Once again I am writing about libations in Hammonton, home to several fine wineries. Today, I will be sharing my thoughts about a brewery and a distillery my wife and I recently visited. Hammonton is also home to one of our favorite Italian markets (Bagliani’s) and is even more famous for its blueberries. It is a big reason why New Jersey used to be and in some circles still is known as “the blueberry capital of the world.” Blueberries even played a role in the naming of Hammonton’s wonderful distillery-Blue Rascal.
Blue Rascal Distillery
Blue Rascal is an attractive and enjoyable venue with traditional spirits like Gin, Vodka, and Rye Whiskey. They offer a few interesting additions like Wheat Whiskey, Coffee Whiskey, and a host of liquers such as Blueberry Liqueur, Cranberry Liqueur, Raspberry Liqueur, Blackberry Liqueur, Black Cherry Liqueur, and Strawberry Liqueur. My wife and I got to try a few of these via their tasting menu, offering four tastes per patron (slightly less than a shot per spirit). I had their Gin, Rye Whiskey, Coffee Whiskey, and Blueberry Brandy. My wife tried their Vodka, Rye Whiskey, Wheat Whiskey, and Coffee Whiskey. Once again, my wife and I agreed that our two favorites in the tasting were the Wheat Whiskey (very smooth) and their Gin (distilled from 100% corn and with typical notes of juniper berry). It is smooth enough to enjoy on its own, straight up. No need for tonic or dry vermouth.
Blue Rascal also offers a very nice lineup of mixed drinks, utilizing their spirits as the base. My wife and I agreed that we’d like to sample one or two of these the next time we are in the area (and haven’t already sampled wine or beer.
Speaking of beer…
Three 3’s Brewing Company
We visited Three 3’s Brewing Company on the same day we stopped at Blue Rascal Distillery. Three 3’s has been a fixture in Hammonton since 2016. They have an extensive list of beers on tap and in tin. My wife and I got to sample a few of their brews via their samplers.
I tried their Revenant Pumpkin Milk Stout; Until Valhalla Pale Ale (5.4 ABV); and Oh Fuggles (Traditional English style ale; 5.6 % ABV). As you can see, they are as creative with crafting the names of their beers as they are crafting the beers themselves. My favorite name is their Exhausted from Human Interaction DIPA (Double IPA). I also had a pour of their Disgruntled Pelican (Triple IPA). The Triple IPA was potent and well balanced. My favorite in my tasting was their Oh Fuggles. I love the English malts and the Fuggles hops. It’s amazing how much flavor and aroma hops add. The malts are always the most important, of course, but the type, amount, and mixture of hops can also make or break a brew.
My wife selected all dark beers. Truthfully, they are generally my faves, too (especially this time of year). However, since we share I always get a generous taste of her selections. They consisted of Waffle Cone Stout; Lumberjack Brunch Stout (9% ABV); and Coffee Porter (6% ABV). We both really enjoyed the Lumberjack Stout and the Coffee Porter and decided to bring some home.
I shall return!
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- Unionville Vineyards Updates
- Cape May Winery Flights and Tapas
- Tonewood Brewery
- Trainwreck Distillery
- Valenzano Winery Revisit
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