New Scotland Spirits in Albany, NY: A Must-Visit Lark Street Tasting Room
If you’re looking for something new and cool to do in Albany, NY, or a unique place to recommend to out-of-towners, look no further than New Scotland Spirits!
This locally owned farm distillery is known for crafting premium spirits from New Scotland and Upstate New York grains, and they opened a tasting room in downtown Albany on June 21, 2024. The new Lark Street hotspot has already been making a name for itself!
Their space evokes a unique, prohibition-era style lounge that serves as the company’s flagship location. The tasting room is the first retail outlet for the farm distillery.
A Taste of New Scotland in Albany
Founded in 2016, New Scotland Spirits was born out of a childhood ambition to distill spirits from locally grown grains. The business is led by co-owners Jesse Sommer and Rosemary Luppino.
Sommer is a combat veteran and native of New Scotland. His deep connection to his hometown is at the core of the business, as every bottle is infused with the flavors of Upstate New York and a sense of nostalgia.
Luppino brings a legal background to the table, having worked as a paralegal for over 15 years. She’s responsible for cultivating retail partnerships, coordinating promotional events, managing employees, growing their social media platform, and is increasingly the face of the business.
According to their site, “Each sip of New Scotland Spirits is flavored by the finest grains of Upstate NY and the blood, sweat, tears, and love of an entire neighborhood team.”
This commitment to local sourcing and sustainability is a defining characteristic of New Scotland Spirits, which partners with local farms and distilleries, including Indian Ladder Farms, Hudson Valley Malt, and Helderberg Meadworks, to create their products.
An Elegant & Unique New Tasting Room
The new tasting room brings a touch of New Scotland’s history and spirit to Albany. Tucked away at the corner of State and Lark Streets, the space is designed to transport visitors back in time.
With polished wooden décor, ornate tin ceiling tiles, and period items like an antique radio and crank wall telephone, the room exudes a 1920s speakeasy vibe.
In addition to its stunning ambiance, the tasting room offers an array of New Scotland Spirits’ award-winning products. The tasting room is also home to a famous Albany bar: the oak and mahogany bar from the former Larkin Restaurant, which closed its doors in 2004.
Patrons can sample flights of the distillery’s rye, wheat, and bourbon "Helderberg Whiskies," or try their renowned gin and vodka. Exclusive spirits like the Helderberg Single Malt Whiskey and Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon are also available, only at this location.
For cocktail lovers, the tasting room’s skilled bartenders craft innovative drinks like espresso martinis and cosmos using New Scotland’s own spirits. Additionally, the menu includes beer, wine, mead, and cider from New York producers, giving visitors a true taste of the Empire State!
Stop by during Helderberg Hour, Sunday through Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm, to get in on drink specials, bottle discounts, and a special menu of small plates like flatbread or a warm pretzel to pair with your beverage of choice.
It's Where the Locals Go
The tasting room has already become a go-to spot for locals, drawing a mix of young professionals and longtime Albany residents. Patrons aren’t rushed when they come in, but are encouraged to relax, hang out, meet the bartender, and enjoy themselves.
The Larkin Restaurant that once housed this tasting room's bar was considered a hub for political meetups and discussions; this is a reputation that New Scotland Spirits is developing for itself, according to an anonymous lobbyist interviewed by Cohoes based RadioRadioX!
Whether you're there for the political intrigue or to relax with friends, customers appreciate the casual yet intimate atmosphere.
One reviewer described it as “absolutely fantastic,” praising the old-timey decor and expertly crafted cocktails. Another customer shared, “Great place run by great people. Hyper local and set up to provide outstanding whiskey and spirits to the people of Albany.”
With an extensive collection of books for sale, ranging from cocktail encyclopedias to histories of New Scotland and Albany, the tasting room also serves as a cultural hub. Visitors can browse titles on regional Prohibition-era gangsters while sipping on locally crafted spirits.
A Gem in One of Albany’s Hottest Neighborhoods
New Scotland Spirits' tasting room offers a refreshing addition to Albany's thriving Lark Street, blending local craftsmanship with a timeless, sophisticated ambiance.
Whether you're stopping by for a quick sample or planning a private event, the team at New Scotland Spirits ensures every visit is memorable.
Stop in at 209 Lark Street to sample their spirits, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail, and pick up a bottle to take home — including exclusive releases you won’t find anywhere else.
This article is sponsored by New Scotland Spirits.
