CAZENOVIA — On Monday, Feb. 22, the Town of Cazenovia Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approved a special use permit application from Madison County Distillery, LLC (MCD) to expand its operating concept to include outdoor activities.
The specific requests include permission to build an in-ground fire-pit, to install a live music platform, and to construct outdoor game courts for activities like foosball, corn hole and horseshoes.
Located at 2412 US Rt. 20 East in Cazenovia, MCD is an artisan distillery situated on an 80-acre farm known as “The Maples.” The distillery opened in 2017 in a newly constructed barn finished with 200-year-old reclaimed wood from the property. MCD’s Stone Quarry Vodka and General’s Gin are both produced with organic grains and natural spring water from the farm. Upcoming additions to the product line include rum and bourbon.
The distillery’s tasting room offers handcrafted spirits, a range of local brews and wines, and a number of seasonal food items prepared in an on-site kitchen.
The property also serves as a venue for private events.
“Guests have spread the word about the relaxing vibe they get while visiting [the distillery],” said MCD co-founder Mike Basla, who is a retired lieutenant general in the U.S. Air Force. “They rave about our delicious concoctions like ‘Almost Famous’ and the ‘Cazenovia Cooler’ made with our locally produced spirits. They also come to munch on some freshly made small bites taken from family recipe books. The ‘chefs,’ two of my daughters, love spending time with friends, cooking, laughing and listening to music. The distillery allows that to continue.”
According to Basla, the additions of a fire pit, game areas and live outdoor music will help MCD share The Maples farm with the public and enhance the visitor experience. The improved outdoor space will also provide the community with a safe place to go during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outdoor music events will be held throughout the warm weather months; specific dates and artists will be advertised once set.
“Our intent is to have artists perform at [noise] levels right for our guests, while not adversely impacting neighborhoods,” said Basla. “My experience is that most people get uplifted listening to some good music. We really appreciate the [ZBA] approving our requests and have promised to protect the rights of surrounding neighbors, preserve good community relations, and offer MCD guests an enjoyable experience while visiting The Maples farm and distillery.”
Basla also noted that the MCD kitchen has already started planning to-go food options such as mac and cheese and gourmet sandwiches for guests to eat while enjoying an evening of music.
Occasionally, the distillery will also invite a food truck to offer additional fare.
According to Basla, the outdoor enhancements will be completed in phases — the first of which is currently underway.
MCD has already started looking into expanding its parking lot and installing the associated lighting. The distillery has also set up a 42-inch Cowboy Cauldron fire pit for cold weather fires and connected electric power to the site of a proposed 12 x 16 foot bandstand.
Once the snow has melted and the weather permits, MCD will install the bandstand and an in-ground fire pit, measuring 48 inches in diameter.
Basla said the plan is to excavate and gravel a 20-foot diameter circle to encompass the pit and accommodate about 12 chairs.
“We believe once this work is complete, there will be other ideas to explore in our efforts to enhance the beauty of the farm and experience of our guests,” Basla said.
For more information on Madison County Distillery, visit madisoncountydistillery.com.
