Portrait of Tommy Burnett
i. Biography
Tommy Burnett built Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport, New York, United States around a pairing of American forms that are usually kept separate: barbecue smoke and bourbon making. The idea was his way of rooting production in place while using smoke as a working tool, not just a flavor note. In Burnett’s framing, the concept was simple and practical—putting two familiar traditions into one distillery program—and the result reads as deliberate rather than novelty-driven.
The Sunday email
Read about winemakers like Tommy Burnett in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.
The Climb
Before distilling, the working discipline came through music: Tommy Burnett began as guitarist at Modern English. By 2011, Burnett had moved into founder / co-founder, owner, and ceo / co-founder of Iron Smoke Distillery, turning a concept into an operating business. The shift was from performance to construction, with the distillery becoming the place where he could shape the whole system from the ground up. The technical pivot was in the grain itself.
Burnett described the method plainly: “I figured out a way to smoke some of the grains and it was a really unique idea.” That is the maker’s side of the story—test, adapt, and arrive at a method that gives the spirit its own register. The result ties barbecue technique to bourbon making without borrowing from either tradition loosely; it uses smoke as the bridge.
Today
Tommy Burnett is the owner of Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport, New York, United States, and he is also a founder / co-founder of the company. Iron Smoke Distillery remains the site where smoke, grain, and bourbon culture are joined in one production identity.
In Their Words “I thought of putting two great American pastimes together; great American barbecue and great American bourbon making.” “I figured out a way to smoke some of the grains and it was a really unique idea.”
Recognition
Burnett is recognized for his role in founding and owning Iron Smoke Distillery.
FAQ
Asked of Tommy
What is Tommy Burnett's current role?
As of 2026, Tommy Burnett is Owner.
Where did Tommy Burnett work before?
Tommy Burnett's earlier career included Modern English.
Explore
Similar Winemakers
The Sunday email
Read about winemakers like Tommy Burnett in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.