While everyone knows that there is not much of a limit on things that are available to do in New York state and New York City specifically, one thing you might not have considered is the wide variety and range of distilleries that are available to visit in the area.

There is a specific focus on whiskey when it comes to distilleries in New York, however, this is not all there is to offer and there are a wide variety of other craft spirits which you can get from distilleries in New York.

Because of this, we have put this guide together to make it so you know which distilleries are the best to visit. This will ensure that you have the best experience when you visit a distillery in New York and you will not walk away disappointed.

This guide will mention the distilleries which are available in New York, but also what sets them apart.

If you have not visited many craft distilleries before, then something you might not know is the wide variety of different amenities and activities offered by different distilleries.

This means that if you are a tourist, or even a local, the day out you plan to go to a distillery might be full, or end up pretty lacking.

In this guide when we cover each distillery we will not just mention the spirits which are produced, but also the experience you have when you are visiting.

For example, some distilleries will offer tours and other extended activities, while others will just be a store which has some staff members who you can quiz about the products, as you can see the difference in time needed to do these activities has a wide disparity.

We will also cover other practical aspects like if different distilleries offer food, however, in New York this is not as much of an issue when compared to more isolated areas.

There is also the consideration of opening hours. This is because distilleries are relatively unconventional businesses and they can run only at specific times of year.

This means that sometimes opening hours you find online may not be accurate, and you might just be visiting in an off season.

We all know how heart wrenching it is when you plan an activity for a certain day only to turn up and discover it is closed, so this guide should help you avoid this.

So, if you want to see some of the best distilleries in New York, keep reading for our top picks!

Our Favorite Distilleries In New York

As we referenced in the introduction, there is a wide variety when it comes to distilleries which are present in New York.

Because of this we have tried to encapsulate a pretty wide variety when it comes to what is available. There are some distilleries in this guide which will appeal to some people, while there are others which will not.

And as mentioned, a lot of these distilleries are only open on a seasonal basis, so ensuring that the one you want to visit is open when you are in the area is important as well.

Great Jones Distillery

This is one of the more historical distilleries in Manhattan which has been mostly closed for public access since the prohibition era. This spot is now open to all enthusiasts of craft whiskey who are in the area.

This spot is getting more and more popular and they aim to show off what whiskey made and produced in New York has to offer.

There are not just the distillery operations being run here, but also the restaurant on site, as well as the retail shop, and even an event space.

No matter what you expect a distillery to do, you can see it being done well here. There are also tours being held which is one of the best things you can do when visiting a distillery, so if you want to do this, then we recommend calling ahead.

There is also a tasting involved with part of the tour and if there is something here you have to try it is the Straight Bourbon or the Four Grain Rye Bourbon.

Kings County Distillery

This spot has been open in the middle of Brooklyn since back in 2010 and they are well known for their craft spirits.

They are known for making it so the craft spirits which were once dominated by big brands have now got a more independent representation.

They are known for infusing creativity into their whiskey and want to expand the idea of whiskey which is produced in the country to have more different flavors.

The tour here is only 45 minutes which we love for how it can fit into a more busy day. Getting a tasting is included under the cost of the tour and here you will get to try 4 of the whiskeys that are produced here.

NY Distilling Co

This spot represents just how diverse and large the distilling scene is in New York and just how competitive it can be. This spot has shown that it can evolve as well as expand in the decade it has been open.

Unfortunately there are no tours offered at this location, but there are plenty of different tasting options which are perfect for if you do not have that much time to spare.

If there are any products here we strongly recommend it is the Dorothy Parker American Gin and the Ragtime Rye.

Van Brunt Stillhouse

This spot has also been open for a decade and you can now find that every boutique in the area has a selection of these local spirits.

This spot is well worth visiting since the tour here is so much more affordable than it can be at other locations at only $10.

The tasting is also included under the price of the tour, and we recommend that you try out the Bourbon as well as the Empire Rye.

Widow Jane Distillery

This spot has been open since 2012 back when craft distilleries like this were not as popular. This spot has a great location which really makes it stand out from some of the more central locations.

This spot stands out as a part of Brooklyn, and if you want to get a feel for this part of New York, then this is the distillery we recommend visiting. The public tour is $20 and we strongly recommend it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is There To See In New York?

New York is one of the most visited cities in the world for a reason, and there is a massive variety of different things to do and see in the whole New York area.

There are famous tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge, or you could just spend time soaking up the rich culture in more quiet and hidden away spots.

If you are a fan of musical theater then it is strongly recommended that you try and catch a show on Broadway with there always being something well worth seeing on.

There is also Central Park which is well worth walking around whenever you have a chance. We also feel we should mention the wide variety of different distilleries that are all worth checking out if you are even slightly interested in craft spirits whatsoever.

Distillery Accessibility In New York?

One thing which is always worth checking ahead whenever you plan to visit any distillery is how the accessibility is in every sense.

As we mentioned in the introduction, opening hours for distilleries are very often seasonal, and can often be open at weird times of day, because of this, checking social media or calling ahead is recommended since online opening hours can often be outdated or inaccurate.

On top of this it is also recommended that if you are travelling with someone who is disabled in any way, or disabled yourself that you call ahead, or check on the distillery website to see if there are any measures in place to help deal with your disability.

In New York this can be pretty variable, and it is not something you can guarantee, but is something you will find offered occasionally.

Because of this weak guarantee, checking ahead is nearly always recommended.

Summary

Hopefully this guide has put into perspective just how many amazing distilleries that are available in New York which you can visit when you are in the area.

As we have mentioned a couple of times, no matter what reason you plan to visit the distillery, calling ahead is always recommended to ensure that you get the best experience possible.

Of course, you can find out what they offer with the information found here or on the distillery website, but finding out the specific opening times for when you are visiting, or if they have slots available for a tour, or disability measures in place, this is something you can often only find out through direct communication.