Saint Lawrence Spirits Name

2021 New York State Distillery of the Year

ALBANY, NY – The New York State Distillers Guild today announced the results of the fourth annual New York State Distilled Spirits Competition, which it produced in partnership with the Raise a Glass Foundation.

New York State Distillers Guild President Brian Facquet, Founder and Distiller of Do Good Spirits, said, “Congratulations to all the distilleries that won awards in our fourth annual New York State Distilled Spirits Competition.  The awards highlight the incredible quality and diversity of spirits produced all across the Empire State.  It’s a testament to the grit of our distillers – almost all small business owners – that they were able to produce this caliber of spirits even during this pandemic year.” 

This year’s Best of Show award – the Governor’s Cup - went to Old Scotland Road Distillery, LLC in Akron, NY, for their Handlebar Handcrafted White Corn Whiskey. "First of all, congratulations to all of the distilleries who entered the New York State Distilled Spirits Competition, and to the all of the award winners! We are both excited and humbled to have been recognized with the Governor's Cup for "Best in Show'!!! We look forward to not only using this recognition to help our upstart business, but also to carry on the mission of the New York State Distillers Guild. We all strive to make the very best distilled spirits possible, and the resources and networking opportunities offered in the Guild are key. Most importantly, thanks to Almighty God for giving us the strength and courage to embark on this wonderful journey!", said Dean Hyder, Distiller and Manager of Old Scotland Road Distillery, LLC. 

The distinction of New York State Distillery of the Year was almost too close to call with three distilleries’ scores within one percent of each other.  

The award went to St. Lawrence Spirits in Clayton, with a score of 415.25 points.  

The Guild also congratulates Albany Distilling Company, which came in second with a score of 414.75 points, and Old Home Distillers which came in third with 411.5 points. 

Jody Garrett, Owner/Distiller of Saint Lawrence Spirits, said, “There were 3 winners and we share the accomplishment with them. Our Craft distilling in NY continues to get better and better. We are very happy to hang the NY State Distillery of the year Banner in our distillery.”

“A tight competition speaks to the overall quality of distilling in New York state," noted Adam Carvell, Co-Owner/Chief of Operations of Old Home Distillers. "Seeing producers from three different regions of Upstate rank so highly is a testament to how far our industry has come."

Saint Lawrence 2021 Award Winning Spirits