Boston Harbor Distillery sits in Dorchester’s Port Norfolk neighborhood at 12R Ericsson Street, where founders Rhonda Kallman and John Couchot launched Boston’s first distillery since Prohibition in 2015. Kallman, who co-founded Samuel Adams beer with Jim Koch, brought decades of beverage industry experience to the spirits world, while Couchot contributed his business expertise to create something uniquely Boston. The distillery operates out of a converted warehouse space that feels both industrial and welcoming, producing whiskey, rum, gin, and vodka that reflect the city’s maritime heritage and rebellious spirit. The journey started when Kallman decided she wanted to explore distilling after her beer industry success, spending years researching everything from grain sourcing to still selection. Getting the necessary permits and approvals took nearly two years of navigating Boston’s complex regulations, but they persisted because they believed Boston deserved a distillery that honored its role in American independence. Master distiller John Couchot oversees production on their custom-built copper still, focusing on small batches that allow for hands-on attention to every step of the process. Visitors can experience both the production side and the finished products in their tasting room, which showcases harbor views that remind you why they chose this location. The space captures Boston’s working waterfront character without feeling touristy, and you’ll often find locals mixing with curious tourists during tastings. They’ve built something that feels authentically Boston rather than trying to mimic Kentucky bourbon country, and that local pride comes through in everything from their spirit recipes to their commitment to supporting other Massachusetts businesses.