Denning’s Point Distillery sits in a converted 19th-century brick building on North Chestnut Street in Beacon, just a few blocks from the Hudson River. Founded by Karl Johnson in 2013, this small-batch operation grew from his background in environmental consulting and a passion for traditional distilling methods. The 3,000-square-foot facility houses custom copper stills and produces whiskey, vodka, and gin using locally sourced grains whenever possible. Johnson spent years perfecting his recipes before opening to the public, working with a 500-gallon pot still system that allows for hands-on control throughout the distilling process. The team includes head distiller Sarah Chen, who brings experience from larger operations but embraces the craft-focused approach here. Their philosophy centers on small batches and attention to detail rather than mass production, with Johnson often personally overseeing each distillation run. Visitors find themselves in an intimate setting where production happens just feet away from the tasting area. The exposed brick walls and industrial equipment create an authentic working distillery atmosphere, while the knowledgeable staff provides genuine insights into their process. You’re not getting a sanitized corporate tour here – this is a real working space where you can see, smell, and understand how their spirits come to life.