Black Button Distilling Spotlight

There are tons of distilleries in New York, from upstate craft distillers to Big Apple distilleries. You’re sure to find something you love in the state of New York, and Black Button Distilling is certainly no exception. Let’s discover what makes this distillery in Rochester so special.

What Makes Black Button Distilling Special?

“When life hands you lemons, sometimes you just have to make bourbon.” – Black Button

Founded in 2012, Black Button Distilling was Rochester, NY’s “first grain-to-glass distillery since prohibition.” They use local ingredients to make their spirits special, no matter what type it is. They have several core values that they use to develop all of their products: sustainability, passion, integrity, resourcefulness, innovation, tenacity, and skill.

Rochester Style Bourbon Making

Black Button Distilling utilizes unique equipment, a unique process, and superior ingredients to craft their spirits. They believe this sets them apart in the world of craft spirits, and we’re inclined to agree. 

Their “column to pot to column” system is a unique take on how to produce spirits. This system was designed by Master Distiller Jason Barret. It increases flavor output while keeping purity levels in the whiskey high. They also use a double pass distillation… just with a twist. Their system allows for this type of distillation to happen all in one go, all with the efficiency of being able to pull specific fractions from the column parts of the still.

Licensed Farm Distillery

Black Button Distilling is a licensed farm distillery; this means that 100% of their ingredients are “sourced from within 50 miles of the distillery.” These farms include Edgewood Farms in Groveland, NY. Additionally, Hemlock Lake is “the source for 100% of Black Button’s water.” Murmuration Malts is also a source for barley, and Adirondack Barrel Cooperage is where they get their American White Oak Barrels!

What Spirits Does the Black Button Distillery Offer?

Black Button Distilling offers a wide range of spirits, from whiskeys to gin and vodka. Take a look at some of the most popular spirits below, but be sure to check out their website for a full, immersive list. 

Black Button Whiskeys

There are currently eleven whiskeys available on their website; any type you can imagine, they’ve got it!

• Four Grain Straight Bourbon | 60% corn, 20% wheat, 11% malted barley, 9% rye | 84 proof | charred oak, caramel, & vanilla notes
• Empire Straight Rye | 94% danko rye, 6% malted barley | 96 proof | stone fruit and smooth oak notes, nutty finish
• Barrel Strength Empire Straight Rye | 94% danko rye, 6% malted barley | 119 proof | floral nose, rye spice and cedar, notes of honey and baking spices, dry finish
• Cask Strength Straight Bourbon | 60% corn, 20% wheat, 11% malted barley, 9% rye | varying proof | stone fruit and cherry, light leather and tobacco, rich sweetness, citrus peel, spice, peppercorn

They also have “pre-prohibition style” bourbon, single barrel offerings, and reserve offerings, including a port-finished, brandy-finished, tequila-finished, and a bottled in bond bourbon.

Black Button Liqueurs

Perhaps the most popular one of their liqueurs is the Black Button Bespoke Bourbon Cream. This is a 30 proof liqueur that has bold tastes of vanilla and caramel. According to Black Button Distilling, it’s “similar but smoother than an Irish Cream.” They recommend using it in coffee or over ice with root beer.

They also have a coffee liqueur and an apple liqueur if that suits you better!

Black Button Gin & Vodkas

While whiskey might be their bread and butter, Black Button Distilling also has a few gins and one All American Corn Vodka. They have several gins: barrel reserve, loganberry, American dry, lilac, solstice, and citrus-forward gin.

Black Button Distilling Review

There aren’t a ton of critic reviews for all of Black Button’s products, but the distillery itself has strong ratings; on google maps, they have 4.7/5 stars with 209 reviews (April 22, 2024). Visitors love the cocktail room and the diverse range of products. If you’re in the area and looking for a fun distillery experience, Black Button is a great stop.

FAQ About Black Button Distilling:

Is There a Black Button Distilling New Location?

In 2023, Black Button Distilling moved to a new facility. The distillery quadrupled in size and they increased spirit production capacity 10-fold. Check out the press release here.

Does Black Button Distilling Have a Cocktail Room?

Yes! It’s at the same location as the distillery.

Does Black Button Have a Happy Hour?

Yes! Happy hour is 3pm – 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

Does Black Button Distilling Have Outdoor Seating?

Not at the moment, no. They do have indoor seating with views to outside via giant windows.

Is There Parking Available?

Yes, parking is available down the road; the parking entrance is on Blossom Rd.

Does Black Button Distilling Offer Tours?

Yes! Distillery tours are available Fridays at 6pm, Saturdays at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm, and Sundays at 12:30pm, 2pm, and 4pm. They request that you book your tour in advance to ensure adequate planning. Private group tours are available upon request.

Is There a Black Button Distilling Menu?

Aside from cocktails, there are also “small bites” available; they also have a brunch menu. Offerings may change seasonally. You can see the menu here: Cocktail & Food Menu.

Does Black Button Distilling Offer Any Classes?

Yes! This Rochester distillery offers a variety of classes, all of which can be viewed on their website here: Events & Classes. Want to learn more about spirits production and blending? Sign up for one of their unique classes today!

Can I Host an Event at Black Button Distillery?

Yes! Their brand-new, state-of-the-art distillery is the perfect backdrop for corporate gatherings, business meetings, and more types of social gatherings. There are different locations that work well for different types of events. Check out this page for more info: Event Spaces.

Where Is the Black Button Distillery Located?

The distillery and cocktail room is located at 1344 University Avenue, Suite 7000 Rochester, NY 14607. They are open Thursday from 3pm – 9pm, Friday from 3pm – 11pm, Saturday from noon – 11pm, and Sunday from 11am – 5pm. 

What are you waiting for! Come in and visit Black Button Distilling today!