Five & 20 Spirits: The Local Rye Roots

Meet a trio of rye whiskeys that proudly showcase their local roots—from rich Western New York soil to a perfectly crafted pour. At Five & 20 Spirits, distilling is a tradition built on artistry, local pride, and a passion for perfection. Every sip tells the story of homegrown grains, expert blending, and barrel aging.

Their Straight Rye Whiskey is so approachable, it could host a talk show. This 90-proof gem is pot-distilled and aged in American oak, balancing Rye’s spice with sweet caramel and vanilla from the barrels. Its smooth finish shines whether enjoyed neat, in a Manhattan, or with a splash of water. A Gold Medal winner at the NY State Distilled Spirits Competition and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy, it’s earned the applause.

Deep Water Rye Straight Rye Whiskey is a 99-proof masterpiece, aged seven years in charred American oak barrels. The extra time adds depth to its bold rye spice, creating a whiskey that’s rich, sweet, and satisfying. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks—it’s Rye done right. VinePair agrees, naming it in their “30 Best Rye Whiskeys for 2023.” Not bad for a spirit that knows how to wait.

Meet the Sherry Finish Rye Whiskey—a perfect blend of boldness and elegance. Aged first in American oak, this Rye was then transferred to fresh “Sherry” casks from the Mazza family winery just 24 hours after they were emptied. After three and a half years, it emerged as a 99-proof masterpiece with notes of spice, caramel, and a sherry-kissed sweetness. It’s a true showcase of the magic when wine and whiskey unite, reaffirming Five & 20 Spirits the title of "NY Rye Distillery of the Year 2019."

This trio is a shoutout to the roots that make Five & 20 Spirits a true hometown favorite.

Cheers to local pride!

SMARTASS CORNER

1. Rye whiskey is made from mash which is at least 51 percent rye. The grain gives rye whiskey its spicy, sometimes peppery, and bitter flavor. It was a big seller before Prohibition, and after decades in obscurity, it's fashionable again.

2. Five & 20 Spirits sits on 80 acres of farmland along Lake Erie. They grow some of their own grains and share the space with Mazza Chautauqua Cellars, crafting spirits where vineyard meets distillery.

3. George Washington famously loved his Rye whiskey. In fact, after he served as the first president of the United States, he returned to his farm at Mount Vernon and started a small Rye distillery of his own.

4. Five & 20 Spirits holds an impressive title—New York State's first-ever combination winery, distillery, and brewery. It’s a triple-threat of deliciousness all under one roof!

5. Rye sparked the first revolution after the American Independence. It was called the Whiskey Rebellion, and it arose when the government tried to tax whiskey and enforce the taxation on distillers. The lesson here? Don't mess with a whiskey drinker.

6. Five & 20 Spirits works closely with Western NY farmers to source premium ingredients for their craft beers and spirits, keeping every sip true to its roots.

7. At Five & 20, barrels are the MVPs. They blend grain bills, experiment with different cooperages and barrel sizes, and adjust proofs to create whiskeys packed with complexity in every pour. Access to barrels from their brewery and sister winery also allows for freshly emptied barrels and experimentation.

8. Small batch, big impact. Five & 20 may focus on intimate, masterful spirits, but they can churn out over 350, 53-gallon barrels of whiskey a year. A balancing act of art and scale!

9. Master distiller Joe Nelson doesn’t just blend whiskeys—he orchestrates them. By combining two unique grain bills and adjusting still cuts, he creates unparalleled depth and consistency.

10. Love wine and whiskey? Five & 20 Spirits has a leg up on flavor. Their distilling approach is rooted in the same craft Mazza Wines perfected for more than 50 years in Lake Erie area wine-making.