McKenzie Pure Pot Still Whiskey
McKenzie Pure Pot Still Whiskey is a 40% ABV (80-proof), 750mL American whiskey from Finger Lakes Distilling in Burdett, New York, made in the Irish single pot still tradition. The mash is 100% New York-grown grain — unmalted barley, malted barley, and oats — double-distilled in a copper pot still and aged a minimum of four years in heavy-char ex-McKenzie bourbon and rye barrels, then bottled non-chill filtered. Brian McKenzie's distillery sits above Seneca Lake in the heart of New York wine country, and the whiskey is a farm-to-tumbler argument for New York craft distilling. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: Minimum 4 years in heavy-char ex-bourbon and ex-rye barrels
- Origin: Finger Lakes Distilling, Burdett, New York (Seneca Lake)
- Production: 100% NY-grown grain (unmalted + malted barley, oats); double copper pot distilled; non-chill filtered
New York Grain, Irish Soul
Single pot still whiskey is Ireland's signature style — a mash of malted and unmalted barley with a touch of other grain, pot-distilled for maximum character. McKenzie is the American homage, built entirely from grain grown by Finger Lakes farmers the distillery partnered with directly. Four-plus years in heavy-char barrels that previously held McKenzie bourbon and rye give it an oak backbone an Irish counterpart wouldn't have, and the oats round the texture out. Among American whiskies, it is the one to pour for the Irish-whiskey drinker who wants to see what the style looks like translated to New York terroir — and a 92-point Spirits Review Online score says the translation works.
Tasting Notes
Enticing notes of freshly baked bread, green apple, honey, and chamomile on the nose with pure grain aromatics. The palate brings oak, sweet barley, and honey with caramel, vanilla, sweet corn, and white pepper; the finish is long and rich with a hint of sweetness framed by light spice and caramel.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a drop of water to open the floral, grainy aromatics. Works beautifully in an Irish-style coffee or a highball where the honey and apple notes can breathe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "pure pot still" whiskey?
The Irish tradition of distilling a mash of malted and unmalted barley (plus up to 5% other grain, here oats) in copper pot stills — McKenzie's is an American-made homage to that style.
Where is McKenzie whiskey made?
At Finger Lakes Distilling in Burdett, New York, overlooking Seneca Lake, from 100% New York-grown grain.
How is it aged?
A minimum of four years in heavy-char barrels that previously held McKenzie bourbon and rye whiskey, then bottled non-chill filtered.
Where can I buy McKenzie Pure Pot Still online?
The 750mL bottle is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, shipping from San Diego, CA.
Irish tradition, Finger Lakes grain — taste the American pot still at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.