Bellemara Distillery is bringing single malt whisky to New Jersey with a dedication to craftsmanship that makes it one of a handful of American distilleries focused solely on single malt spirits. Co-founder and Head Distiller Camden Winkelstein, with a background in brewing and distilling from Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University, has committed to making New Jersey a home for traditional single malts with a distinct American edge.

Since Bellemara opened its doors, whisky enthusiasts have watched as barrels of American single malt matured under New Jersey’s unique climate. This Fall, for the first time, Bellemara is releasing it’s long-anticipated Single Cask Straight Peated Whisky. To their knowledge, it’s the first peated single malt made in New Jersey. With this exciting release, customers can explore four distinct whisky expressions: the newly released Peated Whisky, Bellemara’s flagship American Single Malt Whisky, a Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky and the limited-edition Single Cask Barrel Strength Whisky.

Single Cask Barrel Strength Straight Peated Whisky: A profile as complex as the name

Behind the long name lies a smokey profile that tastes like it came right off of a Scottish island. Aged for 2 years, this is the first “Straight” (aged 2 years or more) and first “Peated” (using malt dried with peat smoke) whisky from Bellemara. At 123 proof, this is a whisky meant for whisky drinkers. The dominant aroma is of smokey peat, while the flavors mingle in a delightful mix of oak, vanilla, dried fruit and caramel. This is a whisky built for enjoying on its own or with a dash of water. 

For those new to tasting, experts suggest sipping neat to experience the full flavor spectrum or adding a few drops of water to open up the aromas and flavors. 

American Single Malt Whisky: Your new go-to drinker

Aged for around 18 months in 15 and 30 gallon virgin charred American oak and bottled at 88 proof, the American Single Malt has quickly become Bellemara’s “House” whisky. This spirit delivers a honey-like color with aromas of citrus, oak, vanilla, and a hint of malt. The palate opens with warm caramel and vanilla, tapering into spiced honey on the finish.

Crafted from a blend of casks, this whisky’s balance of malt and spice echoes Speyside Scotch while hinting at bourbon influences. According to Winkelstein, the use of new, smaller charred American oak barrels lends maturity to the malt in less time than traditional Scottish whiskies might require, creating a whisky that suits both cocktails and straight pours.

With its bright profile and malt-forward complexity, this whisky pairs well with lighter mixers or can be savored slowly on its own.

Cask Strength Whisky: Approachable Complexity

Bellemara’s Cask Strength expression takes the American Single Malt to higher proofs, offering the taster a glimpse of the flavors right out of the barrel. Bottled at 119.6 proof, this whisky comes from several barrels mingled together, but kept at barrel strength. Its dark amber color hints at the complexity derived from mingling multiple barrels and therefore multiple flavor notes. This spirit opens with honey on the nose, followed by oak, fruit, toffee, and vanilla on the palate. 

This is one that Winkelstein says he drinks on its own, but would also use to elevate a Manhattan or Boulevardier to new levels of complexity.

Single Cask Barrel Strength: For the Bold Palate

For whisky fans who crave boldness, Bellemara’s Single Cask Barrel Strength offers a full-fronted whisky experience. Bottled at 120 proof, this unblended, cask-strength whisky comes from and single 30 gallon cask and has a color resembling deep caramel. This spirit opens with honey and oak on the nose, followed by rich flavors of toffee and charred malt on the palate. A spiced finish lingers, making it a whisky best suited for sipping.

Winkelstein recommends  a splash of water with this one, which will help to cut the proof for a more gentle sipping experience and will unlock layered notes that might be hidden behind the higher proof. 

Building a New Category in New Jersey

While New Jersey’s whisky scene remains young, Winkelstein and his team are setting a high standard for grain-to-glass spirits with a focus on local ingredients and traditional methods. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Bellemara’s single malts reflect the care and expertise put into every bottle. As they bring New Jersey whisky to the forefront, Bellemara Distillery invites both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers to explore their evolving craft.

The Whiskies are all available in tasting flights and for sale in 200ml bottles (while supplies last!). The American Single Malt is also available in 750ml bottles.  

You can visit the distillery in Hillsborough where all of Bellemara’s products are made from scratch. Tasting flights, cocktails, and a cool vibe await.