Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Albany Distilling Company Bar and Bottle Shop
Albany, NY · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Distilling Company Bar and Bottle Shop is the retail and bar face of a distillery that has been making spirits in-house for 15 years. The shelves carry Ironweed whiskey, Awakened Spirit coffee vodka, Quackenbush rum, and ALB On The Go vodka seltzers. Ironweed uses New York State grains, freshly charred oak, and no colorings or flavorings. The bar pours cocktails, including a Gin Martini and Mango Tango that customers have mentioned, and the pre-mixed seltzers come in five flavors. The distillery holds hundreds of barrels and has earned medals, including a Double Gold for its Rum Cask Finished Bourbon.
- What should I order?
- Start with an Ironweed Straight Bourbon or Empire Rye to taste the house style—New York grains, charred oak, no additives. For something lighter, try the Awakened Spirit Coffee Flavored Vodka, blended with cold-brewed Death Wish Coffee. If you want a ready-made option, the ALB On The Go vodka seltzers come in five flavors.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want to taste spirits made on-site, particularly whiskey fans curious about New York grains and small-batch production. Those who prefer a coffee-forward vodka or a barrel-aged rum will find something specific here. The bar also suits anyone looking for a local distillery bottle to take home.
- When should I go?
- The bar and bottle shop setting works for a casual tasting or a stop to pick up a bottle. The pre-mixed seltzers are a convenient option for later.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Pricing is not detailed in the available information. Expect typical distillery retail and bar pricing for house-made spirits and cocktails.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- This is a working distillery with a bar and bottle shop attached. It has distilled in-house for 15 years and holds hundreds of barrels of whiskey, brandy, and rum. The portfolio includes Ironweed whiskey made with New York State grains, Awakened Spirit coffee vodka blended with Death Wish Coffee, and Quackenbush rum from Caribbean fancy-grade molasses. The company also earned a Double Gold for its Rum Cask Finished Bourbon.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
The cocktail program leans on house-made spirits and pre-mixed options. ALB On The Go vodka seltzers come in five flavors, including Black Cherry, Blueberry Lemonade, Strawberry Smash, Raspberry Lime, and The Knickerbocker. Customers have praised the cocktails, though a couple of specific drinks did not land for one reviewer.
Menu strengths
- — Pre-mixed vodka seltzers made with the distillery's own vodka rather than malt.
- — Positive guest mentions for specialty cocktails and event service.
- — Community-reported drinks like the Mango Tango and Gin Martini.
Standout selections
- — ALB On The Go Vodka Seltzer — a pre-mixed canned cocktail made with vodka, available in five flavors including The Knickerbocker.
- — Gin Martini — a community-reported cocktail that guests have enjoyed.
Spirits
A deep house-distilled portfolio built over 15 years. Ironweed whiskey uses New York State grains and freshly charred oak with no additives. Awakened Spirit is a coffee vodka blended with Death Wish Coffee. Quackenbush rum is barrel-aged from Caribbean molasses. The distillery holds hundreds of barrels and has earned medals, including a Double Gold for its Rum Cask Finished Bourbon.
Menu strengths
- — House-distilled whiskey, rum, and coffee vodka with a 15-year production history.
- — Ironweed whiskey made with New York State grains and no colorings or flavorings.
- — Medal recognition including a Double Gold for Rum Cask Finished Bourbon.
Standout selections
- — Ironweed Straight Bourbon — original series bourbon made with New York State grains, aged in freshly charred oak, no additives.
- — Awakened Spirit Coffee Flavored Vodka — 33.3% ABV vodka blended with cold-brewed Death Wish Coffee, no added caffeine.
- — Quackenbush Rum — oak barrel-aged amber rum at 40% ABV from Caribbean fancy-grade molasses.
Community reviews
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