its "Victorian sideshow" atmosphere, where you can order signature cocktails based on their house bourbon, as well as sample New York wines and beers, all to the accompaniment of live music.

For those who want to take a piece of Fairport home with them, there is an on-site shop where you can purchase exclusive bottles of whiskey that are hard to find in regular stores. It is the perfect place to end a busy day with friends.

The easiest way to get to Iron Smoke Distillery from Rochester is by car—the trip takes about 15–20 minutes. The distillery is located in the Fairport industrial area, and free parking is available for guests right at the entrance.

If you plan to use public transport, you can take the Regional Transit Service buses that run to Fairport. After getting off at the stop, it is most convenient to take a taxi or a short walk (about 2–3 km) to the distillery building. For those traveling through the USA by air, the nearest hub is Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), located 30 minutes away.

The history of Iron Smoke Distillery began in 2011 in the backyard of musician Tommy Brunett. The idea to combine the aroma of applewood smoke from a BBQ with bourbon came to him while relaxing, leading to the creation of a unique whiskey recipe that has gained recognition from experts worldwide.

The distillery officially opened in the Canning Building in Fairport, maintaining its status as a farm-based operation. This means all grain is sourced exclusively from local family farms located in the immediate vicinity of the facility. This approach ensures the authentic taste of the Finger Lakes region in every bottle.

The master distiller personally selects the American white oak barrels in which the spirit is aged for several years. The distinct aroma of smoked applewood that wafts around the building during production has itself become a local attraction, drawing in passersby with its appetizing scent.

For a standard introduction to Iron Smoke Distillery, including a production tour and a tasting of their flagship spirits, you should set aside about 1.5–2 hours. This is the optimal time to appreciate the scale of the copper stills and enjoy the flavors of the drinks.

If you want to spend an evening here, listen to live music, and order full cocktails, your visit could extend to 4 hours. On weekends, when entertainment shows take place in the hall, time flies by in the cozy company of locals and tourists.

The Iron Smoke Distillery operating schedule is geared toward the evening. On Mondays, the establishment is closed to visitors. From Tuesday to Thursday, the distillery welcomes guests from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Friday and Saturday are the most active days, with doors open until midnight, and on Sundays, the hours are shorter (usually until 7:00 PM).

As operating hours may change due to private events or holidays, it is recommended to check the current schedule on the official website before your visit.

The surroundings of Fairport and the suburbs of Rochester hide many interesting locations that will make your trip across the USA even more memorable. Visiting nearby attractions allows you to switch from the industrial aesthetic of the distillery to outdoor activities or family entertainment.

Below are the sites located within easy reach of the distillery: