Overview: Great Jones Distilling Co. is shutting down its flagship visitor center after five years of operation in Manhattan. The decision follows a thorough review of current beverage industry trends and market conditions, coinciding with a broader downturn in U.S. spirits sales.
The Full Story
Great Jones Distilling Co., which opened its flagship location in New York City’s NoHo neighborhood in August 2021, announced last week that its visitor center would close until further notice. The 28,000-square-foot Manhattan location featured a restaurant, an underground speakeasy, an event space, a retail shop, and guided whiskey tastings. It also housed a working distillery where visitors could watch whiskey being produced on-site.
A company spokesperson told Inc that the decision followed a review of beverage industry trends, market conditions, and overall company business strategy. Great Jones Whiskey and Black Dirt Distillery products will be available for purchase online and in select retailers. The future status of on-site production and property retention remains undisclosed.
Production & Profile
The facility produced bourbon and rye whiskey from grains grown in New York. Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition, the brand built its identity around locally sourced ingredients within a 28,000-square-foot facility.
Brand & Industry History
Great Jones made history when it opened in 2021, becoming Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery in more than a century. The brand is owned by Proximo Spirits, the New Jersey-based spirits company behind brands such as Jose Cuervo, 1800 Tequila, and Bushmills Irish Whiskey.
What This Means
The closure comes as the U.S. spirits industry continues to grapple with declining sales. The brand’s decision reflects a broader downturn in the U.S. spirits market affecting overall company business strategy.
Consumer Takeaway
Great Jones Whiskey and Black Dirt Distillery products remain available for purchase online and in select retailers. While the visitor center closes, the future status of whiskey production at the Manhattan facility is not yet determined.
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