If you’ve been reading my work for a while now, then you probably know that I’m a fan of Bellemara Distillery, a single malt whisky distillery in Hillsborough Township, NJ. That part hasn’t changed, but I want to discuss something else the distillery offers that I have yet to highlight.
Bellemara Distillery, along with neighboring brewery Flounder Brewing Co., offer guests a one-stop shop for all of their beer and cocktail needs. That’s right: one distillery, one brewery, one property.
With summer in full swing, the patios are open, the food trucks are abundant, live music is kicking, the farm is alive and, of course, the drinks are flowing.
Double the Fun this Summer at Bellemara Distillery and Flounder Brewing Co.
Located on a farm in Somerset County is one of the most intriguing drinking destinations in New Jersey. Flounder Brewing Co. and Bellemara Distillery are not officially affiliated businesses, but they operate with a neighborly love that entices people from all over the state to stop by.
It’s the type of setup that is fun year-round, but really shines in the warmer months. Grab a few drinks at Bellemara Distillery before heading over to Flounder for a beer—or vice versa. Need a bite to eat? Order takeout directly to the property, or perhaps a local food truck is parked outside, serving burgers.
Bellemara and Flounder’s adjacent patio spaces offer a unique option for summer fun. If you’re looking for a staycation in Somerset County, there’s no better place to start it than here. Cold beer, craft cocktails, live music, food trucks and more—what’s not to like?
Flounder Brewing Co.
Flounder Brewing Co. started as a garage brewery all the way back in 2005. In 2013, they released their flagship beer, Hill Street Honey. Today, Flounder is dishing out 20 ever rotating beers in their gorgeous barn space, plus hard seltzer and slushies, but Owner Jeremy tells me it always comes back to Hill Street Honey.
The American Blonde ale is brewed with orange blossom honey, which adds a subtle sweetness that complements the crisp, easy-drinking nature of the smooth-finishing beer. It’s a perfect crusher for the summer months.
Consider giving the Still Crosswind a try as well. The cream ale is conditioned with cucumber during the brewing process to impart a uniquely delicate flavor profile. It is light, creamy and ridiculously smooth. A total enigma of a beer. At just 3.5%, you can knock back a few if that’s your style.
If you’re like me, you’ll spring for a beer flight to maximize the number of different brews you can try. Flounder’s flights offer guests three, four-ounce pours featuring any combination of their draft beers. It’s a great choice for the adventurous palate that is looking to try an array of different flavors and styles.
If you like what you see (and drink), consider Flounder Brewing’s Delta House Membership. Delta House members enjoy 10% off on-site drink purchases, 10% off four-packs of beer, $5 12-oz. pours of select beers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, exclusive samples and brewer’s hour and more.
Bellemara Distillery
Bellemara Distillery has tons of new products to choose from and cocktails to sip on this summer—plus, the same great single malt whiskies they’re known for.
A line of house-made liqueurs and mixers is what’s in store, featuring instant favorites like amaro, coffee liqueur and the hibiscus aperitivo that Bellemara has been making since the very beginning. Bellemara Owner Camden Winkelstein tells me that guests have been going especially crazy for their new spicy habanero liqueur, which is featured throughout the menu. Purchase bottles to take home or enjoy any of Bellemara’s liqueurs across a variety of menu cocktails.
Speaking of cocktails, Bellemara Distillery is whipping up some seriously good craft options. Take a seat at the bar, in the upstairs lounge or on the patio and take a look at their summer offerings. The Raspberry Lemon Drop is made with single malt spirit, triple sec, raspberry hibiscus and lemon. It’s bright, tangy and perfect for a hot day. Also, check out the Blueberry Amaro Spritz. The low-ABV cocktail features single malt spirit, amaro, blueberry, basil, lemon and club.
Of course, whisky drinkers will always have plenty of options too—enjoy any of Bellemara’s single malt whiskies in a cocktail, neat or on a rock.
Food Trucks and Takeout
It’s not uncommon to run into a food truck situation when enjoying some drinks on either side of the patio. We enjoyed cheeseburgers from 22 West’s food truck, Crafted Burgers, but the property regularly hosts a variety of food truck options—especially on weekends.
Food truck options include Endless Empanadas, Cousins Maine, Testo Pizza, Pudgy’s Famous Fries and more. Check out the food truck schedule here.
Takeout is also welcome. Bellemara Distillery and Flounder Brewing each allow for takeout to be delivered directly to you.
Live Music, Trivia and More
Each business has a range of activities to take part in this summer.
Trivia Nights are every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the remainder of July at Bellemara Distillery. Check out the full event calendar.
Over at Flounder Brewing, enjoy live music from local bands, or take part in an open-mic night. The full calendar of events can be found here.
“It’s not the music you see at all the other bars around. There’s talented people out there, but we want something different. Fridays are our songwriters’ corners, which feature original artists. Saturdays are more eclectic,” Jeremy tells me. “Duos, trios—we have jazz, bluegrass, we have Irish, we have Indie Rock, Indie Folk. This Saturday is Ukrainian. It’s not just about the beer or being a venue. It’s about how we combine it all. Everything has to go hand-in-hand. People want experiential aspects.”
Summer on the Farm
We’ve found your next destination this summer. Everything you’re looking for is right here on the farm at Bellemara Distillery and Flounder Brewing Co.
Enjoy plenty of craft cocktails, cold draft beers, live music, trivia, food trucks, ample takeout options and so much more.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
