Established in 2016, Old Tavern Farm is a private boutique thoroughbred-breeding farm. Founded on the former site of Palmer’s Maple Shade Farm in Saratoga Springs, New York, the name Old Tavern was derived from the 1800s tavern that once graced the property. They also have a winery and flower farm. But for purposes of this conversation, we'll be focusing on their burgeoning craft distillery.
Old Tavern Farm Distillery is dedicated to producing the highest quality spirits. Working with local farms and partners, Mike Borisenok and his team use the best raw materials and ingredients available. Each of their small batch whiskies and clear spirits are distilled or produced by Mike. This is a micro-craft producer/artisanal production.
Mike takes pride in being a farm distillery. That means keeping it local. Their spirits are produced from 100% New York grains, and they pick up our barrels down the street from Adirondack Cooperage. Production and aging take place on the farm located on Saratoga Lake.
Mike Borisenock
I tasted three spirits - vodka, bourbon, and rye.
Their vodka is made with 100% New York non-GMO corn, distilled seven times, and filtered through carbon for a clean finish. Their vodka is gluten free and has no additives – it is simply neutral spirit and reverse osmosis water. 80 proof (40% ABV). This ie a lovely, smooth, easy drinking vodka. I'm kind of a tough grader on vodka - not my favorite spirit, but this was light, easy to drink, and had a pleasant taste. Really impressive for such a young distillery.
Old Tavern Farm Distillery Bourbon is a four grain bourbon. Made with predominantly corn, it also features 15% wheat, 15% rye, and 5% malted barley. It's age in New York State oak, from Adrirondack Cooperage. The resulting flavors make this a chewy spirit, with notes of butter, cereal, caramel, pepper, and vanilla. It bursts with flavor, and is strong enough to stand up to water and ice, as well as being served neat. And it doesn;t burn going down. Smooth, easy, and delicious.
Old Tavern Farm Rye Whiskey was a small revelation, and absolutely star of the show. This is a beautiful whiskey. The nose if full of pine needles and pepper, but it drinks smooth an easy. Nice notes of vanilla and caramel and toffee, topped with a nice , light dash of white pepper. This is a soft rye, really brutal. A terrific introductory rye for those trying to make the jump from bourbon to something slightly, drier and more complex. A fabulous new addition to my bar!!!!
The distillery doesn't have a tasting room yet, but can regularly be found at several farmers markets in the region, as well as a number of tastings and shows. Check their website to see where you can buy it - if you live in state, you can always order it direct!