Top Craft Breweries and Distilleries in New Jersey You Need to Visit

The state of New Jersey has plenty to offer in terms of activities and things to do for the entire family. But for those who would like to have a different kind of fun, New Jersey’s got you covered, too! New Jersey has always been a state rich in history and culture, but it is also home to a thriving craft beverage scene that perfectly balances innovation with old-world tradition. From artisanal breweries crafting unique, small-batch beers to distilleries reviving time-honored methods for spirits, the Garden State offers something for every palate and preference. Whether you're an eager beer aficionado raring to explore hazy IPAs, stouts, and sours or a liquor enthusiast seeking the best of the best in handcrafted whiskeys, gins, rums, and vodkas, New Jersey's craft producers are continuously delivering exceptional quality and creativity.

In recent years, New Jersey’s craft beverage industry has greatly flourished, with breweries and distilleries popping up in big cities like Newark and Jersey City, charming small towns, and even along scenic coastal routes like the famous Jersey Shore. Each location brings its distinct flavor, often incorporating locally sourced ingredients to highlight the state’s cultural and agricultural richness. Many of these establishments have actually become wonderful community hubs, and they even offer tasting rooms, guided tours, and special events that invite visitors to immerse themselves in the whole craft process and experience. With this guide, we will showcase some of New Jersey’s standout breweries and distilleries and highlight their dedication to craftsmanship and passion for pushing the boundaries of flavor and taste. So whether you're a local or a visitor, get ready to sip the beers, savor the spirits, and celebrate the best that New Jersey’s craft beverage scene has to offer. Let’s dive right in!

The top five craft breweries in New Jersey

1. Cape May Brewing Company

Cape May Brewing Company, located in Lower Township, takes the top spot on our list – and it’s no wonder Cape May Brewing Company stands out when it’s got years of superior craftsmanship under its belt. What started in the summer of 2011 quickly grew into one of the best IPAs in the region (hurray for Cape May IPA), marked by flavorful and balanced lagers and ales that draw visitors from all over. Now, its beers are distributed all across New Jersey, and they have even gone across the border into Pennsylvania and Delaware. Its beers are available in an array of restaurants, bars, liquor shops, and it can be found in cans and draft form. But Cape May Brewing Company has its own Tasting Room accompanied, of course, by an expansive and warm beer garden. Some must-tries include the Root Beer Float beer. Cape May Brewing Company’s beer garden is pet-friendly, too!

2. Beach Haus Brewery

Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar is dedicated to all beer lovers out there – and it’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy the drinks, and take in the sights and sounds. The place is brimming with great beers and the crowd is chill. What more could you ask for? There’s also plenty of seating, from picnic tables to the bar and the rooftop, and you can find your seat and settle in and down a few pints. The food is good as well – especially when it comes to the charcuterie board! But the star of the food show is the Bavarian pretzel, so don’t forget to try it; it complements the beer perfectly.

3. Cold Spring Brewery

In the early part of 2014, Cold Spring Brewery, also in Lower Township, was born – and the owners haven’t looked back since. Instead, they strived to bring beer perfection, and the resulting ales, pilsens, and lagers were the most refreshing and delicious-tasting ever brewed in the community. Cold Spring Brewery’s architecture is second only to its beer prowess, as it stands on historical grounds with a reconstructed barn amid a memorable and rustic ambiance. The whole place exudes warmth and coziness, and you should try the four styles of beer – they are highly recommended, especially the Finley Forge and the Dennisville Inn porter. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and there are even some yard games to enjoy. Here’s a tip: if you visit on a Saturday afternoon and evening, there will be live music!

4. Carton Brewing Company

The Carton Brewing Company in the Atlantic Highlands is a definite charmer, and it hosts brewery tours every Wednesday to Sunday. Even though the brewing company is housed in a seemingly nondescript building, don’t be fooled, because once you step inside, you will be transported into a nostalgic brewery with all the fantastic beer you could ever want (there is beer tasting on the top floor). The food offerings are also superb, but the definite beer must-try is the banana cream pie beer – it’s absolutely divine. The Carton Brewing Company comes up with new releases on a regular basis, so if you are feeling adventurous, give it a try. But many patrons’ favorite is the coffee-infused imperial ale, so save room for this fantastic brew.

5. Flying Fish Brewing Company

Flying Fish Brewing Company is in the town of Somerdale, and it was founded as far back as 1995 by Gene Muller – in fact, it has the distinction of being the world’s first virtual microbrewery! Since then, Flying Fish Brewing Company has slowly made a name for itself for its sustainable brewery and of course, its delicious beer offerings. The tasting room is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and guests and visitors can taste its core beers as well as its barrel-aged beers, which is an experience in itself. Stop by on trivia night, which makes any visit a lot more fun. Top recommendations include the Jersey Juice and the sours. Note that the Flying Fish Brewing Company doesn’t serve food, so you might want to fill up before visiting. In 2023, it was acquired by Cape May Brewing Company as well, so you can expect great things ahead!

The top distilleries in New Jersey

1. Asbury Park Distilling Company

Asbury Park Distilling Company began in 2017 in the town of the same name, and while it’s not the oldest on the list, it has secured its spot as the number one distillery in New Jersey. It was actually the first distillery located downtown, which quickly attracted some loyal patrons – especially when you factor in the award-winning creations of whiskey, gin, vodka, and more known to man. There is a modern tasting room, naturally, and you can even see the copper still – and the best part is, you can choose from a selection of almost 20 craft cocktails! Some highly-recommended mixes include herbal wines, limoncello with an infusion of coffee beans, and a selection of syrups, tinctures, and tonics, which are all created by Asbury Park Distilling Company’s master distillers.

2. All Points West

All Points West is Newark’s best distillery – it has garnered awards and accolades since its inception in 2019. Gil Spaier, the master distiller, is known for creating an American version of whiskey, referred to as malt and grain pot-still. All Points West went through a challenging period in 2020, and it then substituted physical tastings to virtual tastings, but the company has emerged even stronger than ever. In fact, it reproduced a rum which was inspired by Dutch tradesmen in 1664, who founded the very first distillery in all of North America. The inspirational rum creation, not surprisingly, also won a prestigious award.

3. Claremont Distilled Spirits

Claremont Distilled Spirits in Fairfield, which began operations in 2015, is renowned for its award-winning vodka, but the head distiller (and founder) Tim Koether is just as obsessed with whiskey. But Claremont is also famous for creating bourbon made in maple syrup barrels and a full-flavored bourbon. Claremont Distilled Spirits has also made one of the strongest whiskeys (102-proof!) in collaboration with Flying Fish Brewing Company, which is distilled from the Abbey Dubbel unfermented beer of the brewing enterprise. One of the most singular infusions is the vodka infused with peaches and blueberries flavored with a unique moonshine selection.

4. Little Water Distillery

Little Water Distillery takes absolute pride in the fact that it is the very first distillery in Atlantic City, specifically located along Baltic Avenue, and it is known for its coffee liquor, 48 BLOCKS VODKA. Along with this, Little Water Distillery is also famous for its superb collection of American whiskey, gin (especially its Rusted Revolver Indigenous Gin), and its Prosperity American Aged Rum. You can take part in a guided tasting experience or book a table (ideal if you’re a group of 5 or more), and you can buy its spirits all across New Jersey, in restaurants, bars, and more. Don’t forget to try out its unique cocktail recipes for yourself - you’ll thank us later!

5. Cape May Distillery

Cape May Distillery is not to be confused with Cape May Brewing Company, as these two are wholly different entities altogether. In fact, Cape May Distillery began its operations in 2015, and it was founded by two friends. It has a cool, beachy vibe, and its spirits reflect its location – it churns out flavored vodka, whiskey, and gin, but it specializes in rum. Its rum is infused with fruity flavors like strawberry, blueberry, toasted coconut, and banana, and you can taste it in the distillery’s own tasting room. Cape May Distillery also has some impressive cocktails, which are a must-try, especially with such mouth-watering concoctions like peanut butter cup and chocolate, coconut rum, and rum with spice and pumpkin cream.

There’s no other way to say it: New Jersey’s craft breweries and distilleries stand simply as a testament to the state’s vibrant creativity and commitment to first-class quality. From the refreshing beers of Cape May Brewing Company to the inventive spirits of Asbury Park Distilling Company, each venue offers a truly unique taste and experience that showcases the best of local craftsmanship and flavor. Regardless if you’re a beer enthusiast seeking bold IPAs and sours or a lover of spirits exploring artisanal gins and rums, New Jersey has something extraordinary for you. These establishments not only produce exceptional beverages – they also serve as community meeting and gathering places where visitors can connect, unwind, and immerse themselves in the art of craft brewing and distilling. So, what are you waiting for? Raise a glass and toast to the remarkably unparalleled craft beverage scene in the Garden State. Cheers!