Mission Spirits Distillery is located in Millville on Buck Street. It is an interesting, upscale venue, with seating at the bar, in the lounge, and outdoors. Though the venue is rather small, the interior design and ambience give you the feeling you traveled back in time, an attractive oasis, where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Though the only spirit they make is rum, they offer three different styles, listed below, in addition to a fine array of rum-based cocktails. The folks here specialize in handcrafted, small batch rum, using local ingredients whenever possible.
Our Tasting
I love that our samples were served on a silver platter (literally) and in appropriate glassware. No plastic shot glasses here! I also liked that you are served water and a container with small ice cubes and tongs to add to your glass, if you so desired. Our server wisely suggested a small sip, first, before adding any ice and further suggested the White Rum and Heretic Rum would benefit the most from the ice. We got to taste each of the three versions of Rum. My first sip of each revealed a rum less sweet than anticipated. Most rums I have tried over the years, have had a potent sweetness from sugar cane or molasses. In our samples, the sweetness was much more subtle-more nuanced and more complex. Mission Spirits never utilizes additives, flavor enhancers, or filler products. Their water source is from the Kirkwood Cohansey aquifer.
- White Rum (86 proof)-A very smooth and simple rum, that is the most “neutral” of the three, yet very tasty, making it a natural component for so many of their cocktails. It won the Best of Class White Rum at the New York World Spirits Competition in 2022. Quite an accomplishment for such a young business!
- Mission Barrel-Rested Dark Rum (90 proof)-a great sipping rum, with the oak imparting another layer of taste and a smoothness, as well. The molasses was smoke aerated, giving it yet another quality. This was my favorite.
- Heretic (118 proof) The higher proof produces the expected heat and definitely benefits from a little ice, allowing a deeper examination and revealing delicious vanilla and toasted oak notes. It was rested briefly on French oak.
The Cocktails
My wife and I decided to try one of their interesting cocktails. I chose the Painkiller-It consisted of White Rum, Coconut, pineapple, orange juice, and a dusting of nutmeg. It was exquisite and definitely tasted like more. I resisted, but vowed to return.
My wife chose the Pink Pearl-White Rum, lemon juice, coconut guava, pineapple, and orange blossom water. We both loved this one as well.
We shall return! Cheers!
My Featured NJ Wine of the Week
This week I chose Turdo Vineyards Turis 2021 Barbera as my featured NJ wine of the week. I have enjoyed their Barberas very much over the years and this vintage is definitely one of their best. It is medium-bodied with rich cherry and vanilla notes.
Interestingly, I had an Italian Barbera from Asti, Piedmont the night before that was on the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list for 2022 (#61). It was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, in my opinion, the Turis Barbera ranks right up there with the Damilano Barbera d’Asti 2020, which was rated “91” by the Wine Spectator.
Unfortunately, the Turis Barbera is sold out, but I was able to snag a few of them this summer. As usual, I wish I had purchased a few more. When you find a great winery that makes a small number of cases, you need to purchase your favorites early and even reserve those that disappear fastest. Their Barbera is definitely one of them. I look forward to their next vintage.
Tried a New Jersey wine (or beer or spirit) lately? Visited a NJ winery (brewery or distillery) recently? Please share your experience here. Like what you read and seen these pages? It couldn’t be easier to scroll down, hit the “Subscribe” button, and get your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess.
