Gristmill Distillers sits along scenic Route 73 in Keene, New York, right in the heart of the Adirondacks. Founded by Jim and Susan Hayward in 2014, this small-batch operation grew from Jim’s decades-long passion for distilling that started as a hobby in his garage. The couple transformed a 1,200-square-foot building into their distillery after Jim retired from his engineering career, bringing his technical precision to craft spirits production. They focus on vodka, gin, and seasonal specialties using New York State grains and botanicals sourced from the Adirondack region. The operation runs on a 250-gallon copper still that Jim helped design, reflecting his engineering background in every detail of the process. Susan handles the business side while Jim manages production, creating a true husband-and-wife team that visitors immediately notice when they walk through the door. The distillery opened to the public in 2015, becoming one of the first craft distilleries in the northern Adirondack region and helping establish the area’s growing spirits scene.