Nearly 18 months after a devastating fire, popular Naples distillery reopens

NAPLES, NY − Simply put, they’re trying to create magic. Actually, some may describe what Hollerhorn Distilling owners Karl and Melissa Neubauer are trying to do is re-create magic.

Nearly 18 months after a devastating fire at the popular Naples spirits and food business, a new-look Hollerhorn is reopening Friday.

The Neubauers, who described how “crushed” they were in the aftermath of the fire that destroyed a place that they and friends and family “poured everything” they had into, are all smiles now. Or at least they will be when the scrambling is done in getting ready for Friday's opening.

“We’re super excited,” Karl Neubauer said. “It was pretty devastating the month after the fire, just trying to picture the pieces of what was left here and assess what our heart was saying. Like I’ve told many people, had the community not absolutely had our back 110% and been so supportive since literally the morning after the fire, then I think it would have been a different decision.”

Neubauer is referring to signs of support that sprouted out soon after the Naples community learned of the May 12, 2022, fire, with messages such as "the spirit of Hollerhorn will run again! Naples is behind you," and other community sentiments that helped the couple move past the grieving and into the rebuilding process.

Changes for Hollerhorn Distillling

There will be changes to the business, which opened its doors at 8443 Spirit Run five years ago.

For instance, the kitchen area is expanded and more efficient because food has grown to be so important here, Neubauer said. In doing so, he regains some of the space he lost for bottling and production of spirits, which remains the core of the operation. The bar area also was widened, allowing more space for the creation of craft cocktails and adding a few more seats at the bar to enjoy them.

Moving outside, the porch and deck areas will have more cover.

Neubauer, who with some help designed and built the original structure, essentially had the opportunity to fix the things that bugged him, his wife, an art teacher, and their staff and put even more effort into rebuilding so that when people come back, “they’re blown away again and inspired,” he said.

Neubauer acknowledged the fire could have been much worse, and one small example: Not all was lost in the fire.

Phoenix spirits arise from Hollerhorn fire

A first-of-its-kind outdoor barrel warehouse allowed his spirits to age in the open air. The fire destroyed some, but not all, of them.

In transferring the product that survived from charred barrels to new ones, he tasted and checked notes and discovered he had something special here.

Those surviving barrels are – what else? − the Phoenix Series, which when ready will be marked with gold, foil-stamped stickers.

Some of them will take longer to age, while some were mature and ready to bottle when the fire happened. Next month, an Empire rye whiskey he describes “as stunning” and says everyone who has tasted it is “raving about it” will be released.

“There are plenty of Phoenix barrels that we’re super excited about,” Neubauer said.

Together with Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars, Engine 14 Brewery and Naples Brewing Co., Hollerhorn Distilling helped make Naples and the Finger Lakes region a destination spot for craft beverage aficionados.

Last Sunday, Hollerhorn hosted a wedding reception for a couple and 100 or so guests who waited until Hollerhorn rebuilt to celebrate. A soft opening not only provided a barometer of what to expect Friday and the days and weeks ahead, but also enabled the Neubauers to reconnect with old friends and familiar faces.

And those old friends and familiar faces will see their old friends and familiar faces, as the Hollerhorn staff is retained – "The best of the best are still here," Neubauer said – and equally excited to get back at it.

Hollerhorn opens at 11 a.m. Friday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for 3:30 p.m.

“I’m excited to share the space with people,” Neubauer said.

Coming attractions at Hollerhorn

The reopening comes just in time for the annual “Hollerween” party, which will be held 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in the outdoor event space, rain or shine. Dirty Blanket and special guest the Mustard Tigers are set to perform.

Those who come in costume will automatically be entered into a contest. The cost is $20 in advance; $25 at the door.

For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hollerween-3-wdirty-blanket-and-the-mustard-tigers-at-hollerhorn-tickets-717513681737.

And next month, the Sunday Social Happy Hour Series resumes from 4 to 6 p.m. Sundays. The series features solo performers and original music in the area.

For more information, visit hollerhorn.com.

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Hollerhorn Distillery reopens in Naples after devastating 2022 fire