I’m always inspired by people that turn their hobbies or passions into their livelihoods! That’s just what our new friend Eric Heuser has done by creating Niagara Distillery. Tucked into my old stomping grounds of Buffalo New York, Eric and others at the distillery have worked together to turn out international award winning spirits. And even better yet, they support local farmers through an initiative to buy their raw materials direct from NY farmers.
Now- sit back, pour yourself a cocktail, and hear another amazing story of turning your passion into a dream business!
Niagara Distillery with Eric Heuser
- Eric, tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and how you got started with the distillery
I grew up making beer and wine with my family and friends, so I always had an interest in the production of alcohol.
I have done many different things for careers, but the one that put me directly in touch with distilling was being a Technical Instructor for a business that I owned in Germany. We provided technical instruction for the US Military and NATO forces throughout the European Theater. During that time, I was in Germany 24-26 weeks out of the year and met a few of the local distillers. They invited me come with them and learn. After that I was hooked!
- I love the fact that you are a farm to distillery business. Tell our readers what that means, why you do it, and why you feel it’s so important.
NY State created the Class D Farm Distillery License about 5 years ago. The idea behind the license is to promote NY State Agriculture by requiring us to use a minimum of 75% NY Farm Products as the base for our products. In return, they also eased some of the red tape a little to help us out. I think that it’s a great thing, coming from a farm family the ability to purchase, promote, and create products with people that you know is great. We have the ability to hand select our products, and work with them from field all the way into the final product. That’s where “From Farm to Bottle” comes in. It’s a way for us to ensure quality from start to finish.
- How many products do you currently produce?
We currently produce Vodka, Gin, and Bourbon
- How long does it take to produce a batch of gin, vodka, or bourbon?
Vodka basically takes 7 Days from Grain to bottle. Gin takes 2 more days because of the addition of the botanicals and an additional distillation run. Bourbon is a much longer process. Just the fermentation takes 20-25 days with the grains and yeast we use, then its distilled twice and then goes into barrels for aging.
- I noticed that both your gin and your vodka were SIP medal winners! Congrats, can you tell us anything about the competition that you beat out or any other details
- Our Vodka currently has 2 medals.
- Silver from the American Craft Spirits Association
- Bronze from the International SIP Awards
- Our Gin currently has a Gold Medal from the International SIP awards
- I created our Gin to be a unique, identifiable product that would stand out from others.
- With this in mind I wanted to make a Gin that I could get a Non-Gin drinker to try. We have had great success with that.
- I know your located in Buffalo which is one of my old stomping grounds. We have quite a few friends and readers there. Can you tell us about your retail location and tastings?
Our distillery is at 459 Ellicott St in downtown Buffalo. We have a beautiful 1500 sq. ft. tasting room that is used for tastings and special events. We also give distillery tours by appointment
- You mentioned that you are considering more national distribution. Can you give us any hints as to the new markets you are popping into? And most importantly, will I be able to get my hands on some here in Tennessee?
We have been asked to expand into other states by our customers, a few of these are:
- MA
- MI
- CT
- TN – just a few weeks before our introduction
- WI
- What’s next for Niagara Distillery? Any new products on the horizon?
We are working to grow our market and get into some other areas to expand our distribution. I have some products that we are working on such as a traditional Brandy that I learned to make in Germany, and we will be making a Rye Whiskey. There are a few other products on the board, but we are keeping them quiet right now.
Folks if you are in the Buffalo area, don’t miss your chance to head downtown to the Niagara Distillery and sample their amazing spirits. Say hi to Eric, and make sure to tip a glass to us here at GearsGunsAndGrub.com!!!!!
Also, for some cool info on their products and great drink recipes, be sure to check out Eric’s webpage at NiagaraDistillery.com