Brooklyn Gin

Brooklyn Gin was established in 2010 by co-founders Emil Jättne and Joe Santos, who leveraged their prior experience working together at Bacardi to launch their own spirits brand. They identified an opportunity in the market and set out to create a high-quality, small-batch American gin, launching the company in the wake of the financial crisis. Initially, due to resource constraints, they partnered with the Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery in upstate New York to produce their spirit, a common practice for early-stage craft distilleries. A significant milestone was the opening of their own distillery, tasting room, and bar in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

The company operates in the premium craft spirits market, targeting consumers and on-trade establishments like bars that value artisanal production methods. Its business model revolves around the production and distribution of its gin, which is available in 42 U.S. states and over 20 countries. Revenue is generated through direct sales and via distribution partners. To fuel expansion, including the opening of its Brooklyn distillery and new product development, the company has engaged in fundraising, including a 2022 crowdfunding campaign on the Republic platform.

Brooklyn Gin's core product is a handcrafted, small-batch gin distinguished by its production process. The company emphasizes the use of fresh, hand-cut citrus peels—including lemon, lime, orange, and clementine—and hand-crushed juniper berries, avoiding the dried or frozen botanicals used by some mass-market producers. The base spirit is 100% American corn sourced from small farms. Distillation occurs in a Christian Carl copper pot still in small batches, a three-day process that yields approximately 300 bottles per batch and helps create a smoother, more complex flavor profile. This meticulous process results in a citrus-forward gin with notes of juniper, lavender, and cardamom. In 2021, the company expanded its product line into the ready-to-drink (RTD) market with the launch of its Gin & Soda series, featuring flavors like Lime, Cucumber Lime, and Hibiscus Pear.

Keywords: craft gin, small-batch spirits, American gin, distilled spirits, beverage alcohol, artisanal distillery, copper pot distillation, ready-to-drink cocktails, spirits production, consumer beverages, gin and tonic, cocktail culture, New York distillery, handcrafted spirits, premium gin, liquor brand, beverage manufacturing, Emil Jättne, Joe Santos, on-trade spirits