SoNo 1420 America’s Maritime Distillery sits in the heart of South Norwalk’s historic district on Day Street, where the Norwalk River meets Long Island Sound. Founded in 2016 by Drew McManigle, a former Wall Street finance professional who left his corporate career to pursue his passion for craft spirits, this Connecticut distillery occupies a renovated industrial space that captures the area’s maritime heritage. The name itself pays homage to the year Norwalk was settled, while the maritime theme runs through everything from their bottle designs to their flagship spirits. McManigle’s journey from finance to distilling wasn’t accidental—he spent years studying the craft, visiting distilleries across the country, and perfecting recipes before opening his doors. The distillery operates with a 500-liter German copper still and focuses on small-batch production, creating vodka, gin, and whiskey that reflect Connecticut’s coastal character. The team sources local ingredients when possible and emphasizes traditional distilling methods combined with modern precision. Visitors step into a working distillery where the copper still takes center stage in an open production area. The tasting room blends industrial elements with nautical touches, creating an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and approachable. You can watch the distillation process while sampling spirits that showcase the maritime influence through unique botanicals and aging techniques that take advantage of Connecticut’s climate variations.