Good Spirits: 2022 Edible Jersey Distillery & Cidery Guide
It’s been nearly a decade since distillers were allowed to operate again in NJ, for the first time since Prohibition. As the number of distillers has grown so have the quality of the offerings. New Jersey is now home to world-class handcrafted vodkas, rums, gins, whiskies, hard ciders and other spirits, often crafted from locally grown ingredients. Here are a few recommendations where you can enjoy a taste.
BLUE RASCAL DISTILLERY | Located in the heart of blueberry country in Hammonton, Blue Rascal uses blueberry varieties and other ingredients grown by surrounding farms to bring a nuanced flavor to their hand-crafted brandies, vodka and liqueurs. 8 West End Ave., Hammonton. bluerascaldistillery.com. 609.878.3578
CIDERHOUSE at IRONBOUND FARM | Using 100% fresh-pressed apples, botanicals, and other infusions from their regenerative farm and a network of local growers, Ironbound produces well-balanced ciders, seltzers, wines, and cider cocktails without the use of preservatives, added sugars, or concentrates. All served alongside a seasonal food menu with ingredients sourced from the farm. 360 County Rd. 579, Asbury. ironboundfarm.com. 908.940.4115
INDEPENDENT SPIRITS DISTILLERY | This family-owned grain to glass distillery is tucked away on a ten acre farm in Southern NJ, located moments from the Turnpike and I-295, where they proudly handcraft spirits from local grains. Open Fri. 4-8pm, Sat. 2-7pm, Sun. 1-5pm. 131 Davidson Rd., Woolwich Township. 609.202.5458. isdistillery.com
LAIRD & COMPANY | Laird & Company has been producing apple distillate perfection for over 200 years. Flowing from Monmouth County since 1780, Laird’s Applejack is as rich in flavor as it is in history, gracing the flasks of George Washington and revolutionary troops alike. 1 Laird Rd., Scobeyville. lairdandcompany.com. 732.542.0312
NAUTI SPIRITS | This coastal farm to bottle distillery is located on 60-acres between the Atlantic Ocean and the Delaware Bay, Nauti Spirits Distillery offers artisan spirits, handcrafted from ingredients harvested from area farms. Enjoy innovative cocktails, using fresh ingredients, created onsite. The facility features a tour, tasting room and bottle shop. 916 Shunpike Rd., Cape May. nautispirits.com. 609.770.3381
