Advertisement

With Legacy and Flavor: Noel Garcia and NG Distillery Make History

Photo Credit:
*This is a Commentary / Opinion piece*

The first sip of Noel Garcia’s gin is like stepping into a story—one woven with notes of juniper, whispers of citrus, and a finish that lingers like a well-told secret. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience, a reflection of a man whose journey from the streets of Brooklyn to Illinois distilleries is as layered as the spirits he creates.

Born at Kings County Hospital, Noel grew up in Brooklyn, New York, a city defined by its hustle and cultural fusion. From an early age, he was a tinkerer, finding joy in dismantling and reassembling everyday objects, giving them new life. That spark led him to Brooklyn Tech High School, a specialized institution where his dreams of engineering took shape. His diploma, stamped with “Mechanical Engineering,” set a tone of precision and purpose that still defines him.

But Noel’s story isn’t one of straight lines. It’s filled with curves and detours—from the humid South, where he mastered the art of whole-hog cooking and moonshine-making, to the glittering lights of Las Vegas, where he studied the nuances of distillation at Nevada’s first legal distillery. Each chapter taught him something new, adding layers of depth to his skill and vision.

Distilling has deep roots in American history. One of the earliest known distilleries, Laird & Company, opened in New Jersey in 1780. In Illinois, the tradition began in 1857 with Thornton Distilling Company, the state’s oldest distillery. However, Prohibition and other challenges stagnated the industry for over 150 years. It wasn’t until 2008, with KOVAL Distillery, that craft distilling was revived in Chicago.

Against this historical backdrop, NG Distillery’s establishment in 2023 is monumental. As Illinois’ first Black- and Latino-owned distillery, Noel Garcia’s venture bridges centuries of history while bringing fresh perspectives and representation to an industry steeped in tradition.

Crafting a Legacy


Now in Illinois, Noel is on a mission to redefine the art of savoring spirits. As the founder of NG Distillery, he leads the first Black- and Latino-owned distillery in the state—a significance he deeply appreciates. “I want people to look at us as a quality option,” Noel explains. “It’s not just about making liquor—it’s about creating something that represents us.”

His distillery’s crown jewels are his handcrafted gins, each a masterpiece of flavor. From a citrus-forward blend that evokes warm summer evenings to a Caribbean-inspired creation with clove and cardamom, Noel’s spirits don’t just tell a story—they invite you into his world. “Every batch is designed with a flavor profile in mind,” he says. “I want it to hit your palate and tell you something about where it came from.”

Lessons from the Still


Noel is candid about the challenges of entrepreneurship. Building a distillery requires more than passion—it involves navigating regulations, securing capital, and balancing dreams with reality. His first attempt, though groundbreaking, taught him valuable lessons. “I was so focused on making booze legally that I didn’t set financial goals,” he admits. “I treated it like a hobby. Now I know that for the thing you love to survive, it has to be a secure business.”

This year marks a turning point. With plans to reopen NG Distillery, Garcia is prioritizing sustainability and community impact. His dream? To see his products behind the bars of every Black-owned restaurant in Illinois as a testament to quality and cultural pride. “I want our spaces to reflect us,” he says. “Not just in the faces behind the bar but in the bottles on the shelves.”

A Taste of Community


What sets Noel apart isn’t just his technical expertise but his vision for inclusion.

“We need more diversity in this space," he says. "It’s not just about being Black- or Latino-owned; it’s about creating quality products that reflect our culture and history. I want people to know we belong here, just like anyone else.”

NG Distillery is more than a business—it’s a platform. Noel envisions it as a “house of brands,” offering aspiring entrepreneurs a lower barrier to entry. “My goal is to make NG Distillery a place where people can come to create their vision without the overwhelming barriers that keep so many of us out. I’ll walk them through the licensing process, help them craft their story, and ensure their products are top-tier.”

For Noel, it’s personal. His spirits are as much about flavor as they are about legacy. He doesn’t just want you to taste his products—he wants you to taste the story behind them and feel the pride of drinking something crafted with intention.

“I want our community to see what’s possible," Noel says. "When you pick up a bottle of NG, I want you to see your potential in it. It’s more than just liquor; it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when given the chance. When people pick up one of my bottles, I want them to know: This isn’t just another brand. This is us.”

Standing Out in a Competitive Market


The competition is steep, with an estimated 3,000 distinct brands of alcoholic beverages—including spirits, wine, and beer—on the market. But Noel is undeterred. He’s poised to stand out.

“We’re not just here to fill a quota or check a box," he says. 'Our spirits are designed to compete with the best. When people see NG on a shelf, I want them to think, ‘That’s a brand I trust.’”

The Art of Pairing


Noel’s passion for flavor extends beyond the bottle. He revels in pairing his spirits with food, transforming meals into celebrations. “If you’re having surf and turf, a gin and tonic is perfect,” he says. “It cleanses your palate so every bite of steak or lobster feels fresh and exciting.” For spaghetti and meatballs? “Try a spiked sangria with rum or vodka. It’s like a red wine punch with a festive kick.” Even vegans get their moment: “For something light, like a cauliflower steak, go with a refreshing gin and tonic or vodka soda.”

Noel’s advice is simple but profound: “Drink light with light foods, and bold with heavy dishes. Pair it with the experience you want.”

His love for food is rooted in his years working in the restaurant and hospitality industries, which he describes as pivotal to his understanding of flavor. “I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible chefs, bartenders, and mixologists who’ve taught me the art of flavors,” he says. His culinary journey also brought him unique experiences, like learning the Southern tradition of whole-hog cooking while in Alabama. “It’s barbecue on the next level,” he recalls, a tradition that deepened his appreciation for how food and drink can create unforgettable moments.

Noel’s philosophy on pairing reflects his broader approach to life and business: balance and thoughtfulness. “It’s not just about what you eat or drink,” he says. “It’s about creating moments that feel complete.”

Behind the Bar: Building a Legacy


Noel’s commitment to his craft is inseparable from his dedication to fostering community in his distillery for other entrepreneurs. “When I started NG Distillery, I knew it had to be about more than just me,” he shares. “I wanted to create a space where people could explore their ideas and bring them to life.”

His vision for a “house of brands” is ambitious but rooted in practicality. “Not everyone has the resources to open their own distillery,” Noel acknowledges. “But with the right support and guidance, they can still create something remarkable.”

That support includes walking entrepreneurs through the complex licensing process, helping them design their products, and ensuring their spirits are of the highest quality. “It’s about opening doors,” Noel says. “If I can make the path a little easier for someone else, then I’ve done my job.”

Overcoming Challenges


The journey hasn’t been without its difficulties. From balancing a full-time job and family responsibilities to the financial strain of starting a distillery, Noel has faced his share of obstacles. But he’s quick to emphasize the lessons learned. “You can’t do it all,” he admits. “You have to know your limits and build a team that complements your strengths.”

Noel’s experiences have also shaped his approach to giving back. He’s learned the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing sustainability. “In the past, I gave away so much product because I was excited to share it,” he reflects. “But now I know—if you’re not making money, you’re not building a legacy.”

The Future of NG Distillery


Looking ahead, Noel has big plans for NG Distillery. In addition to reopening his facility, he’s focused on expanding his reach. “We’re looking to partner with Black-owned distributors and get our products into more retail locations,” he reveals. “It’s about building a footprint that starts at home and grows outward.”

Part of that expansion includes engaging with consumers on a deeper level. “I want people to understand the craft behind what we do,” Noel says. “It’s not just about selling a product—it’s about creating a connection.”

Noel’s ultimate goal is to elevate Black- and Latino-owned spirits to the same level of recognition as their mainstream counterparts. “We deserve to be on those top shelves,” he asserts. “And not just as a novelty, but as a standard of quality.”

Give Him a Shot


As Noel moves forward, he carries a message of resilience and community. He’s not asking for charity; he’s asking for a chance—a shot to prove that Black- and Latino-owned brands deserve a place on top shelves and in the hearts of consumers.

“Our spirits can compete with the best,” he declares with quiet confidence. “All I’m asking is for people to give us that first shot. After that, the flavor speaks for itself.”

Noel's NG Distillery offers a bottle for every taste, from NG Rum and NG Vodka to agave spirits like NG Blanco and NG Reposado. Crafted in the U.S., these spirits are designed for responsible enjoyment, showcasing Garcia’s dedication to quality and innovation. Each bottle reflects his commitment to blending tradition with modern craftsmanship, ensuring there’s something for every occasion.

But Noel’s journey wasn’t just driven by passion—it was built on the foundation of an engineer’s mind and an entrepreneur’s heart. Before NG Distillery, he spent years meticulously perfecting systems, refining processes, and learning the intricacies of what makes a product stand out. He brings that same precision to his distillery, treating each batch as an opportunity to innovate and excel.

For Noel, distilling is about more than crafting exceptional spirits—it’s about creating an experience. It’s a reflection of his life’s work and his desire to pave the way for others who have long been overlooked in the industry. His dedication to the community, his ambition to make a mark, and his passion for connecting people to something new all fuel his vision.

“The engineering aspect, the scientific principles behind the distillation process—it’s all part of the challenge,” Noel says, his passion igniting as he speaks. “But more than that, it’s about creating a product that people feel connected to, something that speaks to the culture, the roots, and the resilience of our communities.”

Photo Credit:
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

About Author:

Tags

Comments

Advertisement
Subscribe
Join our newsletter to stay up to date.
By subscribing you provide consent to receive updates from us.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.