Adirondack Distilling Company set up shop in a former bank building on Varick Street in 2012, and the space still has the bones to prove it - tall windows, a balcony overlooking the production floor, and a historic vault down in the basement that now serves as storage. Founded by master distiller Jordan Karp alongside Dr. Bruce Elwell and attorney Steve Cox, the distillery built its reputation on a simple premise: use what's nearby. That means 100% New York State corn for the 601 Bourbon - Central New York's first legal bourbon - and Herkimer diamonds (a rare quartz crystal found only in the Adirondack foothills) to filter the vodka. The gin leans into ten botanicals including alpine bilberries, giving it a distinctly tart character that sets it apart from your standard London dry. Tours run Monday through Saturday by appointment and take you through the full grain-to-bottle process, including a peek at the Carl stills and a tasting of the lineup. The distillery also identifies as veteran-owned and has been recognized with awards including a Double Gold at the American Bourbon Awards and a Platinum at the Vodka Awards. Two resident cats, Gin and Tonic, add to the laid-back charm of the place.