Blue Rascal Distillery

Blue Rascal Distillery: Hammonton’s Spirit of the Pine Barrens

Nestled in the heart of Hammonton, New Jersey – the “Blueberry Capital of the World” – Blue Rascal Distillery offers craft liquor enthusiasts a truly local and flavorful experience. Founded by Curt and Kelly Perone, after construction began in 2013 and enduring pandemic delays, Blue Rascal officially opened its doors to the public in March 2021. Their name itself is a nod to Hammonton’s blueberry heritage, the local high school’s “Blue Devils”, and the infamous “Jersey Devil” of Pine Barrens lore, all captured in their distinctive logo.

Distinguishing Features for the Craft Liquor Enthusiast:

• Farm-to-Bottle Philosophy: Blue Rascal is deeply rooted in its Hammonton location, utilizing locally sourced blueberries and other regional produce to craft their spirits. This commitment to local ingredients truly shines through in their unique offerings.
• Micro-Batch, Handcrafted Spirits: They focus on small-batch production, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and quality in every bottle. Their range includes a diverse selection of spirits and liqueurs, all crafted in-house.
• Award-Winning Offerings: Blue Rascal has quickly gained recognition for its quality. Their Blueberry Brandy (a German-style eau de vie distilled from local blueberries), Gin (aged in new American oak barrels with fresh Hammonton blueberries in the botanical blend), and Coffee Flavored Whiskey have all earned awards.
• Diverse Spirit Portfolio: Beyond their signature blueberry brandy, their evolving list of spirits includes:
  • Vodka (grain-based, smooth and easy drinking)
  • Rye Whiskey
  • Wheat Whiskey
  • Rum (molasses-based with rich notes of raisins, caramel, and raw sugarcane)
  • A line of fruit liqueurs featuring flavors like Blueberry, Raspberry, and Black Cherry.
• Creative Cocktail Menu: Their tasting room staff are “alchemists” when it comes to cocktails, offering a constantly changing menu that highlights their in-house spirits and seasonal ingredients. Expect unique concoctions like their “Blueberry Rascaltini” and innovative takes on classics.
• Inviting Tasting Room & Outdoor Area: Blue Rascal provides a beautiful and welcoming space for guests to sample their spirits and cocktails. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, with the outdoor area being dog-friendly (though dogs are not permitted in the production area).
• Bring Your Own Food (BYOF): While they don’t serve food, guests are encouraged to bring their own meals or order from local Hammonton restaurants to enjoy with their drinks. This allows for a customized experience and supports local eateries.
• Community Hub: Blue Rascal embraces its ties to the Hammonton community, supporting local farmers and businesses, and aiming to be an arts and entertainment destination.

Regular Events for the Enthusiast’s Calendar:

Blue Rascal Distillery actively hosts events to engage the community and enhance the tasting experience:

• Trivia Night: A popular recurring event, typically held on the second and fourth Friday of every month. Reservations are recommended for these lively evenings.
• Live Music: While not on a fixed schedule, they frequently feature local musicians, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere in the tasting room.
• Mixology Classes: Periodically, Blue Rascal offers mixology courses, allowing guests to learn the art of crafting cocktails using their spirits.
• Special Release Parties & Themed Nights: Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements of new spirit releases, seasonal cocktail launches, and special events like “Paint and Sip” nights or even potential “Board Game Nights” and “Singles Nights” in the future.

Website:

To explore their full range of spirits, view their current cocktail menu, check event schedules, and make reservations, visit their official website: https://bluerascaldistillery.com/