Michael SatterfieldFounded in 2010 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Kings County Distillery helped ignite the modern American craft whiskey movement. The distillery’s small-batch pot-still approach brings an old-world sensibility to bourbon making, proving that great whiskey doesn’t have to come from Kentucky. Two of its standout expressions, Straight Bourbon and Peated Bourbon, illustrate how Kings County balances tradition with innovation.
Kings County Distillery: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Kings County’s Straight Bourbon is a refined yet approachable spirit made from a mash bill of 80% New York corn and 20% malted barley. Aged for a minimum of two years in small, new charred oak barrels, the whiskey delivers a rich aroma of caramel, vanilla, and spice. On the palate, it opens with warm brown sugar and honey before transitioning to notes of cracked pepper and toasted grain. The malt influence lends a subtle roundness, while the finish, though brief, lingers with a pleasant sweetness.
It’s a bourbon that feels mature beyond its years. The pot still distillation imparts a softness and depth rarely found in younger whiskies. This is an everyday pour that shines neat but also complements classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Boulevardier. For those who appreciate craftsmanship and balance, Kings County’s Straight Bourbon stands as one of the most thoughtful examples of modern small-batch whiskey.
Kings County Distillery: Peated Bourbon Whiskey
The Peated Bourbon is Kings County’s rebellious cousin. It starts with the same corn base as the Straight Bourbon but swaps in Scottish peat-smoked malted barley for a portion of the mash. The result is a whiskey that bridges the Atlantic, American sweetness meets Scottish smoke.
The aroma greets you with campfire smoke and sea air, underpinned by notes of cornmeal and caramel. On the palate, it’s a journey: earthy peat and leather at first, then shifting to vanilla, dark chocolate, and a faint salinity. The finish is long and warming, leaving behind whispers of smoke and charred oak. Unlike the intense peat found in Islay Scotch, Kings County’s smoke feels integrated and measured, adding intrigue rather than domination.
For adventurous drinkers, the Peated Bourbon is a standout. It’s not for traditionalists who want oak and caramel alone; it’s for those who appreciate complexity and contrast.
Both the Straight and Peated Bourbons showcase Kings County’s mastery of craft distilling. The Straight Bourbon delivers elegance and consistency, while the Peated Bourbon offers bold experimentation. Together they embody what makes Kings County Distillery one of the most respected names in American whiskey: a dedication to history, a curiosity for flavor, and a distinctly Brooklyn sense of innovation.
If you’re stocking your home bar, the Straight Bourbon is your reliable daily companion, and the Peated Bourbon is your wild card, the one that sparks conversation and earns respect among whiskey lovers.
