Distillery to Open in Apalachin This Summer

An old Tioga County barn soon will have a new life as a distillery.

A Binghamton native is working with his fiancée to develop the business on Route 434 in Apalachin.

Joseph Alig and Michelle Steigerwald are preparing for a summer wedding and for the opening of the distillery.

Alig, who is a second-grade teacher in the Union-Endicott School District, said they've been busy for about two-and-a-half years preparing for the business.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Alig said he expects the distillery and a tasting room to open in early August.

Alig said he's had a passion for making whiskey for several years. He ultimately decided it was time to open a distillery.

The operation will be located in a big red barn that had been used in recent years for storage. Alig said the site also will be used as an event space for wedding receptions and other gatherings.

Alig acquired the barn nine years ago. He decided to call the new business Waterman's Distillery to acknowledge the late Fred and Lolita Waterman, who were the long-time owners of the barn.

Renovation work is being completed to get the structure ready for the new business.

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