Right next door to Skaneateles Brewery — and sharing the same historic mill building on Mill Road — Last Shot Distillery is one of those finds that makes a visit to the area feel genuinely complete. It’s small. It’s personal. And it’s run with a level of care and knowledge that you don’t often encounter.
The history here is remarkable. In this exact location, the Earll & Kellogg Distillery operated from 1840 to 1864. Production then stopped when the building converted to a paper mill. Last Shot opened in December 2015 — making it the first distillery to produce barrelled whiskey in Onondaga County since Prohibition. That’s a gap of over 150 years. Furthermore, the fact that head distiller Chris Uyehara chose this specific site to revive that tradition gives the whole operation a real sense of meaning.
Chris brought 37 years as a chef and pastry chef to the distillery. As a result, his focus is squarely on flavour rather than strength. The range spans bourbon, whiskey, vodka, gin, moonshine, and a Distiller’s Reserve whiskey aged in used bourbon barrels. The gin uses fresh New York State grains and Skaneateles Lake water, with earthy coriander, bright juniper, and a smooth vanilla finish. The bourbon has earned serious praise from whiskey enthusiasts. Similarly, the chocolate cream surprises even people who don’t think they like cream liqueurs. Chris also won the Moonshiners Competition on Season 3 of Master Distiller on the Discovery Channel — which tells you something about what’s being produced here.
Tastings are personal and genuinely informative. Chris and the team share the stories behind each spirit with real enthusiasm. Additionally, tours of the distillery are available. The tasting room itself is a beautiful space — all exposed woodwork and history on the walls.
Find them at 4022 Mill Road. They’re open Wednesday and Thursday from 3pm to 7pm, Friday from 3pm to 8pm, Saturday from noon to 8pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm.
Looking for the perfect base to explore everything Skaneateles has to offer? Our vacation rental The Cattails puts it all within reach — browse, eat, and explore at your own pace.