A whiskey is distilled in New York City. For more than 100 years, that was not the case. That changed with last week’s opening of the Great Jones Distilling Co., Manhattan’s first and only legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition.
Great Jones’ six-year construction journey has overcome city regulations, centuries-old fire codes and a global pandemic to 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, as well as a restaurant, speakeasy and event venue, which will open in September.
Great Jones was founded by Proximo Spirits (best known for Bushmills, Stranahan’s and Jose Cuervo) and the 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. The whiskies are made exclusively with grains grown in Upstate New York’s Black Dirt region, less than two hours north of Manhattan.
“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 comes the introduction of three new whiskies: Great Jones Straight Bourbon, Great Jones Four Grain Bourbon and Great Jones Rye Whiskey. The three signature expressions 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. The Restaurant at Great Jones, which opens in September, will be helmed by Executive Chef Adam Raksin, and will offer a contemporary menu focused on locally sourced New York ingredients. Other distillery features The Speakeasy, intimate underground bar that will offer a restaurant and exclusive tasting menu; The Lounge, an enclave for guests as well as private events; and The Shop, where the three signature spirits and a selection of merchandise will be available for purchase. See the gallery below for more images.
Great Jones Distilling Co. is open every Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 10pm.
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