The first-ever Hoochenanny Whiskey Festival, a groundbreaking event that will unite New York’s whiskey distilleries, announces its distinguished showcase of premier and emerging brands, and invites all to explore its realm of unique experiences. Happening October 20 and 21 in the Village of Geneseo, this event ushers in a new era of spirits celebration that will welcome connoisseurs, creators and adventurers alike.
Hoochenanny's tagline, “Cultivate the Uncommon,” reflects a commitment to celebrating the extraordinary and pushing boundaries. The Rickhouse Rendezvous, a one-of-a-kind educational whiskey tasting experience, will feature fan-favorite brands from across the state, including Iron Smoke Distillery, Cooperstown Distillery and Great Jones Distilling, and deliver programming that invigorates the spirit and tantalizes the palette.
A partnership with the New York State Distillers Guild fortifies the festival’s commitment to showcasing the state's finest spirits and dedicated artisans. Participating guild members include 1911 Established, Black Button Distilling, Finger Lakes Distilling, Hudson Whiskey, Lock 1 Distilling Company, Old Scotland Road Distillery, Southern Tier Distilling Co, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, The Better Man Distilling Co. and New Scotland Spirits.
Within the walls of the stylized turn of the century rickhouse meets Prohibition-era speakeasy, fans will discover the Mixology Bar, complete with artisanal beverages not found elsewhere at the festival. Fireside chat programming will allow enthusiasts to enjoy panel-style education sessions geared towards consumers and connoisseurs. Fee Brothers will lead a discussion on post-Prohibition brand evolution. Vendome Copper will showcase the unsung heroes of whiskey distilling, while the NYSDG discusses the history of whiskey in New York.
Tommy Brunett, CEO and co-founder of Iron Smoke Distillery and the mastermind behind Hoochenanny, said, "Bringing the Rickhouse Rendezvous to life at Hoochenanny is a dream come true. This celebration of the unconventional, where the art of whiskey-making meets the thrill of discovery, is an opportunity
for fans to explore the unparalleled flavors of New York’s finest spirits, learn from the masters and immerse themselves in the rich heritage of craft liquor.”
“At Cooperstown Distillery, we're thrilled to bring our distinguished craft spirits to the Hoochenanny Rickhouse Rendezvous,” said Gene Marra, owner and founder of Cooperstown Distillery. “This unique event perfectly aligns with our commitment to showcase our award-winning spirits while celebrating the excellence and people of New York State."
“The Distillers Guild is excited to bring a piece of our craft to this unforgettable event,” said Brian Facquet, president of the NYSDG. “With New York having the highest concentration of distilleries for any state east of the Mississippi, this is the perfect opportunity for consumers to immerse themselves in craft culture.”
The two-day Hoochenanny festival will kick off on Friday, October 20 with an exclusive VIP “Best of New York” sip and stroll event at the Wadsworth Homestead overlooking the scenic Genesee River Valley. From 6-11 p.m., this lavish event will immerse guests in the finest food, libations and curated luxury experiences of the Finger Lakes region by select wellness, hotel and lifestyle organizations. Additionally, the party will feature a sip and stroll experience including tasting stations with small bites, beer, wine and distilled spirits while guests are treated to an intimate music performance.
Hoochenanny’s main event unfolds Saturday at the Geneseo Village Park located at the intersection of Main Street and 20A. From 12-10 p.m., guests will be treated to a day of live music and unconventional delights as street performers and masters of the unusual captivate the senses. Attendees can also relax in the IDE Honda Recharge Lounge, featuring free mobile device charging stations.
VIP access to the festival grants entry to the exclusive Rickhouse Rendezvous. Rickhouse access will also be available for purchase with general admission tickets and onsite, allowing attendees to sample the premium spirits for a nominal fee. Tickets are available online, ranging in price from $29.99-$350. Attendees must be 21 and over to consume alcohol at the festival, including tastings. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.hoochenanny.com.
