New Distillery Coming to Downtown Ballston Spa

BALLSTON SPA — The popular Speckled Pig Brewing Co. is expanding its presence in downtown Ballston Spa with a forthcoming distillery, The Still at Speckled Pig. 

Nestled next door to the brewery at the former site of Jim’s Garage, The Still will feature a modern design, outdoor patio with fire pits, and an interior glass wall revealing liquor-makers and bottlers at work. 

RJ Elliott of Speckled Pig is one of five partners (including Larry Heid, Mary Jo Heid, Randy Elliott, and Kelly Delaney-Elliott) spearheading the project.

“I grew up in the village. My family grew up here,” Elliott said. “The goal has always been to bring cool businesses to the village so that it continues to thrive.”

The Still just acquired its final permit last week and electrical work is underway as the former auto repair shop is transformed into a chic eatery where patrons can toss back glasses of whiskey and bourbon. Despite the redesign, the building will keep its garage doors, which will open up to the front brick-filled patio space.

As for the menu offerings, aside from liquor and cocktails, Elliott said to expect small plates that pair well with the drinks, such as charcuterie boards, salads, and skirt steaks.

If all goes well, Elliott expects the doors to be open and the spirits to be flowing by this summer, just in time for the Speckled Pig’s three-year anniversary on Sept. 23.

“Ideally, we’re open then for a large gathering, bar hopping scene between the two places; a block party type deal,” Elliott said.

The extravaganza would be one of many events (which Elliott said sometimes reel in thousands of people) happening at Speckled Pig, like the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Mar. 15 that will feature green beer and the Albany Pipe Band. Past events have included Oktoberfest shindigs, trivia nights, rooftop yoga, and live music.

One new offering is Speckled Pig’s cocktail club, which will allow members to design a brick on The Still’s patio. Members will also receive a complimentary cocktail of the month and a special invite to an annual cocktail club party.

“We have a lot of great businesses opening up [in Ballston Spa], and more and more people visiting the village,” Elliott said. “The hope is that we add another one to that scene, another bar where people leave the Speckled Pig and go grab a cocktail next door, and then maybe they head to dinner at Next Door Kitchen or Brickyard. There’s plenty of great businesses in the village that all benefit when we pull more people in.”