THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step inside Brooklyn’s oldest whiskey distillery for a 45-minute tour through whiskey’s transformation from grain to glass. Taste signature moonshine and savor four distinct whiskeys in an industrial-chic setting.
Step inside Brooklyn’s oldest whiskey distillery for a 45-minute tour through whiskey’s transformation from grain to glass. Taste signature moonshine and savor four distinct whiskeys in an industrial-chic setting.
Book with Kings County Distillery
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Kings County Distillery · Brooklyn, New York
Located at 299 Sands St in Brooklyn, New York, Kings County Distillery stands as the city’s oldest whiskey distillery operating since the end of Prohibition. Situated within the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard, this distillery tour offers a concise yet immersive 45-minute introduction to the art and science of whiskey-making. Visitors begin their visit in the Paymaster Building, a preserved structure crucial to Brooklyn’s industrial past, setting the stage for a journey through milling, mashing, fermenting, and distilling processes that transform raw grains into liquid gold.
What sets Kings County Distillery apart from other urban experiences is its deeply tactile approach—guests get to sample the distillery’s signature moonshine right on the production floor, where the vibrant aroma of fermenting grains and aging barrels fills the air. The tour continues into the atmospheric barrel room, where visitors experience firsthand the complex aging process that shapes distinctive flavor profiles. Here, a guided tasting of four unique whiskey varieties anchors the visit, showcasing craftsmanship that has made this distillery a must-visit for whiskey enthusiasts.
Brooklyn’s waterfront industrial setting provides a rugged urban backdrop, contrasting with the intricate, hands-on craft of distilling. Beyond the sensory journey, Kings County Distillery embodies Brooklyn’s resurgence as a hub for artisanal production and urban renewal, nestled among repurposed Navy Yard warehouses.
This tour is designed for those over 21 years old, with a practical focus on bourbon and whiskey aficionados eager to understand the craft beneath their glass. The site demands moderate mobility, including stairs and standing, reflecting its historic buildings. Whether you’re a local or visiting New York City, the Kings County Distillery tour offers a rare glimpse into an overlooked urban craft paired with authentic New York grit and flavor.
easy.
45 minutes.
Basic mobility and ability to stand for a moderate period required
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, including a guided tasting of four whiskeys.
Children are not permitted except for infants carried in a parent’s or guardian’s carrier.
No, the historic buildings contain stairs and do not have wheelchair access.
Yes, all guests tasting whiskey must present a valid ID proving they are 21 or older.
Yes, the distillery offers bottles for sale to guests who wish to take home their favorite pours.
Yes, tours must be booked in advance and arrival on time is critical to guarantee participation.
Kings County Distillery carries on Brooklyn’s industrial legacy, operating from Navy Yard buildings that date back to the early 20th century.
The distillery emphasizes sustainable practices including responsible grain sourcing and waste recycling to minimize environmental impact.
Kings County Distillery is Brooklyn’s oldest operating whiskey distillery, founded after Prohibition and known for small-batch, hand-crafted spirits. Located in Brooklyn, New York, the distillery produces a range of whiskeys and moonshines, offers guided distillery tours, curated tasting classes, and seasonal special events. Visitors can choose a 45-minute Distillery Tour, a deeper 75-minute “Top Shelf” Distillery Tour, an hour-long Whiskey Tasting Class, or exclusive sessions like the Fine & Rare Tour and the Dead Distillers Halloween Tour. Each experience includes guided tastings in the atmospheric barrel room and insights into mash bills, fermentation, distillation, and barrel aging. Tours and classes are led by trained staff and certified Bourbon Stewards who explain production techniques and tasting methods. The venue emphasizes transparent production practices, on-site distillation, and authentic historical context about whiskey in New York. Kings County Distillery sells bottles produced on site, allowing visitors to sample and purchase expressions not available widely. The distillery’s combination of historical interpretation, hands-on explanation, and curated tastings makes it a reputable choice for whiskey enthusiasts, collectors, and curious visitors. Reservations are recommended for popular experiences and limited-seat classes. The distillery is featured on The Adventure Collective and lists ticketed, scheduled tours and tasting classes with limited capacity. Advance reservations improve availability for popular experiences in Brooklyn year-round.
Book with Kings County Distillery