Founded in 2011 as Albany’s first distillery since Prohibition, The Albany Distilling Company makes small-batch spirits in downtown Albany using both traditional and modern methods. Its portfolio includes Ironweed whiskey made with New York State grains, along with other house brands and contract-distilling work for emerging spirit companies. The company also operates a house bar where its products can be enjoyed.
Kings County DistilleryFounded in 2010 by Colin Spoelman and David Haskell, Kings County Distillery makes whiskey entirely onsite in Brooklyn’s historic Navy Yard. New York City’s oldest whiskey distillery, it combines traditional Scottish-style pot distilling with local New York grains to produce bourbon, Empire Rye and other creative whiskeys without sourcing finished whiskey elsewhere. The distillery’s work has earned Distillery of the Year honors from the American Distilling Institute in 2016 and the New Orleans Spirits Competition in 2023.BROOKLYN, NY
Niagara Craft SpiritsIn Cambria, New York, Niagara Craft Spirits makes small-batch spirits by hand from locally grown grain and nearby winery-sourced wine, rather than buying industrial alcohol or finished whiskey. Its nano-distillery operates in the historic Beyers Drive-In on the Niagara Wine Trail, where visitors can look through a viewing window or tour the plant on Saturdays. The lineup includes 1808 corn whiskey, bourbon, gin and vodka, all distilled and bottled on site.LOCKPORT, NY
Finger Lakes Distilling CompanyFounded in 2007 as New York State’s first stand-alone distillery, Finger Lakes Distilling makes handcrafted spirits from locally grown fruit and grain overlooking Seneca Lake. Its McKenzie whiskey is distilled in copper stills and aged in oak, while fruit-based vodkas and liqueurs are made by soaking real regional fruit rather than using extracts or synthetic flavoring. The Burdett distillery also welcomes visitors for tastings, cocktails, and hands-on gin workshops.BURDETT, NY
Lock 1 Distilling CompanyOpened around Memorial Day 2017 by three cousins, Lock 1 Distilling Company makes small-batch spirits in Phoenix, becoming the first distillery to open in Oswego County since Prohibition. It operates as a New York State Farm Distillery, sourcing its winter wheat, rye and corn from nearby Lysander and using custom equipment handcrafted by two of the owners. Across from Lock 1 of the Oswego Barge Canal, its distillery and tasting room occupy a former blacksmith shop whose original brick, steel trusses and forge chimney remain part of the setting.PHOENIX, NY