Corn and Barley - Kings County Distillery
Colin Spoelman and David Haskell’s inherent connection to the distillation process has resulted in establishing Kings County Distillery in 2010. The history behind the name of the distillery dates back to just after prohibition days in New York City and is the oldest in operation. Moonshine and bourbon whiskey are their spirit staples that are presented in a handsomely shaped flask and minimally appointed “no-frills” label. What makes the difference between the two distilled beverages lie in the combination of two key ingredients, corn and barley. The high quality of their offerings are indicative of the source of ingredients and highly formulaic process.
East Williamsburg - Kings County Distillery
For Spoelman, the inspiration came by way of a plastic milk jug filled with moonshine in eastern Kentucky. For Haskell, his great grandfather who made bootleg whiskey in early 1900s. Their ingrained and focused interest in distilled beverages were realized into a 325 square‐foot, second‐floor room in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn laboratory. With good graces, they will be moving to a larger space in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 2012. Their modest space has hosted tours and tastings, which are temporarily on hold and will resume after the location is open for the curious.
Although they host guests who are interested in the distillation, they do not necessarily have a retail space. Rather, roughly 50 liquor stores, bars, and restaurants throughout New York City carry Kings County Distillery spirits. Some of them include, Heights Chateau, Greene Grape, Dry Dock, Fermented Grapes, Juice Box, Park Avenue Liquor Shop, Winfield Flynn, Astor Wines, Union Square Wines, Natural Wine Co., Pier Wines, Brooklyn Oenology, Thirst Wine Merchants, and Downtown Cellars. The aforementioned stores also offer their inaugural “seasonal”, chocolate “flavored” whiskey.
Cover Image: Moonshine - Kings County Distillery
About their distilled beverages:
Moonshine
Kings County Distillery’s Moonshine is a corn whiskey made from 80% New York State organic corn and 20% Scottish malted barley. It is double distilled and sold at 40% alcohol by volume in glass flasks of 200mls and 375mls. It distinguishes itself from other un‐aged whiskeys in that it is refined and highly drinkable—while also carrying a bright and intense flavor. While moonshine is a word that conjures a lot of fiery opinions, Kings County is smooth and compares to a good clear whiskey made from a mountain still. The spirit won “Best in Category” for Corn Whiskies at the 2011 Craft Spirits Awards.
Bourbon
Kings County Distillery’s Bourbon Whiskey is made from a slightly different combination of the same corn and barley. It is characterized by a rich aroma of fresh corn, balanced with the sweet caramelized sap of a 5‐gallon charred oak barrel. It has a very strong sweet base with flavors of vanilla and caramel. It has a strong oak flavor that provides a bittersweet molasses taste to the middle notes and leaves a smooth finish with hints of nutmeg and autumn spices. It has a caramel color and is bottled at 45% alcohol by volume. Aged nine months, this bourbon is a precocious whiskey, surprisingly robust for its young age.
