Lazy Eye Distillery – Wildwood

Lazy Eye Distillery: A Taste of Greek Tradition in Southern New Jersey

For the adventurous palate seeking unique and award-winning craft spirits, Lazy Eye Distillery offers a captivating journey into family tradition and expertly crafted libations. Since opening their doors on November 1st, 2014, Lazy Eye has quickly become one of New Jersey’s most acclaimed distilleries, recognized as “New Jersey Distillery of the Year” multiple times at the New York International Spirits Competition and boasting over a dozen international medals.

The heart of Lazy Eye lies in its deep family roots, with owners Carol and Nick Kafkalas drawing upon generations of distilling heritage from Greece. Their passion for Rakii, a traditional Greek spirit, has fueled their commitment to producing authentic, small-batch, gluten-free spirits distilled primarily from grapes.

Key Features for the Discerning Enthusiast:

• Award-Winning & Gluten-Free Spirits: Lazy Eye is celebrated for its flagship Lazy Eye Vodka, a smooth and meticulously crafted spirit that has garnered gold medals internationally. Beyond vodka, they produce unique offerings like Rakii (Tsipouro), a traditional Greek spirit (the first of its kind legally produced in the US!), and Rakii with Anise. All their spirits are gluten-free, appealing to a wider range of connoisseurs.
• Unique Barrel-Aged Expressions: Pushing the boundaries of traditional distilling, Lazy Eye offers intriguing Barrel-Aged Vodka and Barrel-Aged Rakii. These expressions introduce complex oaky and nuanced flavors to their already distinctive spirits, drawing in both vodka and brown spirit aficionados.
• Family-Owned & Operated: The distillery embodies a true family affair. You’ll often find Carol and Nick, along with their sons Anthony and Nicholas (who also serves as Master Distiller at the Wildwood location), on-site, sharing their passion and the story behind their craft. This personal touch creates a welcoming and engaging experience.
• “Small Batch” Experience: Lazy Eye emphasizes quality over quantity, distilling in micro-batches using small pot stills. This dedication to traditional methods ensures a genuine taste and a personalized experience for visitors during tours and tastings.
• Two Welcoming Locations:
  • Richland (Buena Vista Township): Their primary year-round location offers tours and tastings on Saturday afternoons, providing an intimate look into their production process.
  • Wildwood: A seasonal location in Wildwood provides another opportunity to experience their spirits, particularly popular during the warmer months.
• Hand-Crafted Cocktails: Beyond tastings, their taprooms often feature a selection of hand-crafted cocktails, showcasing the versatility of their spirits. Don’t miss their signature “Lazy Eye Special,” a beloved citrus vodka cocktail.
• Commitment to Quality & Tradition: Lazy Eye takes pride in reviving the art of distilling in New Jersey since Prohibition, blending traditional Greek methods with modern craft distilling techniques to ensure exceptional smoothness and character in every bottle.

Regular Events:

While specific recurring weekly events may vary, Lazy Eye Distillery often hosts:

• Tours and Tastings: These are a regular feature, especially on Saturday afternoons at their Richland location, offering an educational and enjoyable way to sample their portfolio and learn about their process. Reservations are recommended for a personalized experience.
• Special Release Events: Keep an eye out for announcements regarding new spirit releases, as these are often celebrated with special tasting opportunities.
• Community and Seasonal Events: They may participate in local festivals or host events that tie into the seasonal calendar, often announced on their social media channels.

Website:

For the most up-to-date information on their spirits, hours, events, and locations, visit their official website: https://www.lazyeyedistillery.net/