2009 was the year the State of Tennessee decided to change its laws, allowing the making of moonshine for the very first time in over a century. Ole Smoky was co-founded by Joe Baker in Tennessee, and the brand has created a broad range of flavored Moonshine and more than a dozen Whiskeys, as well as canned ready-to-drink cocktails. Touting themselves as Appalachian born and bred, the Ole Smoky family was among the first to step foot in the Smoky Mountains. They craft their whiskeys using time-honored traditions of whiskey making. Quickly following Tennessee's change in state law which permitted the distillation of spirits, Baker got to work crafting one of a kind, mountain-made moonshine, making Ole Smoky the first federally-licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. Their whiskey lineup includes Mango Habanero, Cinnamon, Root Beer, Peach, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Bean, Cookies & Cream, and several other expressions. Ole Smoky Butter Pecan Moonshine is among their lower-proof flavored offerings, clocking in at 35 proof. Flavored with butter, cream, toasted pecans, and caramel, with their own moonshine serving as the backbone, it's a super-creamy twist on the classic flavor combination.

2009 was the year the State of Tennessee decided to change its laws, allowing the making of moonshine for the very first time in over a century. Ole Smoky was co-founded by Joe Baker in Tennessee, and the brand has created a broad range of flavored Moonshine and more than a dozen Whiskeys, as well as canned ready-to-drink cocktails. Touting themselves as Appalachian born and bred, the Ole Smoky family was among the first to step foot in the Smoky Mountains. They craft their whiskeys using time-honored traditions of whiskey making. Quickly following Tennessee's change in state law which permitted the distillation of spirits, Baker got to work crafting one of a kind, mountain-made moonshine, making Ole Smoky the first federally-licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. Their whiskey lineup includes Mango Habanero, Cinnamon, Root Beer, Peach, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Bean, Cookies & Cream, and several other expressions. At 35 proof the Ole Smoky Moonshine Mountain Java is among their lower-alcohol-content offerings. It has a creamy profile with coffee notes throughout and a dash of vanilla that is great for perking up a cup of coffee or as a cocktail ingredient think White Russian.

The Pratt Standard Cocktail Company was founded in November 2014 by Tory Pratt. At first, it was called TRUE Syrups & Garnishes and the name was later changed to reflect their goal of connecting people via mixology. Based in Washington, D.C. they specialize in cocktail syrups that are focused on authenticity and flavor and take their inspiration from the pre-Prohibition era. They spread their passion and dedication via the quality of their products as well as through cocktail classes. Pratt comes from a family that has worked in the food industry since she can remember. It wasn't until she bought a high-quality craft gin that she realized a cheap run-of-the-mill tonic simply wouldn't cut it. After much research and experimentation, she ended up with the True Tonic Syrup, the first in the growing lineup of syrups that now include the Ginger Syrup, Grenadine Syrup, Kola Syrup, and Rich Simple Syrup. Now there's even the seasonal Spring Syrups series with Blackberry Mint, Rosemary Grapefruit, and Bitter Lemon variations. The name of the game is super-high quality and versatility, eschewing artificial additives, and creating syrups that complement rather than overpower the spirits they are mixed with. The True Ginger Syrup is Pratt Standard's best-seller. Crafted with whole ginger root, organic evaporated cane juice (instead of the commonly used extract), water, and citric acid, a whole pound of ginger goes into a single bottle of this syrup. It's all-natural and you get to choose your own intensity of the flavor mixed with club soda you can go from ginger beer to ginger ale. As with all their offerings, there's no corn syrup and artificial ingredients. Use this hand-crafted syrup to add a spicy kick to various cocktails such as the Moscow mule or Penicillin. Grab a bottle today!

The Pratt Standard Cocktail Company was founded in November 2014 by Tory Pratt. At first, it was called TRUE Syrups & Garnishes and the name was later changed to reflect their goal of connecting people via mixology. Based in Washington, D.C. they specialize in cocktail syrups that are focused on authenticity and flavor and take their inspiration from the pre-Prohibition era. They spread their passion and dedication via the quality of their products as well as through cocktail classes. Pratt comes from a family that has worked in the food industry since she can remember. It wasn't until she bought a high-quality craft gin that she realized a cheap run-of-the-mill tonic simply wouldn't cut it. After much research and experimentation, she ended up with the True Tonic Syrup, the first in the growing lineup of syrups that now include the Ginger Syrup, Grenadine Syrup, Kola Syrup, and Rich Simple Syrup. Now there's even the seasonal Spring Syrups series with Blackberry Mint, Rosemary Grapefruit, and Bitter Lemon variations. The name of the game is super-high quality and versatility, eschewing artificial additives, and creating syrups that complement rather than overpower the spirits they are mixed with. As with all their syrups, a lot of care and research goes into the history of what they are reproducing. Grenadine was made with Turkish or Iranian pomegranate juice (not the cheaper cherry one!), which is why they opted for Turkish pomegranate juice when crafting the True Grenadine Syrup. It contains no dyes or corn syrup, but rather two different pomegranate juices, cane sugar, and orange flower water. Grab a bottle today!

The Pratt Standard Cocktail Company was founded in November 2014 by Tory Pratt. At first, it was called TRUE Syrups & Garnishes and the name was later changed to reflect their goal of connecting people via mixology. Based in Washington, D.C. they specialize in cocktail syrups that are focused on authenticity and flavor and take their inspiration from the pre-Prohibition era. They spread their passion and dedication via the quality of their products as well as through cocktail classes. Pratt comes from a family that has worked in the food industry since she can remember. It wasn't until she bought a high-quality craft gin that she realized a cheap run-of-the-mill tonic simply wouldn't cut it. After much research and experimentation, she ended up with the True Tonic Syrup, the first in the growing lineup of syrups that now include the Ginger Syrup, Grenadine Syrup, Kola Syrup, and Rich Simple Syrup. Now there's even the seasonal Spring Syrups series with Blackberry Mint, Rosemary Grapefruit, and Bitter Lemon variations. The name of the game is super-high quality and versatility, eschewing artificial additives, and creating syrups that complement rather than overpower the spirits they are mixed with. A lot of research goes into the creation of each hand-crafted syrup. The True Tonic Syrup took 47 iterations to become what it is today. It's a historic recipe made with cinchona bark (the natural source of quinine), as well as lemongrass, cinnamon, and saffron. No fructose syrup, artificial flavors, and synthetics are found here. Mix it with club soda to make tonic water, or use it to add complexity to cocktails. A single bottle is good for 16 drinks. Grab a bottle today!

The Pratt Standard Cocktail Company was founded in November 2014 by Tory Pratt. At first, it was called TRUE Syrups & Garnishes and the name was later changed to reflect their goal of connecting people via mixology. Based in Washington, D.C. they specialize in cocktail syrups that are focused on authenticity and flavor and take their inspiration from the pre-Prohibition era. They spread their passion and dedication via the quality of their products as well as through cocktail classes. Pratt comes from a family that has worked in the food industry since she can remember. It wasn't until she bought a high-quality craft gin that she realized a cheap run-of-the-mill tonic simply wouldn't cut it. After much research and experimentation she ended up with the True Tonic Syrup, the first in the growing lineup of syrups that now include the Ginger Syrup, Grenadine Syrup, Kola Syrup, and Rich Simple Syrup. Now there's even the seasonal Spring Syrups series with Blackberry Mint, Rosemary Grapefruit, and Bitter Lemon variations. The name of the game is super-high quality and versatility, eschewing artificial additives, and creating syrups that complement rather than overpower the spirits they are mixed with. A lot of research goes into the creation of each hand-crafted syrup. The True Rich Simple Syrup is crafted with the finest-quality raw demerara sugar, which is closer to what was used in the late 19th-century cocktail boom. Heavy on molasses, it brings another layer of texture and mouthfeel to cocktails with only half as much needed in comparison to generic simple syrup. A single 16oz bottle makes 32 to 50 drinks. Grab a bottle today!

Tequila Finish: We finished our straight rye whiskey in Extra Añejo Tequila barrels. The result is remarkably unique tequila finished whiskey with notes of agave and vanilla on the nose and honey, peppercorn and orange citrus to taste. Pairing tequila and whiskey is always a risky move, but this was a risk worth the reward.

Tasting Notes

PALATE: Rich agave and sweet notes of honey paired with bitter orange, dried fig with floral notes. Spicy peppercorn creates a lasting finish.

PROOF: 98 (49% ABV)

AGE: 4 – 5 Years

In 1895, Masataka Taketsuru the father of Japanese Whisky was born in the small town of Takehara, Japan. At the time, Masataka's family owned a sake brewery, and in preparing to carry on the family trade, Masataka studied chemistry and biology at Osaka Technical High School. After graduating from high school, Masataka showed more interest in whisky than sake, and in 1918, he enrolled at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, becoming the first Japanese ever to study the art of whisky-making. While in Scotland, Masataka took chemistry courses during the day while apprenticing at distilleries at night, learning to distill and blend whisky first-hand at some of Scotland's most prestigious distilleries. In 1920, Masataka returned to Japan, and within the decade, had produced the country's first single malt whisky. In 1934, Masataka moved to the town of Yoichi and opened the doors to Nikka Whisky Co. In 1960, as the Yoichi Distillery was reaching capacity, Masataka began searching for another suitable location in Japan to open a second distillery. Following a three-year search, Masataka found a wide forest valley at the junction of the Hirosegawa and Nikkawagawa rivers. The localized humidity from the rivers and surrounding hills, together with the quality of water from Nikkawagawa River, created the perfect location for a second distillery, which he named Miyagikyo. Nikka Days is a celebration of the distillery's unique position somewhere between the east and west cultures, nature and humanity, tradition and innovation, where each day represents a learning opportunity. The smooth and gentle blended whisky is lightly peated and comes from Nikka's both main distilleries. It's a combination of grain and malt spirits: Coffey Grain, Miyagikyo Malt, as well as some Coffey Malt and Yoichi Malt. 

This award winning "acholado" style Peruvian Pisco, formerly known as Pisco Portón, is sustainably harvested and hand-crafted at the oldest distillery in the Americas, Destilería La Caravedo, Est. 1684.

Method of Production: Single-distilled to 40% ABV (80 proof) requiring approximately 3 kilos (7 lbs.) of a blend of quebranta and torontel grapes to produce one 750ml bottle. Distilled from 100% fully fermented grape juice (pure wine--no pomace) and rested a minimum of nine months--four months for each varietal and another five months after assemblage--with no additives of any kind: no color, no water, no sugar, no wood flavoring. Distilled through alambique copper pot stills and traditional falca stills.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE

CONDITION: clean

INTENSITY: medium

AROMA CHARACTERISTICS: pronounced apple, lemon grass, golden raisins and white pepper aromatics.

MATURITY: un-aged and rested in stainless steel.

PALATE

ALCOHOL: warming

BODY: medium high viscosity

FLAVOR INTENSITY: pronounced

FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS: super dry, medium bodied, very structured with characteristics of citrus and spice with impressions of bananas.

FINISH: lingering finish that is citrusy, peppery and floral.

This award winning "puro" style Peruvian Pisco was voted BEST IN SHOW UNAGED WHITE SPIRIT & BEST PISCO, DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016 & 2017. Over forty wine & spirit professionals agreed Caravedo Puro Torontel was better than any unaged vodka, gin, rum, tequila, etc--ANY unaged clear spirit--two years in a row. Caravedo Puro Torontel is sustainably harvested and hand-crafted at the oldest distillery in the Americas, Destilería La Caravedo, Est. 1684.

Method of Production: Single-distilled to 40% ABV (80 proof) requiring approximately 3 kilos (7 lbs.) of torontel (torrontés) grapes to produce one 750ml bottle. Distilled from 100% fully fermented grape juice (pure wine--no pomace) and rested a minimum of six months with no additives of any kind: no color, no water, no sugar, no wood flavoring. Distilled through traditional, flat-top falca stills.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE

CONDITION: clean, concise and bright

INTENSITY: pronounced

AROMA CHARACTERISTICS: floral high notes of geranium, orange blossom and honeysuckle.

MATURITY: un-aged and rested in stainless steel for one year.

PALATE

ALCOHOL: smooth

BODY: medium viscosity

FLAVOR INTENSITY: pronounced

FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS: bright characteristics of flowers and citrus fruit.

FINISH: light, bright, long and refreshing.

This award winning "puro" style Peruvian Pisco is the finest expression of the "macho grape," called quebranta. Caravedo Puro Quebranta is sustainably harvested and hand-crafted at the oldest distillery in the Americas, Destilería La Caravedo, Est. 1684.

Method of Production: Single-distilled to 40% ABV (80 proof) requiring approximately 3 kilos (7 lbs.) of quebranta grapes to produce one 750ml bottle. Distilled from 100% fully fermented grape juice (pure wine--no pomace) and rested a minimum of six months with no additives of any kind: no color, no water, no sugar, no wood flavoring. Distilled through alambique copper pot stills.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE

CONDITION: clean and fresh

INTENSITY: medium

AROMA CHARACTERISTICS: apple, bosc pear, grassy, almond, cherry with hints of banana and chocolate.

MATURITY: un-aged yet rested in stainless steel for a minimum of six months.

PALATE

ALCOHOL: smooth

BODY: medium viscosity

FLAVOR INTENSITY: pronounced

FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS: dry orchard fruit, grassy, banana, hint of chocolate.

FINISH: round, cheerful, clean.

Drogheda is one of the oldest Irish towns where the first written records of whiskey production date back to 1556. The town has a rich history of whiskey distilling and had 18 operating distilleries in 1774. As we know, Irish whiskey was in decline in the 20th century, due to the civil war, trade dispute with the UK, and Prohibition in the US with only a handful distilleries remaining operational, none of those in Drogheda. Boann Distillery joined the resurgence of Irish whiskey in 2019, producing the first spirit in the town in more than 160 years. The company was launched by Patrick "The Whistler" Cooney and his wife Marie with several other family members. Backed by 40 years of experience in the industry, the family has the know-how, skill, and passion to create premium Irish whiskey. On one hand, they honor the rich tradition of Irish whiskey, on the other they take innovative approaches using cutting-edge technology which includes their state-of-the-art brewhouse and unique 3 copper-pot stills that use nanotechnology all with the goal of creating some of the finest whiskey and craft gin. All the ingredients are 100% natural, including locally-grown barley from native farmers and water from the Boyne Valley well. The operation is overseen by Michael Walsh. Ireland's youngest head distiller has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge during his Chemical Engineering studies and when getting his Certificate in Distilling in 2012, quickly rising through the ranks. They recycle their water and harness the heat that is generated during distillation, which then helps run their packaging lines and heat their restaurant, visitor center, and offices. Distillation byproducts are used as animal feed. Walsh is more than just a head distiller, though. He is also the family beekeeper, which naturally led to The Whistler Beekeepers Select Irish Honey expression. Based on a blended Irish whiskey that is aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, the spirit gets infused with honey from their family orchards, resulting in a creamy, sweet, and decadent drink that has won several awards.

Drogheda is one of the oldest Irish towns where the first written records of whiskey production date back to 1556. The town has a rich history of whiskey distilling and had 18 operating distilleries in 1774. As we know, Irish whiskey was in decline in the 20th century, due to the civil war, trade dispute with the UK, and Prohibition in the US with only a handful distilleries remaining operational, none of those in Drogheda. Boann Distillery joined the resurgence of Irish whiskey in 2019, producing the first spirit in the town in more than 160 years. The company was launched by Patrick "The Whistler" Cooney and his wife Marie with several other family members. Backed by 40 years of experience in the industry, the family has the know-how, skill, and passion to create premium Irish whiskey. On one hand, they honor the rich tradition of Irish whiskey, on the other they take innovative approaches using cutting-edge technology which includes their state-of-the-art brewhouse and unique 3 copper-pot stills that use nanotechnology all with the goal of creating some of the finest whiskey and craft gin. All the ingredients are 100% natural, including locally-grown barley from native farmers and water from the Boyne Valley well. The operation is overseen by Michael Walsh. Ireland's youngest head distiller has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge during his Chemical Engineering studies and when getting his Certificate in Distilling in 2012, quickly rising through the ranks. They recycle their water and harness the heat that is generated during distillation, which then helps run their packaging lines and heat their restaurant, visitor center, and offices. Distillation byproducts are used as animal feed. The Whistler Distillers Select Double Oaked is crafted using a combination of malt and grain Irish whiskeys, meticulously selected by master distiller Michael Walsh. Crafted in small batches, the juices that have been aged in ex-Bourbon barrels then go into Boann's Oloroso sherry casks for 6 months of additional maturation before being bottled at 80 proof. 

Drogheda is one of the oldest Irish towns where the first written records of whiskey production date back to 1556. The town has a rich history of whiskey distilling and had 18 operating distilleries in 1774. As we know, Irish whiskey was in decline in the 20th century, due to the civil war, trade dispute with the UK, and Prohibition in the US with only a handful distilleries remaining operational, none of those in Drogheda. Boann Distillery joined the resurgence of Irish whiskey in 2019, producing the first spirit in the town in more than 160 years. The company was launched by Patrick "The Whistler" Cooney and his wife Marie with several other family members. Backed by 40 years of experience in the industry, the family has the know-how, skill, and passion to create premium Irish whiskey. On one hand, they honor the rich tradition of Irish whiskey, on the other they take innovative approaches using cutting-edge technology which includes their state-of-the-art brewhouse and unique 3 copper-pot stills that use nanotechnology all with the goal of creating some of the finest whiskey and craft gin. All the ingredients are 100% natural, including locally-grown barley from native farmers and water from the Boyne Valley well. The operation is overseen by Michael Walsh. Ireland's youngest head distiller has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge during his Chemical Engineering studies and when getting his Certificate in Distilling in 2012, quickly rising through the ranks. They recycle their water and harness the heat that is generated during distillation, which then helps run their packaging lines and heat their restaurant, visitor center, and offices. Distillation byproducts are used as animal feed. The Whistler Blenders Select Irish Cream is a whiskey liqueur the first in the world to feature a single-pot-still Irish whiskey in its blend, combined with fresh Irish cream from grass-fed cows. This results in a depth and delicious richness with the whiskey shining through beautifully. 

Drogheda is one of the oldest Irish towns where the first written records of whiskey production date back to 1556. The town has a rich history of whiskey distilling and had 18 operating distilleries in 1774. As we know, Irish whiskey was in decline in the 20th century, due to the civil war, trade dispute with the UK, and Prohibition in the US with only a handful distilleries remaining operational, none of those in Drogheda. Boann Distillery joined the resurgence of Irish whiskey in 2019, producing the first spirit in the town in more than 160 years. The company was launched by Patrick "The Whistler" Cooney and his wife Marie with several other family members. Backed by 40 years of experience in the industry, the family has the know-how, skill, and passion to create premium Irish whiskey. On one hand, they honor the rich tradition of Irish whiskey, on the other they take innovative approaches using cutting-edge technology which includes their state-of-the-art brewhouse and unique 3 copper-pot stills that use nanotechnology all with the goal of creating some of the finest whiskey and craft gin. All the ingredients are 100% natural, including locally-grown barley from native farmers and water from the Boyne Valley well. The operation is overseen by Michael Walsh. Ireland's youngest head distiller has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge during his Chemical Engineering studies and when getting his Certificate in Distilling in 2012, quickly rising through the ranks. They recycle their water and harness the heat that is generated during distillation, which then helps run their packaging lines and heat their restaurant, visitor center, and offices. Distillation byproducts are used as animal feed. Their Single Malts lineup consists of sourced whiskeys. The Blue Note spent its first 5 years in ex-Bourbon barrels before being finished in Oloroso sherry casks for 2 years, totaling 7 years of aging. Bottled at 92 proof without chill filtration or added coloring, its rich, complex, and smooth profile has won several awards. 

Drogheda is one of the oldest Irish towns where the first written records of whiskey production date back to 1556. The town has a rich history of whiskey distilling and had 18 operating distilleries in 1774. As we know, Irish whiskey was in decline in the 20th century, due to the civil war, trade dispute with the UK, and Prohibition in the US with only a handful distilleries remaining operational, none of those in Drogheda. Boann Distillery joined the resurgence of Irish whiskey in 2019, producing the first spirit in the town in more than 160 years. The company was launched by Patrick and Marie Cooney with several other family members. Backed by 40 years of experience in the industry, the family has the know-how, skill, and passion to create premium Irish whiskey. On one hand, they honor the rich tradition of Irish whiskey, on the other they take innovative approaches using cutting-edge technology which includes their state-of-the-art brewhouse and unique 3 copper-pot stills that use nanotechnology all with the goal of creating some of the finest whiskey and craft gin. All the ingredients are 100% natural, including locally-grown barley from native farmers and water from the Boyne Valley well. The operation is overseen by Michael Walsh. Ireland's youngest head distiller has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge during his Chemical Engineering studies and when getting his Certificate in Distilling in 2012, quickly rising through the ranks. They recycle their water and harness the heat that is generated during distillation, which then helps run their packaging lines and heat their restaurant, visitor center, and offices. Distillation byproducts are used as animal feed. Their Single Malt series contains a threesome of Irish Single Malts, How the Years Whistle By being the oldest of the bunch. The sourced whiskey was first aged for 8 years in first-fill Bourbon barrels before spending an additional 2 years in oak Oloroso sherry casks. Complex, rich, and smooth, it's bottled at 92 proof without chill filtration or added coloring. 

No spirits was formed in 2015 by Anand Virmani and Vaibhav Singh, when the two friends from Delhi, India felt like the gin renaissance wasn't hitting the country with the same force as it did the rest of the world. The two bar owners felt that the country where gin & tonic was invented needed to step up and they decided to take matters into their own hands. They procured a copper pot still, named it Agotha, and started experimenting with various spices, herbs, and fruits. Many of the classic gin botanicals are commonly found in India's home kitchens, making at least one step of the process a bit easier as the pair meticulously distilled, tasted, and tested their way towards crafting the perfect gin. Starting with a wheat-based neutral spirit, they crafted their very first gin. A classic London dry style, this gin is made with Macedonian juniper berries, Spanish orange peels, Italian orris, and German angelica. The rest of the botanicals all come from India and include fennel seeds, lemongrass, coriander, ginger, and chamomile. What's better than gin Two gins, of course. The Hapusa is the Sanskrit word for juniper. It's also "the world's first Himalayan dry gin". It's crafted with Himalayan junipers and several unique botanicals that are native to India: Turmeric, mango, ginger, cardamom, coriander seeds, gondhoraj lime, and almonds. While Greater Than is an international spirit, Hapusa is 100% Indian.

It took over 70 years after the prohibition had ended for the distilling industry to return to New York City. New York had a flourishing distilling industry by the early 19th century, however things changed during the Civil War, when President Lincoln taxed spirits to fund the military. This resulted in many distilleries going underground before the end of the century. The fatal blow for the legal distilling industry in US came in 1920, when the Eighteenth Amendment came into effect making the production of alcohol illegal. It was only in the 21st century that small distilleries started resurging in New York. The New York Distilling Company, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is one of the oldest distilleries in the city, and was founded in 2011 by Tom Potter, a co-founder of the Brooklyn Brewery, and Allen Katz, one of the nation's leading experts on distilled spirits and cocktails. The distillery specializes in gins and rye whiskeys and has been one of the pioneers of the city's distilling renaissance that builds upon the pre-prohibition heritage. Gin distilling in New York began in the 17th century, when Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam (as New York was then called) started making a version of the Dutch spirit genever. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century when the first commercial gin was produced in the US. Gin was a popular drink during the prohibition, as it was simple to make. American gin is a bit different from London and other European gins as a result of using other botanicals. Dorothy Parker Rose Petal Flavored Gin is a variation of New York Distilling Company's American gin, named after the famous New York writer Dorothy Parker. This fun and fanciful expression is made with an infusion of red and pink rose petals and crushed elderberries. Other botanicals used include juniper berries, coriander, green cardamom pods, cinnamon bark, lemon peel, and orange peel.

It took over 70 years after the prohibition had ended for the distilling industry to return to New York City. New York had a flourishing distilling industry by the early 19th century, however things changed during the Civil War, when President Lincoln taxed spirits to fund the military. This resulted in many distilleries going underground before the end of the century. The fatal blow for the legal distilling industry in US came in 1920, when the Eighteenth Amendment came into effect making the production of alcohol illegal. It was only in the 21st century that small distilleries started resurging in New York. The New York Distilling Company, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is one of the oldest distilleries in the city, and was founded in 2011 by Tom Potter, a co-founder of the Brooklyn Brewery, and Allen Katz, one of the nation's leading experts on distilled spirits and cocktails. The distillery specializes in gins and rye whiskeys and has been one of the pioneers of the city's distilling renaissance that builds upon the pre-prohibition heritage. Gin distilling in New York began in the 17th century, when Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam (as New York was then called) started making a version of the Dutch spirit genever. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century when the first commercial gin was produced in the US. Gin was a popular drink during the prohibition, as it was simple to make. American gin is a bit different from London and other European gins as a result of using other botanicals. Perry's Tot is a navy strength gin named after Matthew Calbraith Perry, who served as a Commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard in the 1840s. Navy strength means that if this 57% ABV American gin was accidentally spilled over some gunpowder, the gunpowder would still ignite. The first navy strength gin produced in the US in over a century is made using 10 botanicals juniper berries, lemon peel, orange peel, grapefruit peel, coriander, angelica root, cardamom pods, sweet cinnamon, star anise and wildflower honey, which are sourced locally and from across the globe.