Fans of distilled spirits and well-organized exhibitions should add the upcoming New York Independent Spirits Expo to their bucket list. And it’s a fantastic opportunity to visit the Big Apple and the legendary Penn Club, which will host the event.

Attendees can sample and purchase a range of spirits from local and international family-owned distilleries. Furthermore, independent importers and bottlers will be at the event to promote their services, answer questions, and demystify aspects of the industry.

And since the New York Independent Spirits Expo will run in early June, it’s one of the best times to visit New York. After all, it’s the summertime with idyllic mild warm weather ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 82°F (28°C). But keep in mind that New York fills up with tourists during June due to the school vacations. And since this is the high season, Airbnb accommodations, guest houses, and hotels will inevitably charge higher rates. 

Those planning to spend the early part of June in New York should check out Governors Ball Music Festival. It’s a world-renowned festival with over 60 performers and three stages, which should wow music fans of all ages and backgrounds. In 2023, this festival will run from June 9 to 11 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

But what about travelers that have no interest in this festival or only have time to visit a few landmarks near Penn Club? The great news is that there are several notable landmarks and attractions nearby, such as the Central Park Zoo, Chelsea Market, Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Times Square, and The Museum of Modern Art.

What to expect at the New York Independent Spirits Expo?

Distilled Events will host the New York Independent Spirits Expo on Monday, June 12, 2023. It will commence at 4:30 PM and end at 9 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Here are the types of tickets and prices on offer:

• VIP Ticket 5:00 PM Admission – $103.70
• GA Ticket 6:30 PM Admission – $76.94 
• Trade & Media Ticket 4:30 PM Admission – $200.00

The event location is at Penn Club of New York, on 30 West 44th Street, in New York. Most of the exhibitors will consist of boutique spirits vendors, distilleries, and bottlers from the United States and around the globe. And similarly to past events, there should be approximately 50 exhibitors in attendance under one roof, and will include notable brands as follows:

• Amaro Cinpatrazzo
• Aquavit
• Buen Bicho
• Cenizo Colonial Mezcal Artesanal
• D’Aristi Xtabentun
• EVA Mitilini Distillery
• Ferdinand’s Saar Dry Gin
• Golden Moon Distillery
• High Wire Distilling
• Jimmy Red
• Katsaros Distillery
• Maraschino Vergnano
• Michelberger Mountain
• Musgrave Spirits
• Preiss Imports
• Prohibition Spirits Distillery
• Rumhaus
• Sentidos Pechuga de Mole
• Stoupakis Chios Distillery
• Walcher Rondo Spritz

What’s the appeal of the New York Independent Spirits Expo?

The main draw of the New York Independent Spirits Expo is that it exposes attendees to many smaller distillers and brands, many of which are relatively unknown in the domestic US market. Attendees can taste some of the most exotic and obscure spirits from all over the world. The range of spirits on offer includes gin, liqueur, mezcal, rum, tequila, vodka, whiskey, etc.

But are the beverages on offer too obscure, weird, and possibly dangerous for consumption? Well, expect to sample several drinks that probably won’t suit your taste buds and a few that will pleasantly surprise you. And yes, there will be beverages on offer that will be a lot stronger than you’d expect. So ask exhibitors beforehand about the ABV of each drink to be sure and if any ingredients could impact your health negatively or if you have a lower than usual tolerance.

Most beverages, however, are FDA approved, so you’ll likely be safe if you don’t overindulge. The good news is that most exhibitors are incredibly passionate about their products and willing to offer advice on how to best enjoy these. And with distillers from countries such as Greece, Mexico, and South Africa, you’ll have plenty of questions about their beverages since these lean more toward the exotic end of the taste spectrum. 

Why is the Penn Club the ideal venue for this expo?

The Penn Club of New York is an elegant clubhouse located in Midtown Manhattan. It’s a historic landmark and a prestigious member’s private club for those associated with The University of Pennsylvania, hence its name. Thus, few will have the privilege to view and appreciate this building’s gorgeous and stately interiors.

Moreover, the building has 13 floors featuring guest rooms, meeting spaces, in-house dining, a business center, a gymnasium, and a lounge area with a library. And while it’s necessary to have a membership to enjoy all these facilities, attendees of the New York Independent Spirits Expo get to experience some of the magic of the building without requiring an Ivy League education.

Attendees will rub shoulders with fellow aficionados of the finest spirits and obscure distilleries. The sophisticated and tastefully-decorated interiors of the Penn Club serve as the perfect backdrop to the witty banter and interactions between the attendees and exhibitors. And during the four-and-a-half-hour event, attendees can sample and purchase their favorite beverages and even take home a few freebies. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Must attendees pay an entrance fee at the Penn Club?

No. All that’s necessary is to purchase a ticket to gain entry.

Will food be available at the expo?

Expect cheese and light appetizers for tasting purposes. It’s preferable not to attend the expo on an empty stomach, so stop by one of the many restaurants in Midtown Manhattan beforehand.   

Is this expo an adult-only event?

Yes. The legal drinking age is 21 years or older according to the city and state alcohol laws of New York.

The Bottom Line

The New York Independent Spirits Expo aims to connect fans of unique quality beverages with small family-sized distillers from across the globe. And the organizers of this event have gone to great lengths to book one of the most iconic and prestigious buildings in Midtown Manhattan, which helps make the tasting experience that bit more special. Check out Distillery Nearby regularly to learn more about the exciting expos and events near you!