Drink Local!
My favorite part about living in New England is the access I have to amazing independent distillers that have turned New England into a landmark for quality spirits. Not to mention the incredible bar programs throughout the northeast. Check out and save my Google Maps Restaurant Guides or scroll through to find my top recommendations for New England and upstate New York!
New Hampshire
Tamworth Distillery
Delicious gins, out of this world whiskeys await you when you step into the Tamworth Distillery in Tamworth, New Hampshire. The gorgeous atmosphere and bottling of these spirits is nothing compared to how they taste. If you’re looking for a magical winter activity, I highly recommend visiting for a tasting in their outdoor Skiklubben Ski Lounge for some aquavit and their amazing Chocorua Rye Whiskey!
Copper Cannon
If you’re looking for delicious rum and wonderful people, look no further than Copper Cannon distillery in western New Hampshire! Their award winning rums will put a smile on your face if their wonderful staff don’t first! Sip on a variety of aged, white, and maple flavored rums made from local ingredients, triple distilled with a charcole filtration system. This place is not to be missed!
Flag Hill
Located in Lee New Hampshire just off Route 125, Flagg Hill winery and distillery is home to the best gin I’ve had in my entire life! Karner Blue Gin named after the state butterfly, is distilled from apples and is so delicious I could drink it straight. Everyone that I make try this falls in love with it. The winery and grounds are beautiful and a wonderful place to do a tasting.
Massachusetts
Deacon Giles
Located in Salem, MA this distillery has changed the way I think about rum. If you’re looking for a spirit to completely elevate your next Mai Tai, then you have to pick up a bottle of their spiced rum! Other honorable mentions include their Absinthe, made without any coloring, this absinthe continues to change over time and I am loving it!
Grand Ten
Had I known Grand Ten distilling was right around the corner from my best friend’s apartment, I would have shacked up there every weekend! A rustic and cool industrial atmosphere is quite the opposite of the beautiful floral Angelica Liqueur that you can’t leave without! Voted Yelps top ten distilleries in America, you have to plan a visit to this distillery in the heart of Southie, in Boston Mass.
Maine
New England Distilling
I am a HUGE fan of New England Distilling! And more specifically, spirit pictured to the right. New England Distilling is located next to Allagash brewery in Portland Maine and every year they collaborate on a limited edition spirit as a part of their Rack IV series! 2020 was the year of the Rack IV Saison and I’m not sure I’ve ever been more in love with a spirit than this one. It’s MUST TRY the next time you’re in the area!
Maine Beer Company
I know it’s not a distillery, but this brewery deserves an honorable mention in this round up! Before cocktails, my first love was the beer and the best IPA I’ve ever had was Lunch from the Maine Beer Company. My Mouth is watering just thinking about it. Their brewery is flat out gorgeous and their company ethics are hands down some of the best I’ve ever seen. Do what’s right, take a trip to their tasting room!
Vermont
St. Johnsbury
Vermont is a very funky and interesting place. St. Johnsbury Distillery is no exception! From their delightful interior (1920s speakeasy themed) to their delectable rums, their uniqueness was incredibly refreshing! We took home a bottle of their Elderflower Rum, that has been my secret weapon ever since. If rum isn’t your thing, they have a quadruple distilled vodka that will knock your socks off and an unreleased gin that makes the drive out to Vermont worth it!
Barr Hill
I take great pride in the fact that the number one ranked gin in the country calls New England home! Located in Montpellier Vermont, Barr Hill distills local honey directly into their gin making for a wonderful and unique flavor that nothing can compare to!
Upstate New York
Hartmans Distilling
If you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere, complex cocktails, and a knowledgeable staff, then you have to check out Hartmans Distilling in Buffalo New York. A tasting flight of all their spirits is a must for any spirit lover but I have to reccomend their Rye Whiskey (I’m definitely picking up a bottle at my next visit) and their Loganberry Vodka. I’m not usually a fan of vodka, but the flavor was so unique I urge you not to miss out! And while you’re there, grab a spot at the bar and try their delicious cocktails, I recommend ordering a Golf Cart Getaway!
Lakeward Spirits
Just down the road from Hartmans Distilling in Buffalo NY, is Lakeward Spirits. When I say that they have one of the friendliest bar staffs I’ve ever encountered, I am not kidding. And EVERYTHING they make is amazing. I went with my mom and brother for a tasting, and these were some of the heaviest pours I’ve ever come across at a tasting, we had to draw straws to see who would have to drive. I couldn’t leave without going home with a bottle of their limited edition Aged Rum, it may have been the best rum I’ve ever had. Fingers crossed they bring it back so you can all try it for yourselves!