Widow Jane is an independent whiskey producer based in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighbourhood, known for its commitment to blending, finishing and distilling high-quality bourbon and rye whiskey. Our approach is built on three pillars: selective barrel sourcing, non-chill filtration and proofing with pure limestone water from the legendary Rosendale Mines in upstate New York.
By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern expertise, we ensure that every bottle of Widow Jane whiskey reflects bold character, rich history and a relentless pursuit for quality. Whether through carefully sourced, aged barrels or our own in-house distillations, we create whiskeys that are authentic as well as distinctive and unmistakably New York.
Widow Jane selects barrels of Straight Bourbon and Rye from Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana, focusing on expressions that meet our high standards for age, complexity and depth of flavour. For our in-house distillation, we use non-GMO ingredients, including our proprietary Baby Jane corn, an heirloom varietal we’ve developed for its richer, more complex profile.
Our whiskey production in Brooklyn is small-batch and intentional, complementing our extensive blending and finishing program. This hybrid approach (balancing sourced barrels with our own distillate) allows us to create whiskey that stands out in both character and consistency. When barrels arrive at the distillery, they are carefully stored along the Hudson River- where the salty air, industrial past and waterfront energy become part of their story.
Blending at Widow Jane is both an art and a science, overseen by Michele Clark (VP), Sienna Jevremov (Head Distiller & Blender) and Jacob Melinger (Head of Experience & Design). Together, they work with our barrel management team to select the finest barrels from our warehouses, ensuring each release maintains the bold yet refined Widow Jane signature.
Our flagship Widow Jane Ten is a five-barrel blend of bourbons aged between 10 and 17 years, carefully selected for quality and complexity. Beyond blending, certain expressions undergo re-barrelling, where mature whiskey is transferred into fresh oak casks for additional finishing. All re-barreled whisky is at least ten years old when put into new barrels and it will finish in these barrels for a minimum of 6 months, often times much longer. This process enhances structure, introducing layers of depth and character.
One of our most exclusive offerings is The Vaults, a collection of extra-aged bourbons, finished in rare casks to develop unparalleled richness. This program is reserved for our most unique and exceptional barrels, showcasing the impact of time and craftsmanship on flavour evolution. Aged for 15 years and beyond, The Vaults releases are a testament to Widow Jane’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of whiskey maturation.
Widow Jane whiskey is proofed using Rosendale limestone water, sourced from mines just 100 miles north of Brooklyn. The toughness of the now-exhausted material the mines provided was historically used in building landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. Over many years, rainfall filtered down, deep into underground aquifers, combining to fill the mines with pure fresh water that drew its strength from the limestone that cradled it. The result is a self-renewing source of unique, sweet water that has an exceptionally high mineral content (Mg and Ca), enhancing mouthfeel and complexity in our whiskey.
We refuse to chill filter our whiskey, a common practice that strips away natural esters and oils. Instead, we use organic hemicellulose paper for a gentle filtration process, ensuring clarity without sacrificing depth or texture. This preserves the full-bodied richness and layers of complexity that define Widow Jane.
At Widow Jane, every bottle is hand-labelled and assembled in Brooklyn, emphasising our focus on craftsmanship over mass production. We are committed to quality over quantity, ensuring that each release upholds the integrity of our process.
Through careful barrel selection, meticulous blending and innovative finishing techniques, Widow Jane whiskeys deliver a drinking experience that is both bold and refined. Whether you are discovering us for the first time or are a seasoned whiskey enthusiast, our commitment remains the same: to create whiskey with integrity, character and an unmistakable sense of place.
