Old Spirit Distillery sits in an industrial complex in Oceanside, Long Island, where founder Mike Benedetto transformed his passion for craft spirits into a full-scale operation in 2018. After years working in construction, Benedetto decided to pursue distilling full-time, setting up shop in a 3,000-square-foot facility that houses both production and a tasting room. The distillery focuses on small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, and vodka, using locally sourced grains when possible and aging their whiskeys in charred American oak barrels stored on-site. Benedetto’s journey into distilling started as a hobby in his garage, experimenting with different mash bills and distillation techniques until friends and family convinced him to go commercial. He installed a 500-gallon copper pot still as the centerpiece of his operation, along with smaller pilot stills for experimental batches. The team remains lean but passionate, with Benedetto handling most of the distillation himself while his wife manages the business side and customer relations. Visitors find themselves in a working distillery where you can watch the entire process unfold, from mashing to bottling. The tasting room has a rustic industrial feel with exposed brick walls and views into the production area through large windows. Benedetto often leads tours personally, explaining his distillation philosophy and the challenges of starting a craft distillery on Long Island. The atmosphere is unpretentious and educational, perfect for anyone curious about how spirits actually get made.