53AD Empirical
Distillery · Williamsburg ·
Innovative cocktails, unique spirits, tasting room, event space
Innovative cocktails, unique spirits, tasting room, event space
"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
"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
"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
"The hotly anticipated Bushwick distillery from Empirical Spirits has stalled on opening its doors." - Emma Orlow
"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
