More than $28K raised through Whiskey Auction of rare bottles and one-of-a-kind guitars—Cash donations still accepted for three nonprofits
ROCHESTER, N.Y.—August 11, 2025—More than 8,000 people from over 30 U.S. states and Canada attended the second annual Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival from Friday, August 8, to Sunday, August 10. The three-day event, which made its debut at Camp Eastman, brought together live music, whiskey tastings, craft beverages, food and artisan goods for a weekend celebrating American craftsmanship. VIP Passes for Saturday and Sunday sold out. This year’s attendance grew to thousands from just a few hundred in the inaugural year.
More than $28,500 has been raised through the whiskey auction and cash donations are still being accepted to benefit Endless Highway, the Lou Gramm Foundation, and Make-A-Wish Western NY at givebutter.com/c/Hoochenanny.
“I am deeply grateful to every person and partner who made this year’s Hoochenanny possible,” said Sean McCarthy, co-owner of the Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival. “Our generous sponsors, the musicians who lit up the stages, every vendor who shared their craft, our amazing staff and leadership team, and the dedicated volunteers who poured their hearts into making the festival a success. We were honored to welcome a remarkable lineup of whiskey producers from across New York State and the country, whose presence made this a truly significant gathering for the industry and for enthusiasts alike. We are thankful to everyone who traveled from near and far to be part of it. Our online Whiskey Auction of rare bottles and one-of-a-kind guitars raised more than $28,500, all of which will go to our nonprofit partners Endless Highway, the Lou Gramm Foundation and Make-A-Wish Western New York. The rock and roll energy, the unforgettable vibes and the spirit of this community helped us build the festival of our dreams.”
“This year’s Hoochenanny was not just a festival, it was a full-tilt love letter to music, libations, art, food and the people who make it, the masters of the craft,” said festival co-owner Tommy Brunett. “None of it happened without this town showing up in all its glory. The guests hooted and hollered, the vendors fed, poured and shared their wares, and the bands and artists bled their hearts out under the sun and lights. You all turned a patch of ground into something holy, and I will be tipping my hat and my glass to you until the old jug runs dry. From our whiskey-soaked little hearts, we thank you all.”
“The Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival was an incredible celebration of New York’s craft spirits community,” said NYS Distillers Guild President, Brian Facquet, Head Distiller and Co-Founder of Do Good Spirits in Roscoe, NY. “Rochester showed up in full force this past weekend, and it was inspiring to see my fellow NY distillers, whiskey lovers, and industry professionals come together to share their passion. Events like this not only showcase the world-class spirits made here in New York, they strengthen the connections between our producers and the people who enjoy our work. My distillery, Do Good Spirits, participated and enjoyed the tremendous engagement around our products. The NYS Distillers Guild is proud to support and be part of such a successful event, and we look forward to seeing it grow even bigger in the years to come.”
Plans for the next Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival will be announced at a later date.
Music
The Highball Stage hosted headline performances by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Dark Star Orchestra and Charles Wesley Godwin. Other acts included moe., Galactic, Eggy, Lou Gramm, Dennis Casey and Katy Eberts, Andy Kim with Tommy Brunett’s All-Star Cavalcade of Scoundrels, The Record Company, Mike Powell and the Echosound, The Medicinals, The Isotopes, The Jack Knives, Vandoliers, Checks & Exes and Johnny Hart and the Mess.
World of Whiskey
Inside a 16,000-square-foot tent, the World of Whiskey featured more than 30 regional and national distillers offering more than 150 craft spirits. Experiences included the American Whiskey Journey, a guided exploration of whiskeys from across the country; the Rarities Bar, with exclusive access to limited-release and hard-to-find pours including several available only at Hoochenanny; the Libations Lounge, a relaxed space for specialty cocktails and curated sips; and Distillers’ Row, where guests could enjoy direct tastings and conversations with brand representatives.
Participating whiskey brands included 1911 Established, Barrelhouse 6 Distillery, Bubba’s Secret Stills Whiskey, Buffalo Distilling Company, Burnt Church, Castle & Key Distillery, Cooper’s Daughter Spirits, Do Good Spirits, Finger Lakes Distilling Co., Fort Hamilton Distillery, Hudson Whiskey, Iron Smoke Distillery, Jefferson’s Bourbon, Lock 1 Distilling Company, Michter’s, Old Scotland Road Distillery, Pinhook Bourbon, Rabbit Hole, Smooth Ambler, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, Starlight Distillery, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, Tenmile Distillery, Tin Cup Mountain Whiskey, WhistlePig Whiskey and Woodinville Whiskey Co.
Fireside Chats
Whiskey experts and industry professionals led popular, well-attended discussions on topics such as barrel finishing, building a bourbon library and whiskey trivia. The sessions offered valuable insight and education for both seasoned whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers. Entry was included with a VIP or Tasting Pass.
Whiskey Auction
The Whiskey Auction offered rare bottles, collectibles and experiences, with proceeds benefiting Endless Highway, the Lou Gramm Foundation and Make-A-Wish Western New York. The auction has raised more than $28,000 so far and will remain open for additional donations by visiting: givebutter.com/c/Hoochenanny
Food and Drink
The Hoochenanny Barrel Bistro served festival fare from Compané Trattoria, Eat Greek Food Truck, Fairport Ice Cream Factory, Jaime’s Dreams Bakery, Rio Tomatlán, The Sheffield Tavern, Swan Market, Swilly’s and Whiskey River Pub & Grill.
Craft beer, wine and seltzers were provided by Allagash Brewing Company, Copa, Frequentem Brewing Co., Genesee Brewery, Irondequoit Beer Company, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, Lake Hour, Meier’s Creek Brewing Company, Prison City Brewing, Rohrbach Brewing Co., Steuben Brewing Company, Strangebird Beer, Swiftwater Brewing Co., Three Heads Brewing, Tröegs Independent Brewing and Von Trapp Brewing.
Artisans Bazaar
Attendees browsed handmade goods, apparel, jewelry, home décor and specialty items from regional artisans including Area 51 Crystals, Big Man Little Lathe, Cleo & Bea, Doug Mac Art, Fools Eye View Tarot, JCD FluidArtWorks, Jerky Hut, KB White Farm, The Land of Paradux, Peppermint Boutique, The Fleurish Co. and WOW Fudge.
Note to editors: Photos from Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9, can be viewed and downloaded for publication from the official Facebook page.
###