Twisted Cow Distillery has been honored as a PSEG-Long Island Small Business Star, celebrating its innovation and local impact. In this Q&A, we chat with the team about their journey, the significance of this nomination, and how they continue to craft unique, high-quality spirits that set them apart.
What do you love about being in this business/being an owner?
I love the freedom to determine the direction of my products and experiences customers have onsite.
How do you feel your business impacts the local community?
As we grow we’re providing a unique experience for our customers to visit, products to enjoy, while creating both service and manufacturing-related jobs. We’re wildly local, focusing on soil to sip, with our grain entirely grown on Long Island.
How did PSEG Long Island’s Business First Program support you?
This initiative helps bring awareness to small businesses across Long Island. The Long Island Press articles bring in additional customers that either haven’t heard about Twisted Cow Distillery, or offer a reminder for those that haven’t been in for a visit for a while.
What role do you think small businesses play in promoting energy efficiency within the broader community?
Energy efficiency is more than just a green initiative. Energy efficiency helps a business spend less on energy, allowing those resources to be driven to reinvestment, growth and eventually hiring. Saving energy grows the small business economy.
How do you feel about being a Small Business Star?
Any accolades are fantastic. A Small Business Star is an interesting blend of recognition for overall business success, as well as running an energy efficient shop. I decided early on, when planning to build the distillery that using the most efficient stills I could find was a must have. Most distilleries use gas for steam generation. We use direct heaters. There is no loss in transfer of energy from heating elements to our mash compared to steam generation which travels across large distances, losing temperature along the way. I feel being a Small Business Star highlights not just our distillery’s creativity and products, but shows we’re doing the very best we can in all facets.
To learn more about Twisted Cow Distillery, visit their website or Instagram.
