Kings County

Kings County Distillery

Region
  • USA, New York
Awards
  • American Distilling Institute – Distillery of the Year (2016), New Orleans Spirits Competition – Distillery of the Year (2023), San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Website
  • http://kingscountydistillery.com/
Phone Number
  • +13476894211
Address
  • 299 Sands St, Brooklyn, NY 11205

Urban street corner with traffic lights and historic building.

History of Kings County Distillery

Beginnings of Kings County Distillery

Kings County Distillery, nestled in New York City, has established itself as a premier craft distillery in the United States, with a dedicated focus on whiskey production. It offers a variety of products, including Bourbon, Peated Bourbon, Empire Rye, and other innovative whiskeys.

Commitment to In-House Production

From the start, the distillery has been committed to producing all its whiskeys in-house. Every step of the process – mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging – is meticulously carried out onsite in Brooklyn, ensuring the highest quality and consistency.

Humble Origins and Expansion

The distillery’s journey began in a modest 325 square-foot room in East Williamsburg, where it initially operated as the country’s smallest commercial distillery. Embracing growth and expansion, it later relocated to the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard, a site resonant with the history of the 1860s Brooklyn Whiskey Wars and the former distillery district.

Blending Tradition and Innovation

Kings County Distillery is known for blending various distilling practices to create its unique whiskeys. Utilizing Scottish copper pot stills, open fermentation, and sourcing local grains, the distillery crafts traditional yet unconventional spirits.

Awards Won by Kings County Distillery

  • American Distilling Institute – Distillery of the Year (2016):
    • This prestigious award highlights the distillery’s dedication to quality and innovation in whiskey production.
  • New Orleans Spirits Competition – Distillery of the Year (2023):
    • A repeated honor that emphasizes the distillery’s consistent excellence and commitment to the craft.
  • San Francisco World Spirits Competition:
    • Multiple awards from this renowned competition, recognizing the distillery’s high-quality American craft whiskeys.
  • American Craft Spirits Association:
    • Several accolades from this association, further affirming the distillery’s standing in the spirits industry.

Kings County Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Kings County Distillery offers an engaging and educational tour experience, providing visitors with a deep insight into whiskey production.

The distillery offers two main types of tours:

Distillery Tour

Priced at $20 per person and lasting approximately 45 minutes, this tour allows visitors to learn about the distillery’s history as the oldest whiskey distillery in New York City since prohibition.

It covers the entire whiskey-making process, from milling, mashing, fermenting, to distilling. The tour concludes in the barrel room, where participants can taste some of the distillery’s core products.

Top Shelf Distillery Tour

For a more comprehensive experience, this tour costs $30 per person and lasts about 75 minutes. It delves into the rich history of whiskey and its impact on America.

Visitors get an in-depth look at the science and art of mashing, fermentation, and pot distillation. The tour includes visiting the barrel room to understand the aging process and concludes with a tasting session that consists of some of the distillery’s more exclusive products.

Whiskey Tasting Classes for $35 Per Person

These classes are an excellent opportunity for guests to learn about the history of whiskey and the production process. The session includes a guided tasting of specially curated whiskey flights, teaching participants how to nose, taste, and evaluate whiskey like a distiller.

Flask & Barrel Review of Kings County Distillery

As a seasoned whiskey collector who’s been on my fair share of distillery tours, Kings County Distillery really impressed me. I’d give it a solid 4.7 out of 5.

The vibe there is just right – not too pretentious, not too casual. Their whiskey range, particularly the bourbon, is top-notch. The tasting experience was educational yet laid-back, and the staff knew their stuff without coming off as know-it-alls.

Loved the setting too, right in the heart of Brooklyn. It’s a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast seeking a genuine, unfiltered whiskey experience.

What To Do Nearby Kings County Distillery

Brooklyn Bridge: An iconic landmark, Brooklyn Bridge offers a scenic walk with stunning views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s about 1.6 miles away from the distillery.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade: Just 2.2 miles from Kings County Distillery, this promenade provides breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Brooklyn Navy Yard: This historical site, about 0.5 miles from the distillery, features exhibitions on the Navy Yard’s history and its transformation into a modern industrial park.

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass): Located around 1.5 miles from the distillery, this neighborhood offers picturesque cobblestone streets, art galleries, and eateries.

Brooklyn Flea Market: For unique finds and local crafts, this flea market is a must-visit. It’s about 2.5 miles away and perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Brooklyn Museum: Situated approximately 3.5 miles from Kings County Distillery, this museum boasts an extensive collection of art from various cultures and time periods.

Prospect Park: This large park, around 4 miles from the distillery, is ideal for a relaxing day out with its beautiful landscapes, zoo, and boathouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Kings County Distillery?

Clark’s Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. It is a Greek & American diner located at 80 Clark St. Contact details for reservations are +17188555484.

Park Plaza: With a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps, this classic diner is located at 220 Cadman Plz W. It is open 24 hours on weekends. Their contact number is +17185965900.

Grand Canyon Restaurant: This low-key diner has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps and is located at 143 Montague St. Contact details for reservations are +13478896670.

What hotels are near Kings County Distillery?

The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn: It has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps. This chic 4-star hotel features a cafe and a beer garden. You can contact them for reservation at +17183299537 and the address is 85 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201

NU Hotel Brooklyn: With a rating of 4.2 stars on Google Maps, this 3-star hotel offers loft-style quarters and a hip bar. You can contact them for reservations at +17188528585, and the address is 85 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn: This hip 4-star hotel has a rating of 4.0 stars on Google Maps and features a rooftop lounge. You can contact them for reservation at +17183299537, and the address is 85 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201.