The East Coast sees no shortage of high-quality craft distilleries these days. While it might be a spirit connoisseur’s paradise, it’s also incredibly difficult to know where to begin. Whether you’re looking for the next stop on your distillery list, the best destination for cocktails, or just a local bottle to bring home, our list will get you to your goal. What are the best distilleries in New Jersey? What are some craft distilleries in Jersey to try out this year? Read on.
Independent Spirits Distillery
The first distillery in Gloucester County, Independent Spirits Distillery is a family-owned and operated craft distillery on ten acres of farmland in Woolwich Township, NJ. They’re the definition of a grain-to-glass distillery. You won’t find an ingredient in their spirits that is not grown locally. Good luck snagging a bottle of their Apple Pie Moonshine off the shelves, made with local apples baked in cinnamon and sugar. We suggest upon your visit sipping on their “Jersey Mule,” a layering of your choice of spirit, Jamaican Ginger Beer, and a squeeze of lime. Visit their distillery for a handcrafted cocktail, a bonfire in the backyard, or host a private event in their Cocktail Room.
Pine Tavern Distillery
What was a horse barn in 2005 became a family-owned and operated craft distillery in 2016. Pine Tavern Distillery in Monroeville, NJ crafts “bold, smooth, and unique” spirits primarily from ingredients foraged from their own farm. We recommend accompanying your visit with a glass of Fenwick’s New Salem Single Barrel Bourbon, a 12-month aged traditional bourbon with “a complex sweet corn taste, with a vanilla, caramel oak finish.” Visit their farm for delicious cocktails, tours, live music, and even enjoy a hand-rolled cigar.
Striped Lion Distilling
Striped Lion Distilling is a small batch distillery in Woodbury, NJ, specializing in rum distilled from organic molasses. After spending 14+ years collecting rum and learning about the rum-making process, collectors became creators. They continue to experiment with their rum and natural flavors such as cocoa, citrus, and cinnamon. Kick back in their cocktail lounge with a Coco Cannelle, “a fancied-up cocoa” finished with Cinnamon Rum and milk, served hot. Their distillery is 100% black-owned and majority woman-owned. Make your reservations today.
Mission Spirits Distillery
Mission Spirits is an artisan, small-batch spirits distillery. They produce and bottle hand-crafted spirits made from their proprietary fermentation, distillation and aging processes. Using a practice called ‘technique blending’, they modify and employ a variety of different techniques, new and old, to create original flavors. One of their many fans on Open Table says, “Mission spirits was a refreshing experience. The ambience was amazing, the craft cocktails were unlike anything I ever experienced and the staff were so welcoming and generous.” Be sure to experience their unique spirits for yourself!
Best Distilleries on the East Coast
Ready to try them all? The Two Bridges Wine, Beer, & Spirits Trail is a collective of Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries in Southern New Jersey located between the Delaware Memorial Bridges and Ben Franklin Bridge. We take you on a tour through the depth and range of craft beverages being produced in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware area. Stay overnight and enjoy a variety of art, music, festivals, entertainment, and amazing food. Plan your tour today.
