Cape May Distillery is located on South Delsea Drive (Route 47) in Cape May Court House. The exterior of the building is unassuming without a suggestion of what lies in store inside. The interior is deceptively larger than you might think and elegantly designed, with a bit of a Roaring 20″s/Speakeasy look and feeling. This is a really cool place to have a drink.
The mandatory two-minute tour (actually only takes about 10 seconds) is done with a photo of the process of distilling. This is followed by a free taste of each of the 80 proof spirits they produce (listed below):
- Beach Rum (white rum, a smooth 80 proof, with subtle blending)
- Barrel Rum (white rum, a very smooth 80 Proof; my personal favorite here)
- Blueberry Rum (flavored with Hammonton blueberries). Surprisingly good. Try it with their lemonade.
- Toasted Coconut Rum (coconut toasted in butter and aged in barrels)
- Prohibition Gin-Their gin does not have the traditional juniper berry smell or taste, but it is smooth and very tasty.
- Back Bay Straight Bourbon Whiskey (“Baby Bourbon”) This is good enough to drink neat or on-the-rocks. No need to camouflage or water down.
Note: Their website also mentions a Double-Barrel Honey that is made with whiskey and honey (but is also 80 proof). I’d like to taste that one!
From these spirits they offer a number of classic and signature drinks (listed above in the photo). After the tasting we each picked one of these. My wife chose their Old Fashion (made with their Baby Bourbon, aged for two years). Though it was a tad sweeter than she expected, she would not let me help her finish it. I loved my Mojito, which was made without the traditional simple syrup. Despite this change in the recipe, it looked, smelled and tasted like a traditional Mojito. It was made with their Barrel Rum. I must say, the only Mojito I have enjoyed as much is served at Cuba Libre in Philly and Atlantic City.
Cape May Distillery has a room they rent for parties and special events. Again they highlight the speakeasy theme. A secondary theme is the lighthouse. They have a few unique beverage dispensers shaped like lighthouses. I’d love to take home one of those (preferably filled with one of their spirits or concoctions)! The lighthouses are also a theme of their hats and attire that are for sale near the entrance.
Judging by the number of fine establishments in the area that sell their products (listed on their website) Cape May Distillery appears to be making a big splash in this seaside area. I plan on returning soon.
Cape May Distillery is open Thursdays through Sundays from 12-6 PM. Check their website, as they also have special events and live music on occasion.
Coming Attractions
- Cross Keys Brewing Co. I didn’t forget about you. Sometimes you gotta go with the flow…
- So you want to write a book? (sharing my first steps toward writing my first book, including some pitfalls to avoid).
Tried a New Jersey wine (or beer or spirit) lately? Visited a NJ winery (brewery or distillery) recently? Share your experience here. Like what you read and see here? Consider subscribing and getting your weekly pour right in your inbox.
