Black Button Distilling, the first grain-to-glass craft spirits producer in Rochester, N.Y. since Prohibition, announced the grand opening of a new, expanded tasting room and distillery at 1344 University Ave., Rochester.

At 28,000 sq. ft., the new distillery and tasting room is quadruple the size of the distillery’s former location. Black Button’s average annual spirits production will increase from 1,000 barrels of spirits per year to as much as 4,500 barrels in the first few years.

The Tasting Room’s retail space has grown to 4,500 sq., allowing for significantly increased seating capacity, private event space, distillery events and expanded hours of operation for the public. The distillery anticipates adding 10- 20 jobs to the company within the first year, and up to 50 jobs in the years to come.

“We have come such a long way in just 10 short years,” said Jason Barrett, Black Button Distilling Founder/Master Distiller, in a news release. “From navigating the challenges of growing a capital-intensive business in a competitive marketplace to overcoming regulatory hurdles to surviving and thriving during the pandemic, we’re perfectly poised for the future.

“Our new facility makes us the largest bourbon producer in New York State and our award-winning brands are getting greater recognition outside of our hometown footprint. We’re committed to elevating the profile of New York State as a competitive, high-quality producer of fine whiskeys in the years to come.”

To coincide with the grand opening, Black Button Distilling will release their oldest Straight Bourbon Whiskey to date. Aged for just over 8 years, there are only 170 bottles of this 125 proof Single Barrel Straight.

Black Button Distilling, a locally founded and owned business, has operated for over a decade in Rochester. Black Button’s unique distillation process and geographic terroir create a style unto itself, known as Rochester Style. No other distiller in the world makes bourbon the way Black Button does, simply because they can’t — it’s a combination of equipment, process, ingredients, and climate that defines the Rochester Style of Black Button Bourbon.

And, as one of the six founding distilleries of Empire Rye, Black Button Distilling is part of a push to bring New York State’s unique rye whiskey tradition to the world. Today, this group is committed to the Empire Rye designation and seal of authenticity, which requires the use of local grains and other standards.

For more information, visit https://blackbuttondistilling.com/.