Craft Spirits Made in Brooklyn: New York Distilling Company and The Shanty Bar

On a recent bitterly cold Sunday afternoon, I forced myself out of my toasty apartment, dressed my hound in his finest sweater and headed to New York Distilling Company in Williamsburg (79 Richardson St.), where they open their doors not only to people but to the dogs of North Brooklyn for an afternoon of spirits and fun. Fittingly enough, the distillery opened in 2011 on the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. We sure are grateful that we don’t have to hide our booze anymore and can openly imbibe in the comfort of their intimate attached bar, The Shanty.

Coziness is the ideal against which I tend to judge all establishments, and this bar definitely met my expectations. The dark wood is complimented by the glow of soft lighting, a wall of liquor bottles reflecting back the warmth. Although I didn’t receive a particularly warm greeting from the bartender, he did treat each cocktail with care. With hands still half-frozen from the early arrival of winter in New York, I was delighted to see a hot toddy on the menu. It was subtly satisfying, if lacking a bit in the honey department, and presented with star anise, just like I make it for guests. The Shanty boasts a full bar with reasonably priced cocktails, and are kind enough to include several craft beer options for the beer enthusiasts among us. There are plenty of comfortable seating options, all complete with a view into the distillery where the magic happens. Continue reading →