New Jersey has a complicated relationship with booze. We were once the "Garden State" of applejack and illicit stills during Prohibition, but for decades, the craft scene felt sort of stagnant. Then things changed. Specifically, things changed when Claremont Distillery Fairfield NJ decided that "locally sourced" shouldn't just be a marketing buzzword used to sell overpriced bottles to hipsters.
It's actually located in an unassuming industrial park. You know the type. Low-slung buildings, wide parking lots, and plenty of trucks. If you weren't looking for it, you might drive right past one of the largest craft distilleries in the state. But that's part of the charm. It isn't trying to be a glitzy Manhattan lounge. It’s a working production facility that just happens to make some of the cleanest vodka and most interesting moonshine in the Northeast.
The Reality of Claremont Distillery Fairfield NJ
Most people think "craft" means small. They picture a guy in a garage with a tiny copper pot. Claremont isn’t that. They have a massive footprint—over 10,000 square feet—which allows them to handle the entire process from grain to glass right there in Fairfield. They aren't buying neutral grain spirit (NGS) from some massive factory in the Midwest, slapping a label on it, and calling it "artisanal." That’s a common trick in the industry, honestly. Claremont actually mashes, ferments, and distills their own base.
The vodka is what put them on the map. Specifically, their potato vodka.
Why potatoes? Because it’s harder. It’s messy. It requires more work than corn or wheat, but the mouthfeel is undeniably creamier. When you drink the Claremont Distillery Fairfield NJ potato vodka, you notice it doesn't have that medicinal "rubbing alcohol" burn that cheap brands have. It’s won gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which is basically the Oscars for people who like to drink.
What They’re Actually Making Back There
It isn't just about the clear stuff. They’ve branched out into flavored spirits that actually taste like the things they claim to be.
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- Blueberry Vodka: They use real Jersey blueberries. If you've ever lived in the state, you know the Hammonton area produces the best berries in the world. Using them in the distillation process gives the spirit a deep, authentic color and a tartness you can't get from a lab-created syrup.
- Moonshine: This is where they get a bit experimental. Their Jersey Devil Moonshine is a nod to local folklore, but the liquid itself is high-proof and surprisingly smooth.
- Bourbon and Whiskey: Aging takes time. You can’t rush oak. Their bourbon program has been maturing, and it's starting to show the kind of complexity that makes Kentucky nervous.
The tasting room is where the magic happens. It’s industrial-chic without being pretentious. You can grab a flight, which is the smart move if you’ve never been. It lets you see the range. You might hate moonshine but realize their espresso vodka is basically liquid gold.
Why the Location Matters (More Than You Think)
Fairfield is a logistics hub. Being situated right off Route 46 and near I-80 means they can get their products out to liquor stores across the state efficiently. But for the visitor, it means a different kind of experience. You aren't fighting for parking in Hoboken or paying $30 for a cocktail in Jersey City. You're getting a direct look at the machinery.
The owners, Tim Gamberzader and his team, wanted to create something that reflected the grit of New Jersey. There’s a certain "get it done" attitude in the air. When you take a tour, you see the stills. You smell the fermenting mash. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.
The Problem With Modern "Craft" Labels
Let's be real for a second. A lot of "local" distilleries are lying to you. They buy bulk ethanol, run it through a charcoal filter once, and charge $45 a bottle. Claremont Distillery Fairfield NJ is one of the few places where you can actually verify the provenance of the grain. They support New Jersey farmers. When you buy a bottle, that money stays in the local ecosystem.
It’s also about the water. New Jersey water gets a bad rap, but for distilling, the mineral content here can actually be quite beneficial if treated correctly. Claremont has mastered the chemistry of the Garden State.
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Navigating a Visit Without Looking Like a Tourist
If you're planning to head over to the Fairfield location, don't just show up and expect a quiet library atmosphere. It gets busy, especially on weekends.
- Check the hours first. They aren't open 24/7. Usually, the tasting room has specific windows on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Eat before you go. They focus on the booze. While they might have some light snacks or a food truck outside on occasion, this isn't a full-service restaurant. It's a distillery.
- Buy a bottle on-site. Often, they have limited releases or "distillery only" batches that you won't find at your local ShopRite Liquors or Total Wine.
- Talk to the staff. The people behind the bar actually know how the stills work. Ask them about the "heads, hearts, and tails" of a run. They’ll actually explain it to you.
The Future of Jersey Spirits
The landscape is shifting. With changes in NJ craft distillery laws over the last few years, places like Claremont have more freedom to serve cocktails and create a "destination" vibe. This is good for us. It means better quality and more variety.
Claremont has stayed relevant because they didn't chase every single trend. They didn't start making "glitter vodka" or "hard seltzer" just because it was popular for five minutes. They doubled down on quality fermentation and high-end filtration. That’s why they have a shelf full of awards and a loyal following of people who actually care about what they’re sipping.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Pour
If you want to experience Claremont the right way, start with the Potato Vodka on the rocks. No mixers. No lime. Just see if you can taste the difference in the base spirit.
Next, try the Peach Vodka in a simple soda water mix. It’s summer in a glass.
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Finally, keep an eye on their social media for "Single Barrel" releases. These are one-off bottlings of bourbon or whiskey that have unique characteristics based on where the barrel sat in the warehouse. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.
Supporting Claremont Distillery Fairfield NJ isn't just about getting a buzz. It's about keeping the tradition of New Jersey manufacturing alive. It’s about recognizing that "Made in Jersey" means something more than just a Parkway exit. It means quality that can compete with anyone, anywhere in the world.
Stop by the distillery at 1275 Bloomfield Ave, Building 7, Unit 40. See the stills. Smell the grain. Take home a bottle of something that actually has a soul.
Next Steps for the Spirits Enthusiast:
- Visit the Tasting Room: Plan a Saturday afternoon visit to sample the flight of award-winning vodkas.
- Check Local Listings: Look for Claremont products in NJ-based liquor stores to verify the "Produced and Bottled by" label.
- Host a Comparative Tasting: Buy a bottle of Claremont Potato Vodka and a major commercial brand (like Grey Goose or Ketel One) and do a blind taste test with friends. The results usually surprise people.