Some places earn their reputation over generations. The 1911 Tasting Room at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards is one of them. It sits on Lords Hill Road in Lafayette — about a 25 minute drive from Skaneateles — and it’s well worth the trip.
The story starts in 1911, when George Skiff and Andrew Beak founded their apple orchard among the rolling hills and valleys of Lafayette. Over a century later, the family still runs the orchard — now in its fifth generation. And somewhere along the way, they turned apple growing into something much more interesting.
In 2001 the family launched 1911 Established, their line of hard ciders made entirely from their own apples. The success of that venture led them further into the spirits world. Today, 1911 holds the distinction of being the first distillery in Onondaga County — and the first to produce gin. The range now spans hard ciders, vodka, gin, bourbon, and whiskey, all crafted in small batches on site. Furthermore, the entire process — from growing the apples to bottling the finished product — happens right here on the orchard.
The tasting room itself is a destination in its own right. The bar offers sweeping views of the orchard and the rolling valley beyond, and the atmosphere strikes a relaxed, unhurried note that makes it easy to stay longer than you planned. The ciders are crisp and well-crafted, and the spirits — particularly the apple-based vodka and gin — have a distinctive character that reflects the landscape they come from.
It’s worth checking ahead before you visit, as the tasting room has been undergoing renovations. Keep an eye on the Beak & Skiff website and social channels for the latest updates. Find them at 2708 Lords Hill Road, Lafayette, NY 13084.