Gowanus was purchased in the mid 17th century by the Dutch settlers along with Red Hook and Bushwick from the Mohawks and formed altogether The Village of Breuckelen which was named after the borough Breukelen of Utrecht in the Netherlands. Eventually over time the name Breuckelen evolved to Brooklyn and got forgotten but hopefully will get popular again with the success of Brad Eastabrooke's distillery Breuckelen Distilling Co. Inc. I visited the distillery yesterday and met Brad and his girlfriend. He conducts his operation in a high ceiling former boiler room in Gowanus on 19th street with a single copper still imported from Germany using New York State grown ingredients as much as he can. The distillery has one small stainless steel mash tun and several synthetic washback tanks. He is inspiringly excited and proud about his place and products. For now they are bottling and distributing Breuckelen Gin only to the local bars and big retailers in New York City but have solid plans for experimenting on whiskey. Recent local media interest must be also pretty encouraging for him.
Actually I was a fan of their gin already which is a very successful product distilled from wheat with distinct citrus and rosemary notes. But I was also lucky to be able taste the first sample of their rye whiskey yesterday. The whiskey is distilled from about ninety percent rye and ten percent corn and only seven days old but it's color is already bright gold, has a promising sweet palate and a short but spicy finish. I hope they will offer tastings of different stages of the same spirit. It could be fun to keep track how it is evolving in time. Brad mentioned also that he has plans for corn and wheat whiskies in the near future. It looks like he will need a proper warehouse for his barrels soon. Breuckelen Distillery tasting room is open every day except Sunday and on Saturdays you can also take a little tour guided by Brad. It is a pretty nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
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