The Pine Tavern Distillery is located in Monroeville, NJ. It was established in 2016 in a very cool barn that houses the equipment and tasting room. The Pine Tavern Distillery was New Jersey’s first farm distillery and the first legally operating distillery to open in Salem County since Prohibition. This is a family run farm and distillery, utilizing local ingredients from their farm and other nearby sources. Bob Schmid and his stepson, Bill Cox, are the proprietors at this unique South Jersey establishment.
Pine Tavern Distillery produces:
- Muddy Run Jersey Style Rum – 80 proof, made with “a Molasses undertone with hints of vanilla and banana.”
- Muddy Run Jersey Style Vodka – 80 Proof, made with Pinot Grigio grapes, adding a touch a sweetness.
- Fenwick’s New Salem Single Barrel Rye Whiskey – 96 proof, (distilled in Kentucky and aged in Monroeville)
- Fenwick’s New Salem Single Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey – 119 proof, limited edition.
- Muddy Run Jersey Style Honey White – A specialty blend made from corn, malted barley, corn sugar and local honey. Unfortunately this spirit was not available at our tasting. They were sold out. I shall return!
Notes: the Muddy Run name comes from a creek running through their property. The Fenwick name is a tip of the hat to John Fenwick, founder of Salem in 1665.
Just a step outside and you walk into a covered area that serves as a small bar where spirits are served by the glass or mixed competently into some familiar concoctions, like whiskey sours, old fashions, White Russians and High Balls. There were also some wittily renamed favorites (Dirty Coke: A Muddy Run Rum and Coke and Bloody Muddy Mary (you can figure out that one).
A couple of less common drinks included their Tipsy Bee (orange juice, lime juice and Muddy Run Honey White) and Blackberry Whiskey Smash (muddled blackberries and mint with simple syrup and soda water and either Fenwick’s New Salem Rye or Bourbon).
All of this happens under the cover of a roof (helpful last Saturday, with a threat of rain), but open sides all around the bar to take in the farmland that surrounds you. There is a larger covered pavilion, where you can take your drink and bring your own food, if you’d like. You can even have food delivered to your table from Sal’s in Elmer, when there are no food trucks, or the spirit(s) move you. I enjoyed my Pine Tavern Punch (made with their Fenwick’s New Salem Bourbon) along with treats packed by my wife and our friends)…rustic elegance!
EMS Cafe is one of the food trucks that makes appearances at Pine Tavern. As I began this post, I was envious of those who would soon be eating brunch called the Fenwick’s Pancake Brunch from 10:00 – 1:00. EMS Cafe pancakes was voted Top 10 pancakes in NJ. To make them even better you can top them with maple syrup stored in bourbon barrels (I got to taste that, too)!
The Pine Tavern Distillery is only open Friday (6-9PM); Saturday (1-5PM): and Sunday (1-5PM). Check them out. Good spirits. Outside food options. Musical events. Tastings are $12 for a taste of four spirits. You also get a souvenir shot glass and a mini water bottle to help keep you hydrated and cleanse your palate between spirits.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- William Heritage Members Only BBQ
- Bellview Winery’s Summer Concert Series
- Updates on New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine
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