Honestly, it still feels a little weird driving past that industrial stretch of Pacific Avenue and not seeing the gold corgi mural popping against the brick. For six years, Corgi Distillery Jersey City was the undisputed heart of the Bergen-Lafayette neighborhood. It wasn't just a place to grab a drink; it was a vibe that defined a specific era of JC’s "cool" transformation.
Then, at the tail end of 2023, everything changed.
If you’ve been searching for their hours lately only to find a "Permanently Closed" tag on Google, you’re not alone. There's been a lot of confusion about why a place that seemed so successful just vanished. Was it the economy? A change in ownership?
Actually, it was much more bureaucratic than that.
The Lease Dispute That Silenced the Stills
Basically, the story of Corgi Spirits—the official name behind the Corgi Distillery Jersey City—ended because of a landlord issue. In early December 2023, the distillery's founder, Robert Hagemann, dropped a bombshell on social media. The landlord at 1 Distillery Drive decided not to extend their lease.
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It was sudden.
By December 30, 2023, the doors were locked for good. They threw a final "farewell bash" where fans lined up to snag 25% off bottles of Pembroke Gin and Earl Grey Gin.
You’ve probably noticed that in Jersey City, real estate is a blood sport. The area surrounding the distillery in Bergen-Lafayette has been exploding with luxury rentals. When a neighborhood "upscales," the pioneers who made it cool—like a craft distillery in a former warehouse—often find themselves priced out or pushed aside for the next high-rise.
While the physical location is gone, the trademark is technically still "Live." This gives people a sliver of hope that we might see Corgi back in another form, but for now, the Jersey City tasting room is a memory.
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Why Corgi Was Different (And Why People Are Still Obsessed)
Most distilleries feel like a cold science lab or a dive bar with a copper pot in the corner. Corgi was different. It had this "British parlor meets industrial warehouse" aesthetic that felt like you were drinking in a Sherlock Holmes story set in New Jersey.
The Earl Grey Gin was the absolute star.
Most people are used to gin tasting like a pine tree. Corgi’s Earl Grey version was infused with Harney & Sons tea and bergamot peel. It had this deep umber color and a floral, citrusy finish that made a killer Hot Toddy.
The Corgi Impact:
- Jersey City’s First: It was the first (and only) distillery in the city’s history.
- Animal Rescue Support: A portion of the profits went to local groups like See Spot Rescued and Liberty Humane Society.
- The "Chilltown" Vibe: It helped turn Bergen-Lafayette into a destination, paving the way for 902 Brewing Co. and others.
It’s easy to forget how quiet that part of town was back in 2017. Corgi gave people a reason to cross the light rail tracks.
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Can You Still Get the Spirits?
This is the big question. Since the Corgi Distillery Jersey City shut its doors, finding a bottle has become a bit of a scavenger hunt.
Retailers like Town Cellar and various NJ-based liquor stores occasionally have backstock, but they aren't being actively replenished from a Jersey City production line. If you see a bottle of the Saddlecoat Vodka or the Bee’s Knees gin on a shelf today, you should probably grab it. It’s essentially a collector's item at this point.
What’s Next for the Bergen-Lafayette Drink Scene?
The loss of Corgi left a massive hole, but the neighborhood hasn't gone dry. If you’re looking for that same craft energy, you’ve still got options nearby.
902 Brewing Co. is right down the street. It doesn't have the "English Manor" feel of Corgi, but the rooftop views of the Manhattan skyline are arguably better. If you’re specifically craving high-end cocktails, places like The Archer in downtown JC or Low Fidelity in the Heights carry that torch for creative mixology, even if they aren't distilling the base spirit themselves.
Moving Forward: Actionable Steps for JC Spirits Fans
If you're mourning the loss of the distillery or just want to support the local craft movement, here is what you can do:
- Check Local Stock: Visit independent liquor stores in Hudson County (like CoolVines or Riverview Wine) and ask specifically for any remaining Corgi Spirits inventory.
- Support the Neighbors: The Bergen-Lafayette area is still home to great spots like Harry's Daughter and Mordi's Sandwich Shop. Keeping these businesses alive prevents the "lease-end" cycle from claiming more local favorites.
- Watch the Trademark: Keep an eye on the official Corgi Spirits social media or website. While they are "permanently closed" as a venue, the brand hasn't been officially dissolved, meaning a contract-distilling comeback or a new location in a different town is never off the table.
The era of 1 Distillery Drive is over, but the impact Corgi had on the Jersey City cocktail scene isn't going anywhere. It proved that JC had a palate for more than just cheap beer—and that sometimes, a goofy dog is the best mascot for a world-class gin.