Black Button Distilling
Growing up, I spent a lot of time working with my grandfather in my family’s button factory in Rochester, New York. Our buttons were known around the world for their superior quality and I imagined myself running the factory one day, carrying on the family tradition. But there was one little problem – I’m color blind. Since making nothing but black buttons wasn’t an option, I decided to honor the values of hard work, entrepreneurship, and community that my grandfather taught me by pouring them into my passion for crafting spirits.
That’s why, in 2012, I founded Black Button Distilling. Black Button is Rochester’s first grain-to-glass distillery since prohibition, and we’ve come a long way since then. By staying true to our vision of following our own path, making adventurous craft spirits – and above all else, doing it with locally sourced ingredients – we now have loyal fans all across the country. So, wherever you are, we invite you to raise a glass, celebrate the opportunities that life’s obstacles provide, and enjoy the hard-earned simple pleasure of a fine spirit.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
