53AD Empirical

Distillery · Williamsburg

53AD Empirical

Distillery · Williamsburg

5

605 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

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53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by Jenna Murray
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null
53AD Empirical by null

Highlights

Bold inventive cocktails, spirit tastings, DJs, and unique atmosphere  

Featured in The Infatuation
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605 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 Get directions

us.empirical.co
@empiricalspirits

$30–50

Information

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605 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 Get directions

+1 718 564 9767
us.empirical.co
@empiricalspirits

$30–50

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Last updated

Oct 3, 2025

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@infatuation

NYC’s New Restaurant Openings

"In Bushwick, 53 AD is a cocktail bar and tasting room from the people behind Empirical Spirits, a distillery whose offerings include perfume-like spirits with names like “The Plum, I Suppose” and “Symphony 6.” For you Roman Empire enthusiasts, 53 AD was the year that Emperor Claudius adopted Nero—considered by historians to be a benchmark first step towards the downfall of Rome. " - will hartman

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/new-nyc-restaurants-openings
View Postcard for 53AD Empirical
@eater

NYC New Restaurant Openings: November 2024 | Eater NY

"The New York distillery and relocated headquarters of Empirical Spirits — a Copenhagen-founded spirits company launched in 2017 by Noma alums Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen — marking the brand's U.S. production and tasting presence after its Copenhagen origins." - Emma Orlow

https://ny.eater.com/2024/11/7/24283314/nyc-restaurant-openings-new-november-2024
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@infatuation

53 AD - Review - Bushwick - New York - The Infatuation

"In Bushwick, 53 AD is a cocktail bar and tasting room from the people behind Empirical Spirits, a distillery whose offerings include perfume-like spirits with names like “The Plum, I Suppose” and “Symphony 6.” We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/53-ad
View Postcard for 53AD Empirical
@eater

A Four Horsemen Alum Is Opening Rude Mouth Wine Bar | Eater NY

"The hotly anticipated Bushwick distillery from Empirical Spirits has stalled on opening its doors." - Emma Orlow

https://ny.eater.com/2024/10/21/24272591/rude-mouth-wine-bar-opening-ava-trilling
View Postcard for 53AD Empirical
@eater

Empirical Spirits, by Noma Alums, to Open Distillery in New York | Eater NY

"Launched in Copenhagen in 2017 by Noma alums Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen, Empirical Spirits is relocating its headquarters to Brooklyn and has applied for a liquor license for a distillery and tasting room at 53 Scott Avenue at Johnson Avenue in Bushwick; a spokesperson confirmed a distillery and tasting room are likely to open in early 2024 but declined to specify further. I learned the original production facility abroad ceased operations last year and Bevnet reported the brand had filed for bankruptcy in Copenhagen, though the company said that would not disrupt U.S. sales. Known for unconventional spirits and fermentation techniques, Empirical refuses traditional category labels and bottles products with evocative names—ranging from explicit provocations like "FUCK TRUMP AND HIS STUPID FUCKING WALL" to Helena, Soka, Symphony 6, and Ayuuk—and attempts to capture sense memories such as the "scent of the smoked fish your grandfather served you" or "the first bite of a citrus-like ant." A company blog puts it bluntly: "Taking a flavor-first approach means that we don’t pay attention to the conventional categories. Instead, we focus on finding great ingredients and turning them into experiences triggering sense memories." In New York the Empirical bar will be led by drinks consultant Iain Townsend Griffiths, and the new distillery will join a small group of distilleries operating within city limits." - Emma Orlow

https://ny.eater.com/2024/1/17/24009891/empirical-spirits-distillery-opening-brooklyn-bushwick
View Postcard for 53AD Empirical

Mark Miranda-Stovell

Google
My husband and I came here for one of their events. The event program was very informative, complete with tastes of their spirits. After the program, we had some cocktails at the bar. Our bartender was friendly and thoughtful. We had the: Oaxacan freehand; cilantro mango margarita; a dark and stormy with Smith and Cross; the Jimmy Vespah and the Charlene McGee+Vermouth. The drinks were great and really highlighted their spirits.

Jack McCambridge

Google
Finally found a place for truly interesting and innovative cocktails in Bushwick. Nice to not have to go to Manhattan for it. Unique in the area. Bartenders are savants. Music’s good too. Had a great DJ last Thursday.

Karsten Kollmeier

Google
Nice new bar with a unique cocktail selection, tastings of Empirical distillery products (I love their new Cilantro spirit!), but also beer or wine, if your prefer. Friendly staff, fancy atmosphere, with live DJs on weekends. Ideal for enjoying a couple of drinks before going clubbing in the neighborhood, for a nightcap afterwards, or just spending a relaxed evening here with friends.

Scott Denman

Google
Came for some cocktails, was not disappointed. Very knowledgeable staff, and the best place to get a taste of Empirical spirits. They have DJs on weekends too!

Claire Moyle

Google
The team is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate and took their time to carefully walk me through each spirit and cocktail. The vibe is inclusive, chill and fun. A great place whether you are an industry expert or just want a fantastic evening out. I recommend the Always Daring. It's refreshing, complex and perfectly balanced bonus it comes with a chocolate covered black olive garnish. I will definitely be coming back with friends.

Annelie Roding

Google
Truly LOVED the atmosphere, the drinks and the artwork. If you are looking for an interesting place to show off to your friends that feels undiscovered, this is the spot. You can thank me later.

Douglas Baldasare

Google
Best cocktail experience in years. The flavor combinations surprised and delighted beyond. Felt like the kind of place that would be the cocktail welcome bar at Noma itself. The team and atmosphere were elevated and inspiring. "53AD enlivened my libido and quenched my spirit." - Anon

Catriona Duncan

Google
Incredible and innovative cocktails! The flavor combinations are creative, eye-opening and delicious. The bartender encouraged me to try the cocktail with a chocolate olive (the Always Daring) and it was insanely good.

Juan M.

Yelp
When here for an event as they let us sample their limited produced varietal. The presenter was very knowledgeable and I walked away with a better understanding and appreciation for the spirit. Their bar is in their tasting room with a bar. After the presentation we made it to the bar and the bartender was very helpful offering twisted of known classics as well as making us try new combinations. No food as there is no working kitchen. My favorite drink was the Cilantro Mango Margarita, I keep thinking back to it.