I’ve been curious about Bellemara Distillery and Flounder Brewing Company for a long time but we haven’t been that way with some time to visit while they were open — until this weekend on our way back from Snyder’s Farm Food Truck and Music Festival.
Bellemara Distillery
Bellemara Distillery currently sells gin (a standard single malt variety in the London dry style with notes of Juniper and orange and a tropical one, including notes of Juniper and tropical fruit). They also sell a single malt grain spirit, which they described as similar to a vodka.
Their grain currently comes from the tri-state area but they have a goal of eventually shifting to 100% New Jersey grown-and-made products. They offer cocktail classes and also tours with a guided tasting which can be purchased on their website.
I guess it’s no surprise that with their dog friendly patio they have a dog listed on their site as part of their team. With a name like Islay, what’s not to love?! We asked their employee when we could expect to see a whiskey of sorts make an appearance. It sounds like single-malt whiskey that will similar to a bourbon but slightly different is coming in 2024. It sounds like COVID-19 dealt this project some blows in getting up and running but was nice to see it hopping on a Sunday and excited to see what comes with them on their next releases from here.
Bellemara Distillery – 2 Clerico Ln Bldg 5, Hillsborough
Flounder Brewing Company
Just next door to the Bellemara is Flounder Brewing Company, a microbrewery that started as a homebrew project from founder Jeremy Lees. They are most known for their signature Hill Street Honey Ale, an unfiltered American pale ale. The founder attended Rutgers so also has a beer in honor of the team called Scarlet Red. It was first brewed and is served at the Rutgers Club.
Besides having one of the best logos I’ve seen in a while (I almost bought a shirt and I don’t even drink beer) they also have a nice open space, games to play while you’re there and a decent line-up of live music.
Hillsboro Farm Country Market
After our visit to Bellemara Distillery and Flounder Brewing Company we found Hillsboro Farm Country Market, a perfect final stop for our Sunday. The farm which supplies the market has been around since 1867! The market is not always open though – just during the “warmer” months, opening at the end of April through part of December.
They had a great assortment of fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, dairy options and even some gorgeous sunflowers. Highly recommend their coffee cake and blueberry pie ice cream.
219 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, NJ – 908.262.2407
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