Clayton Distillery sits along the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands region of New York, housed in a restored 19th-century building in downtown Clayton. Founded by Chris and Cindy Schaftlein in 2016, this small operation grew from Chris’s passion for craft distilling after a career in engineering. The couple transformed a historic brick building into their distillery and tasting room, creating spirits that reflect the unique terroir of the North Country. They produce small-batch whiskey, gin, and seasonal spirits using local grains and botanicals whenever possible. The intimate space combines industrial distilling equipment with the warmth of the original architecture, featuring exposed brick walls and wide-plank floors. Chris handles the distilling operations while Cindy manages the business side, and they’ve built a reputation for experimentation and quality in their relatively short time in operation. The distillery reflects their commitment to creating spirits that capture the essence of the Thousand Islands region, from botanical-forward gins inspired by local flora to whiskeys aged in the area’s fluctuating climate.
