PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia's craft spirits scene is steeped in history and booming with modern innovation. Since changes in state liquor laws sparked a renaissance for independent distillers, the city has become a premier destination for locally crafted gin, vodka, and aged Whiskey. Whether you are hunting for an immersive tasting room experience or looking to conquer Philly's Old Fashioned Whiskey Trail, here are the best distilleries to visit in Philadelphia right now.
1. Philadelphia Distilling (Fishtown)
As Pennsylvania's first craft distillery since Prohibition, Philadelphia Distilling set the standard for the State modern spirits movement. Located in a beautifully renovated former factory space on Allen Street in Fishtown, it is the birthplace of the iconic Bluecoat American Dry Gin. The sprawling facility features a gorgeous tasting room, a full bar, and a retail store, with massive glass windows that let guests watch the copper stills at work while sipping expertly crafted cocktails.
2. New Liberty Distillery (Kensington)
Tucked into a revitalized historic building in Kensington, New Liberty Distillery is a mandatory stop for brown liquor enthusiasts. The distillery focuses heavily on Pennsylvania's deep-rooted Whiskey heritage, producing award-winning bourbons, ryes, and their signature Kinsey brand whiskeys. Their multi-story space features a beautiful tasting room and weekend tours. If you are looking to dive deep into the city's historic cocktail culture, a pour of their rye is the perfect starting point before exploring the rest of Old Fashioned Philadelphia.
3. Federal Distilling (Kensington)
Just down the street from New Liberty, Federal Distilling is the headquarters for Stateside Urbancraft Vodka. Founded by two brothers with a mission to create an ultra-smooth, gluten-free spirit, the distillery has quickly become a local powerhouse. The adjoining tasting room, the Stateside Vodka Bar, offers a sleek, energetic atmosphere with a menu completely dedicated to creative vodka cocktails and seasonal infusions.
4. Manatawny Still Works (East Passyunk & Center City)
While their main production facility is in Pottstown, Manatawny Still Works has built a major footprint in Philadelphia through dedicated tasting rooms. With locations on East Passyunk Avenue and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, they bring their high-quality small-batch whiskeys, rums, and gins directly to the city's top dining districts. Their tasting rooms serve as elevated neighborhood cocktail bars, pouring some of the city's most inventive craft drinks.
5. Red Brick Craft Distillery (Kensington)
For a truly small-batch, grassroots operation, Red Brick Craft Distillery on Martha Street delivers an incredibly intimate tasting experience. Founded via a successful crowdfunding campaign, the team produces excellent small-batch whiskeys, clear sugar wash rum, and a standout pineapple rum. The space is distinctly industrial and authentic, showcasing the gritty, hands-on reality of independent distilling in Philadelphia.
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