Craft distilleries in Brookyln celebrate launch of online sales
Kings County Distillery hopes the new revenue stream can help them out during the slow season, adding they are glad to see the shop launch ahead of the holiday season.
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Saturday marked the first day that craft distilleries across the state would be able to engage in direct-to-consumer sales over the internet following the signing of the bill approving the change earlier this fall.
Businesses like Kings County Distillery at the Brooklyn Navy Yard told News 12 that the online sales represent a way to grow their customer base and help to spread their brand name.
They say they often have tours at their historic distillery building with tourists flocking from around the world to come visit. But those tourists are often left disappointed when they find they have no way to purchase the products they tried as part of the tour to take home with them on flights or during travel.
Folks on the tour Saturday told News 12 that they are glad that's no longer a barrier.
"That's super convenient because I brought a bookbag with me thinking how many I can carry back on the train and so now – not having to lug it back and being able to shop from my home is incredible," said tourist Ayo Awolusi.
He says he believes the DTC sales will also be great for businesses to have tourists try their products first and plan a trip to visit.
"I can decide, do I like these products? Is it worth a trip to learn their story see how it's made? So I think it's a great way to highlight this area," he said.
Kings County Distillery hopes the new revenue stream can help them out during the slow season, adding they are glad to see the shop launch ahead of the holiday season.
"It’s going to really push us and drive our sales when no one is coming out during the slow months of January, February, March – where there aren't folks at the bars or in the tour," said KCD Visitor Services Director Melissa Meier. "The enthusiasm from us for this to be open is 10/10."
And they’re not the only ones – Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liquor in Industry City in Sunset Park say they have been anticipating the launch for months, adding that only local craft distilleries using 70% or more agriculture grown in New York state are able to take advantage, helping their supply chain get stronger and grow their industry further.
"We are excited to start shipping our liquor along with hundreds of craft spirits to customers…It will allow more people to discover our product and the great craft spirits form around the state and help the economy," said Owner Josh Morton.
