Born in Brooklyn: Independent Whiskey and Gin | National Geographic

TL;DR

From moonshine brewing to legitimate distilleries, NYC's whiskey culture blends history with innovation.

Transcript

I grew up in Kentucky it was a dry county so I was interested in this cultural difference and curious enough that I bought a still off the internet and started making moonshine in my apartment which it's illegal so I was slightly worried about it and ultimately that worry led to starting a real legitimate business New York City has a climate that's... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ NYC's whiskey culture blends tradition with innovation.
• ❓ Climate influences in NYC mimic those of traditional whiskey-producing regions.
• 🫚 Historical ties to Irish immigrants and distillery roots shape NYC's whiskey scene.
• ❓ Craft distilleries in NYC contribute to a diverse spirits landscape.
• 🤵 Federal regulations dictate corn whiskey production but leave room for creativity in other spirits.
• 😫 Locally sourced ingredients and unique distillation methods set NYC spirits apart.
• 😀 Small-scale craft distilleries face challenges in production volume compared to larger distilleries.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the speaker to start making moonshine?

The speaker's upbringing in a dry county piqued his curiosity, leading him to buy a still and create moonshine in his apartment, eventually transitioning to a legitimate business due to legal concerns.

Q: How does NYC's climate contribute to whiskey aging?

The fluctuating temperatures in NYC aid in the aging process by expanding and contracting the whiskey in the barrels, infusing flavors from the wood pores, resulting in the unique taste of bourbon.

Q: Why did the speaker choose to make gin?

The speaker, a former Wall Street worker, turned to gin-making for a new, exciting challenge after feeling disillusioned with his previous job, seeking a more fulfilling and enjoyable career path.

Q: What sets apart the speaker's whiskey-making process in NYC?

The speaker utilizes organic New York State wheat and vacuum distillation techniques, ensuring a unique and delicate aroma profile in the spirits, differentiating them in NYC's diverse spirits landscape.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Growing up in a dry county sparked interest in moonshine.

• Whiskey aging process in NYC mirrors Kentucky's climate.

• NYC's whiskey history dates back to Irish immigrants and the Civil War.