Proposed distillery clears one potential hurdle in Utica

While Ottawa has a fairly new brewery, Utica could soon be the home of a distillery featuring harder liquor like whiskey and vodka.

According to the NewsTribune, the Utica Planning Commission has approved variances and a special use permit for Kenneth Haun of Mendota to open “Kindred Spirits” on Route 178, just north of Route 6. Haun initially approached the Mendota City Council about the distillery but got frustrated with regulations.

The Utica Village Board of Trustees will vote on the planning commission’s recommendations later this month.