The whiskey experience expands in 2025 to showcase the Empire State’s growing spirits scene
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – June 4, 2025 — Hoochenanny’s Rickhouse Rendezvous is back and bigger than ever. Presented by the New York State Distillers Guild, this signature feature of the Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival will highlight 13 of New York’s top distilleries, showcasing the Empire State’s deep roots and exciting future in American whiskey.
Featured distilleries in the 2025 Rickhouse Rendezvous include:
- 1911 Established
- Barrelhouse 6 Distillery
- Black Button Distilling
- Buffalo Distilling Company
- Cooper’s Daughter Spirits
- Do Good Spirits
- Fort Hamilton Distillery
- Hudson Whiskey
- Iron Smoke Distillery
- Lock 1 Distilling Company
- Old Scotland Road Distillery
- Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery
- Tenmile Distillery
Founded in 2023, Hoochenanny was built on the belief that whiskey plays a vital role in New York’s agricultural and cultural heritage. Before Prohibition, New York was a powerhouse of rye whiskey production, with vast fields and a thriving distilling industry. While the industry faded in the mid-20th century, a new era has emerged. Today, New York is home to a growing number of craft distilleries and has even cultivated its own signature style, Empire Rye — a bold expression of local grain, innovation and revival.
The Rickhouse Rendezvous, one of five unique tasting experience areas in the World of Whiskey, offers an immersive whiskey journey, blending the charm of a turn-of-the-century rickhouse with the intrigue of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Attendees can sample unique expressions, engage in fireside chats with distillers, and explore interactive exhibits that honor the legacy and future of New York whiskey.
“New York’s whiskey legacy is deeply rooted in the history of our great nation. From New York Bourbons and Empire Rye to innovative craft expressions in Single Malt, our distillers are reshaping what American whiskey means — with grit, grain, and determination,” said Brian Facquet, President of the New York State Distillers Guild, Founder and Head Distiller, Do Good Spirts. “The Rickhouse Rendezvous at Hoochenanny is more than a tasting — it’s a celebration of the state’s distilling soul, past, present and future.”
“Making great whiskey isn’t just a craft, it’s a ritual,” said Tommy Brunett, Iron Smoke co-founder and Hoochenanny co-owner. “At the Hoochenanny Rickhouse, you’re not just sipping a drink — you’re stepping into a vortex of history, art and spirit. “As for the killer, eclectic lineup of music, with every last note, be assured that every band will be playing like their parole depends on it.”
Now in its second year, Hoochenanny returns to Camp Eastman in Irondequoit, N.Y., for a three-day celebration of world-class whiskey and live music. The 2025 festival takes place Friday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 10. Hours are Friday from 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m.
Festival passes are on sale now at hoochenanny.com/passes.
General admission passes are available for one day ($55), two days ($95), or three days ($135), plus service fees. To purchase and learn more, visit: hoochenanny.com/passes.
Guests who want to experience the whiskey tastings can purchase General Admission Tasting Passes, available for one day ($85), two days ($150), or three days ($215), plus service fees. To purchase and learn more, visit: hoochenanny.com/passes.
VIP Passes are available for one day ($160), two days ($310), or three days ($430), plus service fees. To purchase and learn more, visit: hoochenanny.com/passes.
Whiskey Lineup
This year’s whiskey programming will be triple the size of the inaugural festival, showcasing more than 150 of the finest spirits from local, national and regional distilleries.
The World of Whiskey Tasting Experience will showcase more than 30 national and regional distillers areas inside an 16,000-square-foot structure tent. The tasting experience will offer interactive sampling stations, educational sessions, and opportunities to meet the distillers behind the brands, with samples ranging from classic bourbons to unique craft expressions.
The five unique Tasting Experience areas are:
Rickhouse Rendezvous is a prohibition-style rickhouse-meets-speakeasy presented by The New York State Distillers Guild, it will highlight distillers from across the Excelsior state along with interactive exhibits and educational displays.
American Whiskey Journey is a coast-to-coast experience showcasing whiskey-producing states and distilleries across the country. Patrons will be immersed in the rich culture and heritage of American’s signature spirit, and presented visions of what American whiskey is and can be in the future.
Rarities Bar offers Hoochenanny whiskey fans exclusive access to some truly rare sips – exclusive, limited-edition whiskeys, from local, regional and national distillers, including several exclusive to Hoochenanny.
Libations Lounge offers a selection of craft whiskey cocktails from veteran mixologists, allowing guests to experience pre-prohibition classics up to modern innovations. Patrons can mix their neat whiskey into a specialty cocktail, or explore a menu of non-whiskey spirits to craft the perfect drink.
Fireside Chats are conversations moderated by nationally recognized whiskey media personalities along with a rotating lineup of industry experts and Hoochenanny master distillers, blenders, and ambassadors.
Participating brands include:
- 1911 Established
- Bardstown Bourbon Company
- Barrelhouse 6 Distillery
- Black Button Distilling
- Bubba’s Secret Stills Whiskey
- Buffalo Distilling Company
- Burnt Church
- Castle & Key Distillery
- Cooper’s Daughter Spirits
- Den of Thieves
- Do Good Spirits
- Fort Hamilton Distillery
- Green River
- 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
- Woodinville Whiskey Co.
Music Lineup
The 2025 festival will feature an expanded music lineup with international, national, and regional artists performing across two stages, delivering a dynamic mix of Americana, rock, alternative, punk, outlaw country and rockabilly.
Friday, August 8: Charles Wesley Godwin, Old 97’s, The English Beat, Cristina Vane, Checks & Exes, Johnny Hart and the Mess
Saturday, August 9: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Record Company, Tommy Brunett’s All-Star Cavalcade of Scoundrels featuring Andy Kim, The Jack Knives, Vandoliers, Mike Powell and The Echosound, The Isotopes, The Medicinals
Sunday, August 10: moe., Dark Star Orchestra, Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Eggy
Additional special guests performers will be announced at a later date.
More Expanded Festival Experiences
The 2025 festival will offer a variety of immersive experiences, including:
- Highball Stage - Featuring performances by top international and national music groups.
- Fermenter Stage - Showcasing top international and national music groups, along with the best local and regional talent.
- VIP Loft Double-Decker - This premium ticket option offers exclusive access to a two-story, 5,000-square-foot space with a bird’s-eye view of the festival stages or access to the VIP bridge for prime main stage viewing. The experience includes sit-down dining, a full cash cocktail bar, plush seating with a cigar bar, and exclusive whiskey tastings. Climate-controlled luxury restrooms ensure comfort while guests enjoy the ultimate festival atmosphere. A special Skrewball Whiskey experience will also be featured. The VIP Loft Double-Decker is presented by IDE Family of Dealerships and Iron Smoke Distillery.
- Concert Pavilion - This 10,000-square-foot covered space offers views of the main and local stages, with ample seating and lounge areas. It can comfortably accommodate 1,000 patrons and features an 80-foot bar serving beer, wine, and seltzer. Festival and band merchandise will also be available to browse while enjoying live music in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Stageview Cocktail Lounge - An exclusive bar with a prime view of the main stage, offering specialty drinks at a cash bar. Relax in a laid-back atmosphere under a 1,650-square-foot tent, where guests can enjoy craft cocktails served in real glasses. The space, available on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodates about 300 people. The Stageview Cocktail Lounge will feature pours by Black Button Distilling.
- Lager Land - A complimentary beer-tasting area showcasing approximately 15 local craft brews poured to perfection inside a 1,800-square-foot tent just steps from the action. Open from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, the area provides an opportunity to sample local beers alongside the festival’s music and whiskey offerings.
- Barrel Bistro - This collection of food vendors will offer unique culinary experiences. A variety of local vendors will provide food to complement the festival. Local vendors can visit the website for more information on how to apply.
- Artisans Bazaar - This marketplace will feature unique creations of local artisans and handcrafted goods. Meet the makers and learn their stories.
Seeking Unique Vendors for the Artisans Bazaar
Vendors are invited to showcase unique, one-of-a-kind goods at the festival, focusing on rare, quirky, and unconventional items. This is an opportunity for artisans and creators to offer festivalgoers something extraordinary. Vendor applications are now open. Those interested in participating can apply at hoochenanny.com/artisans-application.
Hoochenanny Teams Up with Make-A-Wish, Lou Gramm Foundation, Endless Highway to Make an Impact
This year, the festival is partnering with Make-A-Wish, the Lou Gramm Foundation, and Endless Highway, uniting to bring hope and change to our community. Details on how these organizations will be involved in this year’s festival will be announced soon.
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About the Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival
The Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival is a high-energy celebration of American craftsmanship, blending world-class whiskey with a powerhouse music lineup. Founded to honor New York’s rich distilling heritage, the festival brings together tastemakers, storytellers and music lovers for three days of bourbon, live performances and immersive experiences. Now in its second year, the festival takes place from Aug. 8 to 10, 2025, on 14 acres at Camp Eastman in Irondequoit, N.Y. Guests can enjoy whiskey tastings, craft cocktails and curated events in seven custom-built tent structures. The expanded music lineup will feature international, national and regional artists spanning Americana, rock, alternative, punk, outlaw country and rockabilly. This year’s whiskey programming will be bigger than ever, showcasing more than 150 top spirits from national and regional distilleries. The festival is owned by Tommy Brunett and Sean McCarthy.
