Albany Distilling announces expansion

Relentless Awareness
Relentless Awareness
6 min readMar 17, 2017

Award-winning distillery embarks on $1 million-plus project; expanded production and showcase to highlight New York-made craft beverages

Albany Distilling co-founder John Curtin at wallbreaking ceremony of 75 Livingston Avenue (photo credit: Relentless)

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 17, 2017) — — The Albany Distilling Company, Inc. (“ADCo”), Albany’s first licensed distillery since the beginning of Prohibition, has announced they will expand into a new facility at 75 Livingston Avenue in Downtown Albany as part of a $1 million-plus investment by the company.

The new location, built in 1846 as a residence and later serving as a warehouse for a Nabisco factory, will encompass over 3,000 sq. ft. of the total 6,000 sq. ft. on the property.

“We’re excited to expand further into Albany, especially right in the Warehouse District. Albany Distilling prides itself on promoting ‘drink local’ and through this significant expansion of our operations in the Capital City, we will be able to continue to sell and promote Albany-made spirits to the rest of the world,” said John Curtin, co-founder and co-owner, Albany Distilling.

Rendering of tasting room at 75 Livingston Avenue (credit: ME Design Studio)

In the company’s original and present location at 78 Montgomery Street (adjacent to C.H. Evans Brewing at the Albany Pump Station), increased production of ADCo’s signature products (Ironweed whiskey, Quackenbush Still House rum, ALB vodka, Death Wish coffee vodka) has led to constraints that limit the consumer’s experience.

“John and Rick have truly built something special at Albany Distilling Company. This investment and expansion is not only a milestone for Albany’s best distillery, but it’s a major step forward for the Capital City’s oldest neighborhood,” said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan.

“The growth and success of Albany Distilling demonstrates that entrepreneurs and small business owners do have a local impact. I am pleased to be able to join the celebration of a new venture for the company and look forward to the opening of the new facility,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.

“Upstate New York, in particular the Capital Region, has seen an incredible amount of growth in the craft beverage industry. With this new expansion here in Albany, The Albany Distilling Company is right at the forefront of this resurgence. I applaud both John and Rick for their past success and I am confident they will continue to see even greater opportunities for growth with this new facility in the future,” said Senator Neil D. Breslin.

“The continued growth of Albany Distilling is a credit to John and Rick’s commitment to creation and production of a quality product as well as the drive to grow their small business. New York State has and continues to support this industry through regulatory relief which has helped create partnerships in the agriculture community and open up greater opportunities. I am pleased to celebrate yet another great day in what is becoming a string of successes for Albany Distilling,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III.

“Albany Distilling and their expansion to a newer, much larger facility is visual proof of the rapidly expanding craft beverage industry that has found its home in the heart of the Capital Region. Within the last decade there have been a number of distilleries, cideries, and breweries emerging throughout New York’s Capital. Albany Distilling and their plans to develop a more prominent facility that will better accommodate the demand for their products is a prime example of the exponential growth in the craft beverage industry,” said Assemblymember Patricia A. Fahy.

Officials prepare to take down the wall at 75 Livingston Avenue (credit: Relentless)

“The expansion of Albany Distilling into a revitalized space in Downtown Albany is yet further proof of the resurgence of Downtown Albany. It adds value to Albany, value to our tax base, and says that Albany is open for business,” said Albany City Treasurer Darius Shahinfar.

“The Capital Region Chamber would like to congratulate John, Rick, and the entire team at Albany Distilling on their success with their highly anticipated expansion. Their commitment, not only to the craft spirits industry but also to the business community in the Capital Region knows no bounds. This is the kind of growth that will stimulate fellow businesses in Downtown Albany and help the Capital Region thrive,” said Mark Eagan, chief executive officer, Capital Region Chamber.

The project has been supported by Ares Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) for the acquisition and ME Design Studio from Troy, N.Y. as the project’s architects.

Total project costs, including property acquisition, fit-up, fixtures, and production elements, will exceed $1 million. The project will also increase ADCo’s workforce from four employees to eight to 10 once complete.

Rendering of 75 Livingston Avenue (credit: ME Design Studio)

New tasting room, new experience.

75 Livingston Avenue will include a new tasting room with a full bar featuring New York-made spirits, cider, wine, and beer. Customers will be able to also visit a showcase of the Empire State including but not limited to: prints and posters from New York State will adorn the walls; salvaged slate coasters from Queens will protect tables; and whiskey flights to be served on maple cutting boards from the Adirondacks.

“Given our location here in the Capital Region, we feel it is an unspoken rule that it is our responsibility as a spirits producer and a craft beverage manufacturer blocks away from the State Capitol, to show off the rest of what New York has to offer. This new facility makes good on that promise,” said Rick Sicari, co-owner.

“Albany Distilling’s expansion not only continues to grow this exciting local business, it exemplifies the success of Governor Cuomo’s focus on New York’s craft beverage industry, and is a key project connecting downtown and the warehouse district,” said Sarah Reginelli, president, Capitalize Albany Corporation. “The warehouse district’s growth is critical to realizing the Impact Downtown Albany strategy’s full potential, and this marks a significant implementation milestone. Capitalize Albany and the City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation look forward to Albany Distilling’s continued success, and to supporting the economic growth that will come from their expansion.”

“Albany Distilling’s expansion is a perfect example of the entrepreneurial spirit that is changing the face of downtown Albany and the Warehouse District,” stated Georgette Steffens, executive director, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. “Their new location will bridge the growth between the two districts, attracting investment and providing amenities that residents and visitors have come to expect from our great Capital City.”

ADCo will continue to operate production out of 78 Montgomery Street.

Project made possible in part to Albany retail grant program, state support.

Through support from Capitalize Albany, ADCo will receive $30,000 in funding assistance via the Downtown Albany Retail Grant Program for interior and exterior project renovation costs at 75 Livingston Avenue. The Downtown Retail Grant Program, created in 2016 to support business attraction and retention in Downtown Albany and the Warehouse District, can assist with a location’s renovation, fit-up costs, and exterior improvements.

ADCo also will receive $60,000 from Empire State Development’s capital grant program.

Additional company and product information can be found online at AlbanyDistilling.com, on Facebook (fb.com/albanydistilling), and on Twitter (@AlbDistCo).

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About ADCo: The Albany Distilling Company, Inc. (“ADCo”) is the first licensed distillery in Albany, N.Y. since the beginning of Prohibition. ADCo’s main production facility is located at 78 Montgomery St. in Downtown Albany, just a short distance away from location of Albany’s first distillery which was established in the mid-eighteenth century. ADCo’s owners are passionate for craft distilling and proud to celebrate Albany’s history through their craft. AlbanyDistilling.com

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