Van Brunt Stillhouse, a small batch whiskey distillery in Red Hook, has closed down after 13 years. Following the announcement, fans have rushed to purchase the remaining stock, causing resale prices to skyrocket—some bottles now selling for nearly $190, up from $60. Enthusiasts, like Jon Pichaya Ferry and Zachary Ostrow, have scoured various locations in search of their favorite whiskey. Founder Daric Schlesselman acknowledged the high resale prices, attributing them to market demand, while expressing regret over the closure of the beloved Brooklyn brand.
When Brooklyn Heights resident and whiskey aficionado Zachary Ostrow heard the rumor Van Brunt might be out of business, he also decided to buy a few bottles - except he couldn't find any at his local spirit shops. He expanded his search to the rest of Brooklyn, and then Manhattan, but had no luck.
When I even heard an inkling that they could have been going under, I was like, 'There's an opportunity here,' said longtime Van Brunt fan and Bushwick resident Jon Pichaya Ferry.
Schlesselman, the Van Brunt founder, said he wasn't aware that bottles were reselling for triple their former rate, but he also wasn't surprised.
If I'm wrong, then I'm an idiot that just dropped a grand on a really good Brooklyn whiskey that isn't discontinued,' he said. 'If I'm correct, then it was a great play.
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