2023 New Jersey Distillery & Cider Guide

September 14, 2023
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(left)Silk City Distillers; (top right)Nauti Spirits; (bottom right)Ciderhouse at Ironbound Farm

It’s been a decade since distillers were allowed to operate again in NJ, for the first time since Prohibition. Since then, the nascent industry has seen an infusion of entrepreneurship from spirits-focused new businesses and farm-based operations. As the number of distillers has grown so have 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.

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

MANOFF MARKET CIDERY | After 35 years of fruit farming, M² Cidery was born in 2018! Located in scenic Bucks County just across the river from NJ, they make 12 cider varieties, including a dry, sparkling cider with no sugar added.

All are matured in wood for 1 year, and many are naturally gluten free. 3157 Comfort Road, New Hope, PA. manoffmarketgardens.com/cidery. 267.293.0814.

RECKLESSTOWN FARM DISTILLERY | Owned and operated by a 12th generation farmer and his family, Recklesstown is dedicated to each step in the craft distillation process from seed selection to the creation of premium spirits. True to their agrarian roots, cocktails feature seasonal, fresh ingredients. 2800 Rt. 206, Columbus. facebook.com/recklesstownfarmdistillery. 609.784.8046.

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

SILK CITY DISTILLERS | They use locally sourced NJ grains. Everything is handcrafted on-site; they mash, ferment, distill, age, bottle, and label at their distillery in Clift on, NJ. Founded on a shared love for American whiskies, Silk City’s vision is to push the limits of traditional whiskey styles, utilizing novel techniques, unique grains, and an obsessive focus on quality. 321 River Rd., Unit 5, Clift on. silkcitydistillers.com