Bellemara Distillery

Bellemara Distillery: A Farm-to-Glass Experience in Hillsborough, NJ

For the discerning craft liquor enthusiast seeking a truly unique and intentional spirits experience, Bellemara Distillery in Hillsborough, New Jersey, stands as a beacon of artisanal craftsmanship. Opened in late October 2022, Bellemara distinguishes itself as Somerset County’s first operating distillery, residing on the picturesque 19-acre Carriage Farm, sharing the historic space with Flounder Brewing Co.

Founded by former Naval Officer and Head Distiller Camden Winkelstein and his wife Christina Lee, Bellemara’s approach is rooted in a deep respect for the science and traditions of distilling, particularly single malt whisky, blended with innovative American techniques. The word “Bellemara” itself, roughly translating to “beauty of the sea,” reflects Camden’s time in the Navy and his desire to capture the serene complexity found in the ocean’s depths in their spirits.

Key Features that Define Bellemara’s Craft:

• Grain-to-Glass Philosophy: Bellemara is unwavering in its commitment to controlling every aspect of production. From mashing and fermenting to distilling, maturing, and bottling, the entire process is meticulously carried out on-site, ensuring unparalleled quality and a truly distinctive spirit.
• Single Malt Focus: While they explore various spirits, their core dedication lies in single malt. They craft their spirits primarily from 100% malted barley, offering expressions like their unaged Single Malt Spirit, and their highly anticipated American Single Malt Whisky.
• Unique Gin and Aquavit Offerings: Beyond whisky, Bellemara showcases its creativity with exceptional gins, including their Single Malt Gin (double-distilled from malted barley and vapor infused) and a tropical variant, as well as a Single Malt Aquavit, which plays on the Scandinavian spirit with a peated malt base and unique botanicals.
• Traditional Scottish & American Innovation: Head Distiller Camden Winkelstein spent time in Scotland studying traditional whisky-making, and he masterfully blends these time-honored techniques with American distilling and aging methods, often using new barrels to create new and flavorful profiles.
• Picturesque Farm Setting: Located on the historic Carriage Farm, the distillery boasts a modern, elegant barn with clean lines, offering a beautiful backdrop for a tasting experience. Guests can enjoy their spirits indoors or on the sunny outdoor patio (weather permitting).
• Inviting Tasting Room & Lounge: The tasting room offers a comfortable and engaging space to sample their spirits and expertly crafted cocktails. An upstairs cocktail lounge overlooks the distillery, providing a unique vantage point to appreciate the operation.
• Bring Your Own Food: While Bellemara does not have a kitchen, guests are welcome to bring their own food or order in, allowing for a personalized and relaxed experience.
• Knowledge-Sharing & Appreciation: Bellemara is passionate about helping enthusiasts understand and savor their spirits. They aim to provide knowledge that empowers guests to make informed decisions and truly explore the world of liquor.

Regular Events to Savor:

Bellemara Distillery offers a consistent schedule of events to keep enthusiasts engaged:

• Trivia Thursdays: A popular weekly event, Trivia runs every Thursday night from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the lounge. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gather friends, enjoy cocktails, test your knowledge, and win prizes. Reservations are highly recommended.
• Distillery Club Nights: While specific dates may vary, they periodically host “Distillery Club Night” events, offering a special experience for dedicated patrons.
• Occasional Distillery Tours and Tastings: While regularly scheduled tours may pause at certain times of the year, they do offer behind-the-scenes tours to learn about their grain-to-glass process, often concluding with a guided tasting of their spirits. It’s always best to check their website or contact them for availability.
• Food Truck Schedule: Bellemara frequently partners with local food trucks, offering a rotating selection of culinary delights to pair with their spirits. Check their website for the most up-to-date food truck schedule.

Website:

To explore their current spirit offerings, cocktail menu, event calendar, and to make reservations, visit their official website: https://www.bellemaradistillery.com/