Apologies for the late posting, but I was helping the Easter Bunny with a visit in Illinois…
Located at 34 North 4th Street in Camden, a short distance from the waterfront, aquarium and Tweeter Center, the Cooper River Distillers is a diamond in the rough. The roll-up metal entrance gives you the feel of a speakeasy. Having said that, if you like rum, you really should pay them a visit. On our visit we utilized a Groupon we had to taste three small batch samples: Petty’s Island Rum, Driftwood Dream Spiced Rum and Rye Oak Reserve (rum aged in a whiskey barrel for over a year). I found their rums very good (not quite as sweet and perhaps a tad lighter in body). I even got a bonus taste of their brandy (unique and fairly smooth).
While Cooper River Distillers does make a limited run of whiskey and bourbon, they require a lot of time in oak before being sold and, as our server pointed out, they are not a good initial return on the investment. Rum, on the other hand, can be distilled and sold within weeks, rather than years, making it a better investment for the early years. The distillery has been open for nearly three years and they have a big third year anniversary party planned for Saturday, 4/29/17 from 1:00 to 8:00 PM (with music, food and cocktails) to celebrate.
For those not familiar with the area, Petty Island (a.k.a. Pettys Island and called Petty’s Island by locals) is a small island in the Delaware River between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Spirits can be tasted by the flight: A Rum Flight consists of any three of their rums for $10; while a Barrelhouse Flight consists of Copper and Vine Brandy, Rye Oak Reserve Rum and Cooper River Bourbon for $14. Pours are 3/4 oz. served neat. You can also order any of their spirits on hand on the rocks (ranging from $5-$12 each. Most of their spirits can be purchased by the bottle, as well.
Cooper River Distillers also offers a small menu of mixed drinks utilizing their spirits. I tried their Dark and Stormy, made with their Driftwood Dream Spiced Rum, ginger beer and lime. It was lighter and less sweet than the more traditional versions I’ve had, but excellent, just the same. Their cocktail menu changes, but the popular choices during my visit included Petty’s Island Punch (Petty’s Island Rum, Grapefruit and Pineapple); a Hot Toddy (Copper and Vine Brandy, tea, honey and lemon); and many variations of Rum and Coke.
You’re thinking, sounds great, but I don’t want to drink on an empty stomach. Well, you’re in luck. During my visit I observed several patrons (and even the owner) devouring a mouth-watering sandwich from the food truck parked in their lot. There was even a craft and jewelry sale at a couple of tables. I’m not sure if this was an ongoing thing or just for the day (or week). My take: Cooper River Distillers makes some very good spirits and has an interesting, eclectic and friendly vibe. It can get a little crowded on Saturday, but my wife and I were able to snag a couple of seats fairly quickly. Check out their website for more information. There is parking across the street for around $5.
Next week, back to New Jersey Wineries…Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Share your experience here.
Cheers!
