Dirty Water Distillery and LlamaNama Beer Labs

Over the past few years, Plymouth, Massachusetts has become a craft libation destination. It all began with the Plymouth Bay Winery which has had to put up with a superb waterfront view for over 20 years and has flourished under ownership by Michael Carr during the past several years. The craft beer movement began in town with the ever-popular Mayflower Brewing Company. Since then, the 1620 Winery, Independent Fermentations brewery, and Second Wind Brewing Company have joined the fray. Along with them is the Dirty Water Distillery. Recently the distillery has expanded to include the Dirty Water Distillery and LlamaNama Beer Labs under one roof.   

Dirty Water Distillery

Plymouth’s craft liquor movement is rounded out by Dirty Water Distillery. Ironically, the freshwater source, Town Brook, which encouraged the Pilgrims to call this spot their new home, runs right behind it. After the industry that utilized the waterpower of the Town Brook during much of Plymouth’s formative years, it’s no wonder why the moniker of “dirty water” was chosen! 

Dirty Water is always concocting new tasty treats. They are best known for Velnias which is a Krupnikas, or a Lithuanian Honey Liqueur. Ultimately, it’s utterly delicious, which can be deceiving for something so potent. It’s the right amount of sweet and cinnamon. They feature a line of vodkas, many of which are not typical flavors, from horseradish to bacon, clementine to green tea. They also distill rum, whiskey (one in collaboration with Indie Ferm), and gin. Free tastings and cocktails are available during business hours. Recently they began canning craft cocktails and adding other products such as their Limoncello to their offerings. 

Their liquor is not sugared down; they use quality, local ingredients. As employee Angela Ahlstedt says, the staff is a “dedicated team of people who care about the company, product, and believe in each other, and oh, the whiskey is so good!” Dirty Water opened in 2013. Of note is that on the south side of Town Brook in the 1700s was a rum distillery.   

LlamaNama Beer Labs

Recently, Dirty Water expanded its space. They took over the empty business next door and are using it as the location for their brewery brand, LlamaNama Beer Labs. During my visit, I tried a flight of four different beers: the Kolsch, New England IPA, the Strong Ale, and Coffee Stout. I enjoyed them all! The Strong Ale is delicious! The only one of this type I recall having before is Mayflower’s Thanksgiving Ale (which is an annual tradition in my house). Just like Mayflower, LlamaNama’s Strong Ale was a strength of theirs as well. Pick your favorite style, LlamaNama’s take on all of them is well done.

Since LlamaNama is in its infancy, I’m excited to see their growth. They are already growing rapidly and hosting events such as a mug paint night. The interior design of the distillery and brewery is beautiful. Their location is presumably in an old garage bay of some sort. To enter, walk through the imposing wrought iron gate emblazoned with the logo of Dirty Water.  In warmer weather, the garage door slides up for an alfresco-esque experience. 

Two Craft Libation Destinations Under One Roof

The Dirty Water Distillery and LlamaNama Beer Labs make a perfect libation destination under one roof. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail or a craft beer, this is one-stop sipping. The staff will make you feel like family and are more than happy to offer tastes of liquor selection and splendid conversation over a pint of LlamaNama beer. Upon moving to Plymouth in 2014, I walked by Dirty Water’s iconic iron gate and was intrigued. With further investigation (see: Google), I realized, this isn’t just a cool gate, it’s a distillery! During these early days, the distillery was open sporadically but from my first visit to my latest, the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, with friendly, easy conversation. 

Visitor Info

The Dirty Water Distillery and LlamaNama Beer Labs are located at 10 Water Street in downtown Plymouth, Massachusetts, right around the corner from the iconic Plymouth Rock. Just enough out of the way, there are no parking concerns. Do yourself a favor the next time you’re in Plymouth and seek out this distillery and brewery. It’s a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink before a meal at one of a number of Plymouth’s exquisite eating establishments. Between this, Second Wind, Plymouth Bay Winery, and the 1620 Wine Bar, Plymouth’s beverage trail has spots downtown that are easily walkable for those visitors staying in town without having to hop back in the car.