Drink Local: New York

Everything here is made in New York, from Kings County whiskey and Little City vermouth to Finger Lakes riesling.

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New York wine and spirits questions

What alcohol is New York known for?

New York State makes a lot more than people expect. The Finger Lakes are known for riesling, Long Island for merlot and cabernet franc, and the Hudson Valley for cider and spirits. The state has a growing craft distilling scene, especially rye whiskey, gin and vodka, plus many breweries, including several in Brooklyn.

What is a New York farm distillery?

A farm distillery is a type of license created by New York State in 2007. It lets small producers distill and sell their spirits on site, at farmers markets and in tastings, as long as most of their ingredients are grown in New York. The law helped start a boom in local craft distilleries across the state.

What is Empire rye?

Empire rye is a style of New York rye whiskey set by a group of New York distillers in 2015. It must be made from at least 75% rye grown in New York, distilled to no more than 160 proof, aged at least two years in new charred oak and bottled at 80 proof or higher, all by one New York distillery.