Holy Cow! I can now drive only three miles and sit in a blisteringly cool space (sleek and modern; 24-foot ceilings; barnwood trim …) and order the lovely Awosting Sparkling White on tap. It will be served to me in a nifty little mason jar and, if I want to gild the lily, I can “upgrade to a Kir Royale (the Awosting White with cherry liquor added) or, for no additional charge, I can get it dressed up with a most astonishing Luxardo “Gourmet” maraschino cherry imported from Italy—dark, firm and not too sweet, with the almost-black syrup just tart enough to compliment the sparkling white wine.
All of this is at Gardiner Liquid Mercantile (GLM) in the Hamlet opposite the Village Market. Owner Gable Erenzo has procured a cocktail of licenses that create the first establishment of its kind in NY State; GLM can serve alcohol for both on premise and off premise consumption—as long as it is produced in NY State.
Bartender and Manager Zoli Rozen originally thought a “New York only” license would be limiting. Instead, they have at their fingertips local wines from Whitecliff, Magnanini, Brotherhood and more (the wine on tap will change from time to time); all the beer they could wish for, from Yard Owl, Bacchus Brewery, Sloop, Millhouse, and Keegan—several on tap at any given time—and distilled spirits from Tuthilltown (where Gabe used to be a part owner), Magnanini, Warwich, and Coppersea. They also have their own spirits, which GLM will be distilling at Dressel Farms. Another unique feature at Liquid Mercantile is that almost anything you can order at the bar you can buy a bottle of in the shop up front.
There is no beer or wine menu yet, only a “cocktail” (spirits) menu, which makes the place seem expensive, but ask Zoli for a rundown of the beer, wine or mixed drinks and you’ll find quite a range. There’s also a happy hour from 5 to 7 Monday, Thursday and Friday, when tap beers and small plates are $5, and tall cans of NY beer are $3. The unusual menu of “small plate” bar food will help you soak up the alcohol.
Gardiner Liquid Mercantile, 128 Main Street, (845) 633-8764. Mon., Thur., Fri. 4:30-close. Sat & Sun 11:30-close. Close typically means no earlier than 10pm and as late as guests remain at the bar. Gardinerliquidmercantile.com.