Military Whiskey Review: Last Shot Distillery Skaneateles Whiskey

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History – Nestled just a stone’s throw away from downtown Skaneateles, New York, Last Shot Distillery embarked on its journey back in December 2015. Its location, adjacent to the Charlie Major Nature Trail, is rich in history, having once housed The Earll & Kellogg Distillery from 1840 to 1864. The site’s transformation into a paper mill by Earls, Thayer & Co. marked the end of spirit crafting in that era.

The brainchild of co-owner and distiller Chris Uyehara, Last Shot Distillery emerged after Chris’s 37-year career in the culinary arts. A fortuitous conversation with his daughter and her friend, John Menapace, led to John joining as Chris’s partner, bringing both the ideal space and engineering skills necessary for the venture. Rooted in Skaneateles, Chris and John combined their expertise and community love to embark on this new chapter.

At the core of Last Shot Distillery lies a mission to redefine distilling while honoring tradition and fostering community ties. This ethos shines through their commitment to sourcing 75% of bourbon and whiskey ingredients from local farms, encapsulating the region’s essence in each bottle.

Last Shot Distillery’s narrative not only resurrects a historical site but also celebrates entrepreneurial spirit and community resilience. It’s a testament to collaboration and innovation, blending past legacies with a promising future.

In their bourbon production, Last Shot Distillery incorporates Skaneateles Lake water, adding a distinct flavor and paying homage to the area’s natural abundance. Cutting each bottle to proof with this local water further cements their ties to the land and community. Let’s dig in!

Value – The value is amazing for a American Whiskey that tastes so good!

Appearance – The presentation of this American Whiskey exudes a classic charm, housed in a bottle reminiscent of vintage medicine containers. A notable detail that adds to its allure is the handwritten proof, a touch of artisanal craftsmanship that speaks to the care and attention infused into every aspect of its production.

Nose – Fall Leaves / Mint / Pear / Apple

Palate – Smooth and Light / Fresh Apples Again / Cooling / Honey

Finish – Cooling / Light and reminds you of a fine wine almost on how smooth this finish is. It’s subtle and dry which I find to be very different from others in its category. It leaves you really feeling refreshed afterwards.

Summary – Delicately balanced and refreshingly light, it beckons to be savored on balmy summer days or whenever the craving for something invigorating strikes. What astonishes me most is its remarkable smoothness, effortlessly gliding over the palate without compromising on flavor. Each sip is a symphony of taste, leaving me yearning for another, and then another, in an endless dance of pleasure. This whiskey defies convention, carving its own path with boldness and finesse, setting itself apart from the crowd with its unparalleled character and charm. In a sea of American whiskeys, it stands tall as a beacon of innovation and excellence, deserving of not just applause, but a resounding standing ovation. Its presence in the Last Shot lineup adds a dynamic dimension, a testament to the distillery’s commitment to diversity and distinction.

“It’s a departure from the ordinary, a departure from the expected, and therein lies its brilliance.”

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 10

Appearance- 1-10 – 5

Nose- 1-20 – 13

Palate- 1-20 – 13

Finish- 1-20 – 16

Value- 1-20 – 20