Rum in the Empire State
New York’s enduring connection to rum started in 1664 on Staten Island when Dutch settlers produced rum with molasses from the West Indies. It’s come a long way since then, and today New York remains a renowned destination for iconic cocktail bars that serve rum. New York State presents a striking geographical range, from the coastal plains of Long Island to the towering Adirondacks and the fertile Finger Lakes, resulting in varied landscapes and climate nuances shaped by geological forces and both maritime and continental influences. New York has a rich and dynamic distilling heritage, marked by periods of significant change and resilience. While the early 19th century saw Anchor Distillery emerge as the nation’s first commercial gin, the subsequent repeal of the whiskey tax in 1802 ushered in a Golden Age. During this time, farm distilleries flourished, and Brooklyn became a prominent whiskey production hub.
Prohibition dealt a severe blow to distilling, but the preceding rise of speakeasies and the burgeoning cocktail culture left an indelible mark that continues to influence drinking habits today. New York was a true pioneer in cocktail creation, the use of innovative bar tools, the establishment of iconic bars, and the popularization of numerous classic cocktails since the 1830s – a culture where rum has historically played a significant role. Today, New York stands as the second-largest state for rum sales after Florida, a testament to its vibrant cocktail scene and diverse population. However, despite this strong demand, the state currently doesn’t produce a large volume of rum.
New York’s distilling spirit was reignited with the 2007 Farm Distillery Act, which eased regulations and sparked a resurgence. New York currently has the highest concentration of distilleries of any state east of the Mississippi, with over 160 craft distilleries and rye has long been a dominant theme in New York’s distilling. However, under the state’s Farm Distillery, Winery and Brewery law, at least 75% of the grains used must be farmed in New York State. With many craft distillers producing a line of spirits, it creates supply challenges and rum hasn’t flourished under these conditions. The closure of respected rum makers Van Brunt Stillhouse and Owney’s Rum by The Noble Experiment/Owney’s NYC Rum is a sad reminder of this. Owney’s Rum was a homage to the Prohibition-era figure Owney Madden. Despite this, the New York rum scene prevails, and here we explore an insider’s guide across the Empire State, from Upstate New York to the city that never sleeps, NYC, and along Long Island, we go.
Upstate New York
From the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains to the rolling farmlands and scenic Finger Lakes, this region offers warm summers and snowy winters, particularly near the Great Lakes. Discover natural wonders like Niagara Falls, Watkins Glen, and Adirondack Park, the source of major rivers including the Delaware and Hudson. Explore the historic Hudson Valley and Saratoga Springs, famed for their sites and legendary horse racing – you might even uncover a hidden gem of local rum.
Yankee Distillers
Yankee Distillers, established in 2015, is located in Clifton Park, New York, in the heart of Saratoga County. The product line includes bourbon, rye, and rum, as well as vodka. They operate from a 9,000 sq ft facility, using custom Italian-made copper stills for small-batch distillation. As a New York State Farm Distillery, they use 100% unmalted New York State grain for their Bourbon, Rye, and Vodka. Colonial White Rum is the core rum expression and it’s produced from a blend of Caribbean and domestic molasses, characterized by vanilla and butterscotch aromas, bright tropical notes, and a creamy butterscotch finish at 40% ABV. Colonial Amber Rum is also made from a molasses blend, but aged in used Yankee Rye Whiskey barrels, resulting in vanilla, caramel, and peppery spice flavours, with a creamy vanilla and spicy oak finish. You can visit the distillery for a tour, and the tasting room is open Wednesday through Saturday. There you can try some classic cocktails made from the Colonial White and Amber Rum or pick up a bottle.
Find out more on Yankee Distillers
Albany Distilling Company
A key player in the resurgence of craft spirits in New York State, Albany Distilling was founded in the historic city of Albany in 2011. The building has a long and varied history which began in 1844; in its nearly two centuries of use, it has served as a residence, horse stable, and Nabisco factory. Drawing inspiration from the city’s rich history and the spirit of its early Dutch settlers. Their Quackenbush Rum line pays homage to one of Albany’s oldest neighbourhoods and Dutch heritage. This rum is made from Caribbean fancy-grade molasses, undergoing a process of washing, fermentation, distillation, and ageing, where applicable, all within the distillery’s walls. The Quackenbush Amber Rum achieves its colour solely through time spent resting in used whiskey barrels, with no added colourings or flavourings, and is bottled at 40% ABV. The Quackenbush Original Rum presents an unaged white rum. You can book a distillery tour by appointment, which is on the first Saturday of each month at 1 pm. These tours provide insights into their distillation processes and the history that defines their spirits. You can visit the Bar & Bottle Shop to enjoy a relaxing experience with a full bar, outdoor seating, live music and a small shop.
Find out more on Albany Distilling Company
Taconic Distillery
In the scenic Rolling Hills Farm of Stanfordville, NY, this distillery is named after the nearby Taconic Mountains. Founded by Paul Coughlin, his retirement story changed in 2015. The former Wall Street executive has traded high finance for high-proof, establishing Taconic Distillery, which has notably become New York’s largest bourbon producer. Their Rolling Hills Rum stands as a testament to their craft, aged for four years in their own bourbon barrels, imparting a distinctive depth and character. The rum is then cut to 80-proof using fresh spring water sourced directly from the farm, ensuring a pure and gentle finish. This ageing process, in used bourbon barrels, gives the rum a unique profile that ties the bourbon production to the rum itself. The distillery offers a taste of the Hudson Valley’s tranquillity, blending meticulous ageing practices with the region’s natural spring waters. You can visit on Saturdays from 12pm to 6pm for tastings, larger groups are advised to book ahead.
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Cooperstown Distillery
Established in Cooperstown, in the heart of New York State, in 2013, is a craft distillery dedicated to creating fine spirits using locally sourced ingredients and time-honoured techniques that reflect the region’s rich heritage. Known for their limited-edition whiskey Baseball collectable glass bottles, their Saratoga Revolutionary Rum has an equally striking look. Saratoga Revolutionary Rum is made using the renowned local spring water from Saratoga, a source celebrated for centuries. This dark amber rum is aged in smaller bourbon casks, allowing for a deep, rich character with notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and oak. The rum’s distinct colonial-style bottle pays tribute to the region’s historic roots. Discover for yourself, the secret is in the local water. In 2025, Saratoga Revolutionary Rum will debut its newly designed packaging, reflecting the craftsmanship and heritage behind every bottle. You can visit Cooperstown Distillery in Railroad Avenue for tours and tastings to discover how the rum is made – times are on their site. You can also visit Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange at 73 Main Street, Cooperstown and 453 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, where the retail store has unique cocktail accessories and premium gifts, transforming into an upscale lounge featuring cocktails crafted with their own spirits.
Find out more on Cooperstown Distillery
Barn Dog Distillery
Established in East Aurora, NY, in 2017 by the Gerhardt family, is a family-owned operation dedicated to crafting small-batch spirits, particularly their distinctive rums. Their rum begins with pure cane sugar and undergoes a meticulous production process involving fermentation with specific yeast strains and four-time distillation on their hybrid stills. The dark rum is then aged in heavily charred oak barrels. Their core range includes Red Boot Vanilla Rum, a smooth 60-proof vanilla infusion, Black Boot Rum, and Golden Oak American Dark Rum, an 80-proof oak-aged expression. Beyond their spirits, Barn Dog Distillery provides a unique visitor experience. Their tasting room offers guests the opportunity to sample their creations and doubles as an event space, frequently hosting live music in its rustic barn setting. Visitors can enjoy the food menu and handcrafted cocktails, but do check the schedules as many events are privately held. The distillery’s ambience highlights the Gerhardt family’s history, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Barn Dog’s Rum is available locally and served at their on-site events.
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Holmes Cay Rum
Leading US independent bottler Holmes Cay was founded in 2019 in White Plains, New York, with one simple premise: to seek out the world’s best rums and bring them to the United States consumer. Founder Eric Kaye’s deep rum knowledge and connections with highly regarded distilleries worldwide enable him to bottle and import rare casks and terroir-based blends to discerning drinkers and rum aficionados. Rums are either bottled at the source or upstate in Westfield, NY, where the angels take more than might be expected due to the wide seasonal temperature swings near Lake Erie.
The product line includes both Single-Cask and Single-Origin rums, in addition to the Holmes Cay Heritage Blend, a blend represented by three historical traditions of rum making from the English (Barbados), French (Martinique), and Spanish (Venezuela) speaking Caribbean nations. Single-cask rums have been released to date from Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Belize, Trinidad, South Africa, Mauritius, Fiji, Venezuela, and Australia. The Single Origin line currently includes rums from Fiji and Reunion. Recent single cask editions include Fiji 2009 13 Year and Trinidad 2012 12 Year from the defunct 10 Cane distillery. Several expressions from the single estate South African Mhoba Distillery are coming soon. Enjoy Holmes Cay’s rums in many New York area bars, including award-winning rum bars like Paradise Lost in Manhattan and Sunken Harbor in Brooklyn. For all places, search for Find HC on their site.
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Long Island
Extending east into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island is a relatively flat, glacial outwash plain with sandy coastlines, particularly along the South Shore, featuring barrier islands like Fire Island. The North Shore is generally rockier with bluffs and harbours along the Long Island Sound. The climate has mild summers and cooling sea breezes. The eastern end is split into the North and South Forks, with Peconic Bay in between. The Montauk Point Lighthouse is the oldest in New York State (pictured).
Montauk Distilling Co.
Started in 2013 on the North Fork of Long Island in Riverhead, they embody the spirit of its namesake, Montauk, “The End.” This family-owned distillery is driven by a passion for the region’s maritime heritage and aims to create unique, bold spirits using locally-sourced botanicals, while honouring traditional distillation methods. They handmake, distill, and bottle their products in small batches, ensuring distinct taste profiles.
The Montauk Rum line features Black Sail Rum, made in traditional pot stills from black strap molasses and matured for 4 years in oak barrels, resulting in a full-bodied aged rum. Bellamy Spiced Rum is a tribute to Black Sam Bellamy, who was often referred to as the Prince of Pirates, and they view Bellamy Spiced Rum as the Prince of Rums. Navy Strength Rum is a robust 117-proof rum known for its warm, smooth initial taste followed by a significant kick. The Firehouse Rum Punch is another rum product they make. The distillery’s Riverhead tasting room is open year-round, and the rums are widely available throughout New York.
Find out more on Montauk Distilling Co.
Matchbook Distilling Co.
Greenport, on the North Fork of Long Island, Matchbook opened in 2018 with a unique distilling process, with everything done onsite; grains from upstate, grapes from local vineyards. The focus at Matchbook is to be of the highest quality and is dedicated to the art and science of distillation. Named Matchbook for the idea of lighting a spark symbolising their goal to disrupt distilling. Co-founded by Leslie Merinoff, a direct descendant of the renowned Hiram Walker, it’s an experimental space that honours agriculture and tradition while embracing scientific innovation. Their Wall Flower White Rum combines two-thirds pot-distilled dunder rum with one-third lighter column-distilled rum. The inclusion of dunder rum, from previous distillations rich in flavour compounds, provides an intangible structural complexity that beautifully complements the guava and marzipan notes derived from the column-distilled component. This blend is made from Grade A and Blackstrap molasses and fermented with tropical rum yeast to encourage the development of delicious tropical esters. Beyond their own creations, you can book an immersive Distiller for a Day experience. This intimate, hands-on journey allows you to make their spirit, delve into the scientific principles behind spirit production, and ultimately leave with a custom bottle. You can visit their tasting room at the distillery in Greenport to try the Wall Flower Rum.
Find out more on Matchbook Distilling Co.
Aside from the tasting rooms already mentioned, here are some more places to sip New York rum locally at bars.
Where to Enjoy Rum in New York
Bay Shore: Coastal Kitchen & Daiquiri Bar
Bronx: Havana Café
Brooklyn: Bee’s Knees & Honey Lounge, Shaka Shaka Tiki, Sunken Harbor Club, Zigzag Bed Stuy, Zombie Hut NYC, The Rum Bar BK, The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, Eavesdrop, Habana Outpost, Westlight
East Patchogue: RHUM Patchogue
Greenport: Brix & Rye, Low Tide Beach Bar
Hampton Bays: Rumba
New York City: The Rum House, Cuba Restaurant and Rum Bar, Employees Only, Omar’s Kitchen and Rum Bar, Otto’s Shrunken Head, Las’ Lap, Jungle Bird, Paradise Lost, Pineapple Club NYC, Tiki Chick, Miss Lily’s 7A Café, Please Don’t Tell, Lost in Paradise
Patchogue: Tiki Bar At Sunset Harbour
Queens: Rockaway Tiki Bar
Beyond the iconic sights and vibrant energy of New York City, a new layer of experiential travel awaits: the hidden gem local rum scene. Whether you’re venturing upstate on a scenic road trip, escaping for a weekend chasing sunsets on Long Island’s shores, or exploring the five boroughs of the city in search of unique cocktail experiences, a taste of New York rum is waiting to be discovered across the Empire State.
New York City has been a long-time beacon for cocktail culture with no shortage to taste rum at bars. The bar scene has a long and varied history, from taverns to speakeasies during Prohibition, and the cocktail renaissance and neighbourhood bars seen today. During Prohibition, famous speakeasies included the Stork Club, the Puncheon Club, where rum cocktails like the Daiquiri, the Mojito, and the Zombie became popular, and later, with the rise of Tiki bars and cocktails like the Mai Tai. The Zombie, invented by Donn Beach, was popularised on the East coast soon afterwards at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
On your next New York visit, try a rum twist on the Manhattan cocktail, which includes sweet vermouth and bitters. And, for an upstate New York colonial era yarn, try a Stone Fence with local rum, the drink that fuelled the repel of New York’s attempt to control the territory of New Hampshire. The New York rum scene is constantly evolving, so be sure to check our updated guide and New York rum map as you plan your travel adventures. The New York Rum Festival is held in June each year in Brooklyn. Brooklyn has its rum festival in August called the Brooklyn Rum Festival, which coincides with NYC Rum Week in mid-August, if you’re visiting the Big Apple.
Just like the city itself, there’s nothing rum can’t do in New York.
For more general travel advice on New York Tourism
To see all the rums on our New York Rum Map
Thanks to the brands for contributing to this article, and permission to use their images. Other image credits to Canva Pro, and user contributions.