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Great Jones Distilling Co., Manhattan's First And Only Legal Whiskey Distillery Since Prohibition

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#bourbon #whiskey #rye #spirits
Published
08/30/2021 by

For more than 100 years, no whiskey distillery has called Manhattan its home. That changes this summer as Great Jones Distilling Co., Manhattan's first and only legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition, opens its doors in NoHo. 

Akin to other New York City architectural projects, Great Jones Distilling Co. is a feat of ingenuity. The six-year construction journey has overcome rigid city regulations, centuries-old fire codes and a global pandemic to deliver a new spirit to the city and give New Yorkers their own whiskey distillery. The result is now a 28,000 square-foot space located at 686 Broadway, which encompasses a custom-built and engineered distillery where people can enjoy distillery tours and tasting experiences starting Saturday, August 21, as well as a restaurant, speakeasy and event venue, which will open starting in September. 

Great Jones Distilling Co. was founded by Proximo Spirits and the passionate vision of owner and 11th generation spirits maker Juan Domingo Beckmann. The idea was born from the belief that the best spirits should be the embodiment of their origins, threading the history of bourbon in New York to the present day. To celebrate the best that New York has to offer, the whiskies are made exclusively with grains grown in the rich ebony soil of the Black Dirt region less than two hours north of Manhattan in Upstate New York. Great Jones whiskies are smooth, balanced and complex with a distinctive spiciness characteristic of the New York-grown grains from which they are made. More spice, less sweet – more New York.

"The opening of Great Jones Distilling Co. represents a landmark moment for spirits and New York City history, bringing the craft of whiskey distillation back to Manhattan after 100 years," said Juan Domingo Beckmann, Founder of Great Jones Distilling Co. and Proximo Spirits. "For 11 generations my family has crafted some of the world's leading spirits, and we are proud to introduce a bourbon that truly embodies the best of New York State ingredients and the 'lightning in a bottle' energy of Manhattan. The Great Jones Distillery will give the city a new spirits legacy, and is dedicated to the resiliency and hustle that New Yorkers have shown to the world over this past year."

With the opening of Great Jones Distilling Co. comes the introduction of three new whiskies: Great Jones Straight Bourbon, Great Jones Four Grain Bourbon and Great Jones Rye Whiskey. The three signature liquids are made from 100% New York-sourced grain, and have been aging for the past five years in new charred American oak barrels in upstate New York in preparation for the distillery opening. 

The building of the expansive distillery space, designed in partnership with Groundswell Design Group, conquered many unique challenges. Located in an area of the city with a rich history from the Prohibition era, the 82-year-old building had to be reinforced deep below ground to support the custom combination copper pot still with two columns housed on the second floor, navigating the subway system that runs below the building. During the renovation, a secret tunnel was discovered, thought to be used to transport whiskey and other spirits under the streets of New York. This tunnel now runs directly behind the speakeasy set to open this fall.  

"As New York City enters a new era of hospitality and entertainment, the experience at Great Jones Distilling Co. brings renewed energy and employment opportunities to the NoHo neighborhood," said Mike Keyes, President & Chief Executive Officer of Proximo Spirits. "Great Jones Distilling Co. will create more than 100 new jobs, supporting the much needed recovery and resurgence of the hospitality industry. We look forward to opening our doors this summer to New Yorkers and tourists looking for unique ways to enjoy time together again," continued Keyes.

At Great Jones Distilling Co., visitors will be able to enjoy:

  • Distillery tours and guided whiskey tastings and experiences.
  • The Restaurant at Great Jones (opening in September): helmed by Executive Chef Adam Raksin, a refined yet approachable culinary experience offering a contemporary menu focused on locally sourced New York ingredients.
  • The Speakeasy: This intimate underground speakeasy spot will offer a restaurant and exclusive tasting menu.
  • The Lounge: An exclusive enclave for guests as well as private events.
  • The Shop: The three signature spirits and a curated selection of Great Jones merchandise from New York-based makers and beyond will be available for purchase.

Great Jones Distilling Co. will be open every Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 10:00 p.m., starting August 21.  Please check the website www.greatjonesdistillingco.com for timeframe updates. Distillery tours will be offered for those 21+ and are available for booking at https://greatjonesdistillingco.com/book-your-visit/.

For private event inquiries, please email events@greatjonesdistillingco.com. For more information, follow the conversation on social media at @greatjonesdistillingco.

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