New Jersey is known for its stunning beaches, untouched nature, alluring casinos, and entertaining boardwalks. The Garden Estate has also seen a rapid growth of craft distilleries these days, reflecting the deep history and distinctive culture of the East Coast region. The New Jersey distillery scene is a vibrant craft paradise waiting to be discovered. It’s especially inviting if you appreciate fine spirits or love embarking on thrilling adventures.

To make your journey even more exciting, here are some of the top craft New Jersey distillery experiences that you should check out when you visit. 

Independent Spirits Distillery

This family-owned and operated craft distillery is the first establishment in Gloucester County. The grain-to-grass distillery uses locally grown ingredients to make some of the most delicious and inebriating spirits you could ever find anywhere. Visit Independent Spirits for a private tour of the facility and a tasting experience in their Cocktail Room. Upon your visit, try a bottle of their Apple Pie Moonshine, crafted with local apples, sugar, and cinnamon. If traveling with a group or family, lit a bonfire in the backyard and have a fun night while sipping on their “Jersey Mule.”

Asbury Park Distilling

Asbury Park is the first distillery to open in New Jersey since the Prohibition. The facility has been shaking up the downtown business district since opening, specializing in hand-crafted gin and vodka. They pride themselves in their small-batch production methods and use only house-made bitters, tinctures, and tonics in their creative cocktails. If you love exploring unique flavors and appreciate artisanal spirits, a tour of the distillery is a unique treat for your taste buds. Asbury Park’s tours offer great opportunities to see firsthand how their spirits are made and learn off-record secrets about the distillation process. Stop at their homely tasting room, sample their spirits, and put aside a bottle to take home. 

Cape May Distillery

Founded in 2015 by two college buddies, this distillery is an icon in its coastal location, hard to miss. It leverages locally sourced ingredients to churn out award-winning renditions of vodka, whiskey, gin, and more. While Cape May is known for its chain of whiskey bottles, its specialty is rum with flavors such as toasted coconut, blueberry, banana, and strawberry. A visit to the distillery is an opportunity to discover the art of distilling while immersing yourself in the captivating beauty of Cape May. Gain insights into the air and science behind the distilling, from sourcing and selecting the ingredients to the distilling and aging process. Overall, the distillery offers an eclectic experience for vacationers interested in spirits, local craftsmanship, and sustainable practices. 

Pine Tavern Distillery

What was once a horse barn has transformed into one of the most notable distilleries in New Jersey. Founded in 2005, Pine Tavern Distillery churns out bold, smooth, and unique spirits from ingredients sourced from their own farm. Visit the facility for delicious cocktails, tours, live music, and a taste of hand-rolled cigars. While at it, make sure you get to enjoy a glass of their 12-month-old traditional bourbon dubbed “Fenwick’s New Salem Single Barrel Bourbon.” After the tour and tasting, make a stop at the distillery store, where you will find an array of spirits to take home as gifts.

Jersey Spirits

Located in Fairfield, Jersey Spirits is an award-winning distillery with a rich catalog of spirits. Their main specialty includes vodka, white whiskey, rum, bourbon, and a line of flavored “hooch” best for mixed cocktails. The completely small batch facility offers fun tours and staying room experiences. Learn how spirits are made and enjoy your favorite drink. Since it is a working facility, there is a chance a huge chunk of their processes could be going on when you stop by. 

Striped Lion Distilling

Nestled in Woodbury, NJ, Striped Lion Distilling is a small batch facility specializing in rum distilled from organic molasses. Striped Lion has an interesting history. Their founders Kevin and Erin Wright, were initially dedicated collectors who spent years collecting rum and learning about the rum-making process. At some point, the married rum couple took up the challenge, and the result was an iconic distillery experimenting with rum and natural flavors like cocoa, citrus, and cinnamon. Whether you are a rum lover, rum novice, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the distillery is a great chance to witness the actual distillation process and learn about the different types of stills. Conclude the tour at their welcoming tasting room and enjoy their fancied Coco Cannelle drink.

Mission Spirits Distillery

This artisan, small-batch spirits distillery churns out an impressive line of hand-crafted spirits from their proprietary fermentation, distillation, and aging processes. Mission Spirits leverage a process called “technique blending” that combines a variety of diverse crafting techniques, both new and old, to deliver original flavors. During your tour, experienced guides will help you appreciate the nuances in flavor, aroma, and texture of different spirits. You will also learn each spirit’s history, production techniques, and unique features that make them popular. Make a stop at their bottling area to have a glimpse of their bottling process and witness the final stages of production, including labeling, corking, and packaging. Conclude the tour with a tasting session, where you can sample a variety of spirits produced by the distillery.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Jersey Distillery Scene

How many craft distilleries are in New Jersey?

No doubt, New Jersey is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the booze business. Today, NJ is home to 30 distilleries making everything from rice vodka to rum.

What should I wear on a New Jersey distillery tour?

The ideal clothing to visit the distillery is casual and comfortable. Many distilleries disallow profane or vulgar attire. Keep in mind distilleries can be extremely hot during spring and summer.

What is a whiskey taster called?

The common name for a whiskey taster is whiskey sommelier. This is a trained professional who ensures your whiskey is delicious enough to meet your expectations. 

What are the popular ways to serve whiskey, especially when visiting New Jersey distillery locations?

There are five most popular ways to serve whiskey:

• Neat
• With cold water
• On the rocks
• Chilled with whiskey stones
• Served in cocktails. 

New Jersey is home to dozens of craft distilleries bringing something new, creative, and unique to the craft liquor industry. Each distillery offers unique group tours, tastings, and events showcasing unmatched craftsmanship and artisanal production. 

Distillery Nearby is Your New Jersey Distillery Passport & Beyond

At Distillery Nearby, our intuitive directory organizes distilleries by state, making it a breeze to plan your next adventure. Discover the finest distilleries nationwide and peruse their unique offerings before embarking on your tour. Uncover the hidden gems of nearby distilleries, ensuring your journey is filled with unforgettable experiences.