The New York Submit, in a narrative a couple of combat between condominium builders, describes Nice Jones Alley as a “tiny, 20-foot broad, 137-foot lengthy sliver of pavement between Bond and West third streets” within the metropolis’s artsy NoHo neighborhood. The paper made no point out of what makes the alley supposedly nice, however whiskey drinkers may prefer to assume it’s as a result of the primary authorized whiskey distillery to be positioned in Manhattan since Prohibition lies proper subsequent door: The aptly named Nice Jones Distilling Co.
About Nice Jones Distilling Co.
Opened in 2021 at 686 Broadway, Nice Jones Distilling Co. is a four-story cathedral to whiskey that appears befitting the town that by no means sleeps. Owned by Proximo Spirits, the 28,000-square-foot distillery, restaurant, tasting room, speakeasy, present store, and trendy artwork gallery encompasses a pair of 28-foot-tall column stills and a 500-gallon pot nonetheless encased in explosion-proof glass. The bars carry solely New York spirits alongside these from Nice Jones, and spent grain from the distillery is repurposed into butter on the 72-seat restaurant.
The Nice Jones bottles themselves are equally fashionable, that includes a recognizably Artwork Deco look. The whiskey inside is made fully from New York grains, a feat made attainable by way of a partnership with Black Filth Distillery, additionally owned by Proximo Spirits, which is positioned 50 miles outdoors the town in a city referred to as Warwick. On the unique time of writing, the Nice Jones spirit was distilled at Black Filth Distillery in Warwick. At present, the spirit is distilled by Nice Jones on-site, after which sento to Warwick for ageing and bottling.
Tasting Notes: Nice Jones Straight Bourbon Whiskey
About: Mash invoice undisclosed, however at the very least 51% corn and aged a minimal of 4 years in new American oak (the bourbon at Black Filth Distillery, the place Nice Jones sources its whiskies, is 80% corn, 10% barley, and 10% rye); 86 proof/43% alcohol by quantity; MSRP of $40 for a 750ml bottle.
Look: Mild amber, golden hue.
Nostril: Mild and candy, not a variety of ethanol; the comparatively low alcohol content material comes by way of right here. There may be simply the slightest trace of spiciness, like French Toast with cinnamon and sugar equally balanced – with a dollop of maple syrup on high.
Palate: Molasses within the mouth, richer than you’d anticipate primarily based on the odor. There undoubtedly seems to be rye grass within the mash invoice as a secondary grain; the spice is clear if not overwhelming.
End: It’s younger bourbon and would profit from a little bit extra time within the barrel, however options conventional bourbon flavors of vanilla and buttered toast.
Rating: 3/5
Ultimate ideas: When you occur to be in New York or New Jersey, you possibly can choose up a serviceable bourbon with an attention-grabbing native backstory for $40. What Nice Jones will evolve into when it’s ultimately bottling its personal juice stays to be seen, but it surely’s already a reasonably whole lot as a sourced whiskey.
BUY NOW: $45
Tasting Notes: Nice Jones 4 Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey
About: Mash invoice undisclosed, however comprised of New York-grown corn, barley, rye, and what, aged at the very least 4 years; 90 proof/45% alcohol by quantity; MSRP of $59.99 for a 750ml bottle.
Look: Mild amber, virtually orange.
Nostril: Dried apricots and almonds; much less candy on the nostril than the straight bourbon. Brings to thoughts exhausting caramel candies.
Palate: The wheat presence modifications the nostril a good quantity, but it surely’s much less noticeable within the mouth. I style brown sugar, citrus, and buttermilk pancakes topped with honey butter.
End: It affords an extended, peppery end.
Rating: 3/5
Ultimate ideas: This whiskey is deeper and richer than the straight bourbon, however whether or not it’s value 50% extra is a difficult query. If I used to be shopping for just one, I’d in all probability spend $40 and get the straight bourbon. However it could admittedly be extra enjoyable to have each in your bar as you inform your pals about your go to to the distillery in Manhattan.
BUY NOW: $49.99
Tasting Notes: Nice Jones Straight Rye Whiskey
About: Mash invoice undisclosed, however the Black Filth Rye is listed as 90% rye and 10% malted rye; aged 4 years; 90 proof/45% alcohol by quantity; MSRP of $40 for a 750ml bottle.
Look: Mild amber with an orange tint, nearly an identical to the 2 bourbons.
Nostril: It’s nonetheless comparatively mild and candy, like its bourbon siblings. Rye spice, lavender, recent inexperienced apple, banana bread.
Palate: Pepper, candied orange slices, nutmeg. It has a sweetness and roundness surrounding the rye spice that I discover endearing.
Rating: 4/5
Ultimate ideas: The rye is my favourite of the three from Nice Jones. For $40, I’d fortunately purchase this and put it subsequent to the opposite ryes on my bar.
BUY NOW: $40
This evaluate was initially revealed in July 2022, and up to date in December 2024.
