If you were around in the early 1800s, you might know that the town of Pattenburg used to be called Calvin’s Mills. It was there, on one fateful spring day in 1812, that two enterprising gentlemen named Cummings & Dolphin began a distilling operation. Using grain from the mill and water straight from the nearby Mulhockaway Creek, they fashioned a recipe for rye whiskey. It was so good, they applied for a patent on the recipe, which was ultimately approved. Shortly thereafter, it was being carted off to Trenton and Philadelphia, where it sold for 25 cents per gallon. Legend has it that President James Madison would sip this very rye in his study while engaging in political discourse.
The prominence and renown of the whiskey gave importance to the town. Years later, thanks to the suggestion of Mr. Henry Carcuff, the town was renamed Pattenburg, in honor of the patented rye whiskey distillery recipe.
Our roots are deep: the Pattenburg House has been in continuous operation since 1872 - making 2022 our 150th year. We strive to pay homage to those who helped shape our town’s landscape and lay the timber of this very building. We hope our time-honored American tavern fare and classically inspired cocktail menu will transport you to the early days of the original whiskey still and Calvin’s Mills.
