WINEMAG.COM | 494O under 4O I 2019
Leslie Merinoff, 32
Cofounder/Co-Distiller, Matchbook Distilling Co.;
Partner/Bartender, The Lin Beach House/Days
Like These • Greenport, NY
Making it personal
Years of work with big-name liquor brands gave Merinoff
insight into just how few craft spirits make their way to
the American market. In the summer of 2018, she decided
to change that. Merinoff lobbied for New York State
Assembly Bill A10128A, which, aft er its passage into law,
allowed New York State distilleries to create spirits for
private, un licensed individuals. She then cofounded Long
Island-based Matchbook Distilling Co., a commission-
based bespoke distillery and incubator that allows anyone
to create small-batch spirits. Merinoff also bartends at
Days Like These, the bar located inside a hotel where she
has part ownership, and is currently a board member at
Brooklyn-based Brownsville Community Culinary Center.