This past weekend, Sourland Mountain Spirits (located on Rt. 518 in Hopewell, NJ) opened their new Distillery Store and Tasting Room. I was able to attend their open house on May 19th, and to stop by again this weekend during their first week of regular operating hours. The tasting room is a welcome addition to one of the best distilleries in the area. It is literally an addition – new construction adjacent to the barn that has housed the distillery since operations began.
My first visit to Sourland Mountain Spirits was on March 18th, 2017, the second weekend that they were open. At the time, they had a vodka and a gin (both were excellent) available, and a rum in the works.
Their current product line includes those three flagship products, accompanied by a barrel aged gin, a spiced rum, and an apple brandy, distilled from locally sourced apple cider. All of their products are outstanding, and all are made with locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. This is in keeping with founder Ray Disch’s mission to be part of the community.
They are preparing to bottle their second batch of Bourbon. Batch #1 was outstanding, and sold out quickly; batch #2 is even better. I was able to taste both before they were released. I have a bottle of #1 in my collection, and am looking forward to adding a bottle of #2 when it is available.
The distillery, Troon Brewing, and Brick Farm Tavern, a farm to table restaurant, are all located on Double Brook Farm, at the foot of the Sourland Mountain Preserve. All share a common vision of being part of the community, and eating and drinking locally.
Prior to the tasting room, tours were given on Saturdays only. Tastings were conducted at the bar of the Brick Farm Tavern, located steps away on the same property. Tours are now available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, on the hour. They can be booked ahead at https://www.sourlandspirits.com/visit
The Distillery Store and Tasting Room is open Thursday and Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Tastings are available, as well as cocktails, bottle sales, and merchandise.
Upstairs from the newly constructed tasting room, with a separate entrance, is a community room. It is available free of charge to qualified non-profits (reservation required). This is another part of founder Ray Disch’s mission to be part of, and give back to, the community. It is also available to businesses or private events for a fee. The room can be booked by contacting the distillery.
If you’re looking to have an enjoyable afternoon, sip a cocktail or two, purchase some quality, small-batch local spirits, and support the community, stop by Sourland Mountain Spirits.