Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Distillery Enthusiasts
Top Things to Do in New York City for Distillery Enthusiasts
1. Great Jones Distilling Co.
Manhattan’s working distillery pairs copper stills with a sleek cocktail bar and kitchen, spotlighting grain-to-glass bourbons and ryes crafted right on Broadway.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a milestone for NYC spirits, offering refined house-made whiskey, curated flights, and elevated cocktails that showcase New York grains.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays for a relaxed vibe; arrive before the dinner rush on Fridays and Saturdays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about distillery-only single barrels and try a side-by-side Old Fashioned using different house expressions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the polished setting and smooth, well-structured whiskeys; some note prices reflect the prime NoHo location.
2. Kings County Distillery
A Brooklyn Navy Yard pioneer known for robust, pot-distilled bourbon, unique finishes, and a cozy tasting room within historic brick gatehouses.
✓ Why Go:
Its inventive lineup—from peated bourbon to chocolate whiskey—makes it a must for serious whiskey hunters.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for mellow tasting flights; warm months are great for lingering outdoors by the gatehouses.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request guidance on single-barrel and small-batch releases—staff happily walks you through flavor differences.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Revered by whiskey geeks for bold character and knowledgeable staff; occasional waits at peak times.
3. Widow Jane
Red Hook’s moody tasting room pours bourbons proofed with limestone-rich water, spotlighting single-barrel nuances in an atmospheric, brick-and-wood space.
✓ Why Go:
Distinct minerality and layered sweetness make these pours memorable; limited releases reward attentive sippers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for an unhurried flight; time your visit for a sunset stroll along the nearby waterfront.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about Vaults and tasting-room-only single casks; a small neat pour highlights the water’s signature texture.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for intimate ambiance and balanced bourbons; staff earns kudos for thoughtful tasting notes.
4. Van Brunt Stillhouse
A Red Hook micro-distillery championing heirloom grains, pouring characterful whiskeys with a mellow, neighborhood feel.
✓ Why Go:
Grain-to-glass transparency and unique mash bills appeal to enthusiasts who value provenance and personality.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Saturday afternoons when the room hums but stays comfortable for lingering over flights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Scan the chalkboard for limited runs or experimental barrels—small batches rotate frequently.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Noted for friendly, unpretentious service and expressive, cereal-forward flavors.
5. Greenhook Ginsmiths
Greenpoint’s gin specialists use vacuum distillation for bright, aromatic spirits showcased in martinis and tasting flights.
✓ Why Go:
From Navy Strength to seasonal expressions, the lineup is a masterclass in botanical precision.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for a calm seat at the bar; weekdays often mean more time to chat about botanicals.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try a side-by-side martini flight with different gin proofs to feel how texture changes with dilution.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans highlight crisp, lifted flavors and an intimate setting; hours can be limited, so plan ahead.
6. Breuckelen Distilling
A minimalist tasting room where Brooklyn-made gins and whiskeys emphasize New York grains and clean, modern profiles.
✓ Why Go:
Distinctive botanical blends and approachable whiskey styles make it a rewarding stop for nuanced palates.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to catch a quiet window before evening traffic; check open days seasonally.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about 77 Whiskey batches—subtle differences between releases intrigue collectors.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for craft-first focus, fair pricing on flights, and informative staff.
7. Standard Wormwood Distillery
An experimental Bushwick distillery pushing boundaries with wormwood-influenced spirits, amaros, and rye-based originals.
✓ Why Go:
For adventurous drinkers, the bittersweet, botanical spectrum here is unlike anything else in the city.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings when the bar team can guide you through neat pours before customizing cocktails.
✓ Insider Tip:
Taste neat first, then request a bespoke cocktail to see how the spirit’s wormwood character plays with citrus or spice.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lauded for creativity, knowledgeable bartenders, and a cool, industrial-chic vibe.
8. Fort Hamilton Distillery
Industry City’s rye-focused distillery celebrates pre-Prohibition traditions with spicy, structured spirits and relaxed flights.
✓ Why Go:
Rye lovers find depth across single barrels and bottled-in-bond expressions ideal for Manhattan and Sazerac builds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for easy seating and time to explore Industry City after your flight.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about tasting-room-only single barrels and compare proofs to dial in your preferred spice-to-sweet balance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the warm welcome and rye-forward character; a favorite for classic cocktail fans.
9. Barrow's Intense Tasting Room
Home base for a celebrated ginger liqueur, this Industry City bar curates flights from numerous New York distillers in one lively venue.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a convenient hub to sample across the state—perfect for mapping your next bottle hunt.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for atmosphere; occasional music nights add energy without overshadowing the spirits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Build a custom New York spirits flight and finish with a zesty ginger-capped highball.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for breadth of selection and social vibe; great for groups exploring different styles.
10. Port Morris Distillery
A Bronx original pouring Puerto Rican–style pitorro (sugarcane spirit) in a welcoming, music-filled space.
✓ Why Go:
Distinct from whiskey and gin stops, pitorro broadens your palate with heritage flavors and festive energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Friday and Saturday evenings when the room comes alive and flights flow at an easy pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Taste the traditional, unflavored pitorro first, then explore seasonal infusions to appreciate the base spirit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about genuine hospitality, lively rhythms, and bold, warming pours.
