BY LIZ WITBECK
Springbrook Hollow Distillery has
joined the growing list of small craft
breweries in the region.
The business opened in November at
the base of Sugarloaf Mountain in the
foothills of the Adirondacks, at 133 Clements
Road, Queensbury, started by four
friends: Dave Bannon, Mike Forcier, Ken
Rohne, and Tony DeSantis.
The distillery produces vodka, gin,
and moonshine. The lineup includes
Two Sisters vodka, made with organic
New York state wheat and hints of fruit
and spices; Sly Fox Gin, made with
juniper berries and fresh Springbrook
Hollow water from the Adirondacks;
and Howl at Moonshine, an un-aged
moonshine with spicy notes.
Soon they will also be adding wood
barrels to their distillery and crafting
whiskey, the owners said.
They said the spirits are produced in
a custom made copper pot. Spirits are
crafted one small batch at a time. Clean,
unprocessed water gives the product a
unique taste. Springbrook Hollow uses
non-GMO corn, wheat and other organic
grains for their spirits.
“We use all New York state products,”
said Bannon. “Our products are as local
as we can get them.”
The co-owners spent months renovating
a barn that they turned into the
tasting room. The barn is located on
a 200-acre piece of property. Guests
can come to the tasting room and sit
outside in the outdoor patio, enjoying
the scenic views of the Adirondacks and
the wildlife.
“The location is really beautiful,” said
Bannon.
Springbrook Hollow products can be purchased at several locations including
Mohan’s in Queensbury and Gateway
Liquor in Warrensburg. Their spirits
can also be purchased at their tasting
room in Queensbury. In the future,
Springbrook Hollow will add to their
distribution, hoping to include other
liquor stores within a 35-mile radius.
Since opening in November, business
at the distillery has been successful,
with many people stopping by to taste
the fine craft spirits, he said.
“We’re trying to create quality products
and people are responding positively,”
said Bannon.
Tours and tastings are available Tuesday
through Friday, 1-6 p.m.; Saturday
and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. The distillery
is closed on Monday.
All customers must be 21 years old
to attend a tasting. For more information,
www.springbrookhollow.com. The
phone number is 338-3130 and the email
address is sbhfdistilling@gmail.com
Photo by Todd Bissonette Photography