EMPIRE RYE

In a world where you can be anything, be someone that thinks outside of the box; it seems to be the attitude that has built the foundations of a new rye empire.

The story of Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Company began many years before it was even a passing thought for co-founders, Allen Katz and Tom Potter. The two experienced vastly different formative years in their careers, but both shared a deep-rooted desire for adventure.

While sat in The Shanty, the distillery’s very own bar, and enjoying a dram of their Ragtime Rye, Allen brought to life their bricks and mortar with his stories of building their dream from the ground up.

Allen’s industry experience began in the early-90s New York bar scene, specifically getting involved in cocktails before deciding to take a reflective look at life. Allen explains, “I took one influential step back that helped create a through line for me. I’d been working in bars and restaurants