Pretentiously swirling a glass of pinot noir in a sunlit tasting room, while staring out at rolling hills of vineyards, has long been a lovely way to spend a weekend, but why should vino have all the fun?
In the past decade, the Big Apple’s craft-spirits scene has exploded, thanks to eased regulations and a growing thirst for small-batch booze.
There are now about 70 New York “farm distilleries” — where at least 75 percent of the raw materials come from within the state — up from less than a dozen a few years ago. Some of these distilleries even grow the grains and botanicals for their liquors to control everything that goes into the bottle, and many offer tours and charming tasting experiences.
Have a sip at one of these picturesque upstate spots.
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