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Manhattan’s first whiskey distillery since Prohibition has launched a new wheated bourbon made entirely from New York-grown grains, marking a significant moment for the Empire State’s growing craft spirits industry.
Great Jones Distilling Co. Unveils New York-Made Wheated Bourbon
Great Jones Distilling Co. released its latest core offering on June 9 – a wheated bourbon that showcases the distillery’s commitment to local sourcing. The $44.99 bourbon is made with 100% New York-grown corn, malted barley, rye, and red winter wheat from the Finger Lakes region. Aged for a minimum of four years in new American oak barrels, the whiskey is bottled at 90 proof (45% ABV).
The timing aligns with broader market trends. U.S. bourbon sales have increased 22% over the past five years and are projected to exceed $5 billion by 2025, according to data from IWSR and the Distilled Spirits Council. Wheated bourbons, known for their softer profiles compared to traditional rye-heavy recipes, are experiencing particular growth.
“Great Jones Wheated Bourbon is crafted from the finest ingredients: corn, barley, rye and wheat grain, all grown in the rich black dirt of the Empire State and aged in American oak barrels,” the company states in its release materials.
New York Distilling Gains Ground Beyond Traditional Whiskey Regions
While Kentucky, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan dominate whiskey conversations, New York State has quietly built a substantial craft distilling industry. Great Jones operates in Manhattan’s NoHo neighborhood, representing the borough’s first legal whiskey distillery since the Prohibition era ended in 1933…