Finger Lakes Distilling — Local services in Town of Hector

A group of 7 of us were doing a tasting tour for a bachelorette party. Yes it was a group of 7 women, yes we did do wine all day, BUT we would not have gone there if we didn't want to taste the alcohol. I am not writing to review the alcohol, (It was mediocre though, nothing special) I am upset with how patronized I felt during my experience there. We waited in line to be served and most of us already knew what we wanted. An old gentleman comes to help us. Off the bat he is rude in telling me that "you're not getting anything until you pay at the front counter!". Uhh ok, I'm sorry, everywhere else we went took our money at the bar. Maybe you should have someone on the floor talking to the people in line so they know what to expect and could spend time explaining the place to them, since the bartender clearly didn't want to. Okay, we're paid up. I order first knowing I was really excited about trying their brandy. "Now you are aware that this isn't going to be some fruity sugary cocktail drink....right?" Yes..."sir", as a female it is possible for me to enjoy hard liquor as well as fruity wine. Thank you for stereotyping, being a sexist, and a dumbass for patronizing your customer. I shrugged it off, hoping he was just trying to make conversation and not trying to be completely rude. Our bride, who only came because she knew the rest of our group wasn't into the fruity all day event, isn't much of a liquor drinker. She wanted the experience but we were told that she could get mini mixed drinks to try the alcohol. Listen, do not advertise that if you do not want to do it. When she asked for something special for two of her three shots, we got eye rolling and huffing and puffing from our VERY attentive bartender..(joking) A few of my group did end up buying a bottle or two, but it most definitely wasn't because of the service we received. I think my group enjoyed their straight...

I have to come to the defense of Fingerlakes Distilling - we always stop in when in the neighborhood - it's a great place- unique spirit products - they do a lot with grappa (essentially grape "vodka"... a clear high horsepower product that starts out as grapes)... they do a killer 'moonshine' type clear corn liquor, and a killer bourbon. Don't know if everything is available all the time.. things vary and you're reading a post from a total amateur. But what is totally UNFAIR and MISCONSTRUED is the review from the limo guy implying that they were unwilling to server his group "of color". I MUST CALL TOTAL B.S. ON THAT. That may be the story given to the driver and he was probably sincere with his post - I don't know, but I have ZERO doubt that what happened was someone who had a little too much liquid fun before he/she arrived raised a red flag for the bartender, and that's all. 'Back in the day' when I was playing in local bands, I've seen it myself many times - one person is refused service for being "intoxicato" and the rest of the group gets into "group-think" mode "If you don't serve our buddy here... you're not gettin' our business either... c'mon everyone let's go...." And out they all go - mad.

Since in NYS the server can be held personally responsible if they serve someone already intoxicated and something bad happens after they leave, you will find them all to be very cautious these days. But show up (mostly) sober at any of the wineries/breweries/distilleries/cidreries/meaderies and restaurants throughout the region you're going to find all types of people hanging out enjoying themselves and sampling our excellent local products. So please don't base your opinion of Finger Lakes Distilling on one guy's...

Went there today after a hike. Had been there last year and wanted to taste some of the higher end bourbon with the intentions of buying multiple bottles. Went in, was not greeted in any way and eventually found a table. After 5 min. realized that I would have to go to the bar to order. I ordered a bourbon tasting and a diet coke for my wife. Got the flight of bourbon and the bar tender couldn't find/know where she could get a diet coke. I noticed that every other patron was served a flight of whiskey with an explanation of how each was made. I was given mine without any explanation of what I was drinking or how it was made. The bartender said she would deliver my wife's diet coke. After I was finishing my last glass in the tasting, she finally delivered the soft drink. I informed her that we were done and did not want the diet coke. I went to pay for the tasting and a second bartender told me that he/they comped me for the soft drink. How can you comp me for something I never got. Words matter. I let him know that I had intended to purchase several (4 to 6) bottles of bourbon but had no intentions of that now. He simply said sorry. No, let's make this right or what can we do to fix this. They have a good product, but lousy customer service. It appears that they believe if you are not happy, there will be plenty more people behind you. Such a shame. Was looking forward for a year to giving two of my close friends each a bottle of their bourbon. I love to support small local businesses, but I do expect a little courtesy...