The Loch & Quay, situated along the picturesque waterfront, has long been renowned for its commitment to celebrating the bounty of the local culinary landscape. As a refined dining destination, we take great pride in showcasing the vibrant craft beverage scene that has blossomed throughout our region. From innovative microbreweries to artisanal distilleries and cideries, the area surrounding The Loch & Quay offers a wealth of opportunities for discerning imbibers to discover the passion and craftsmanship that define our local libations.
Craft Beer: A Hopped-Up Haven
The craft beer renaissance has swept through our region, giving rise to a proliferation of microbreweries that approach the art of brewing with unparalleled creativity and skill. These small-batch producers have honed techniques that coax out the most nuanced and flavorful expressions from humble grains and hops.
One such standout is Ashton Brewing, where owner and Master Beer Judge Steve Ashton has cultivated a loyal following for his meticulously crafted brews. Visitors to Ashton’s taproom are treated to a rotating selection of seasonal offerings, from the bright, citrusy notes of his West Coast-style IPAs to the velvety smoothness of his Baltic Porters. Ashton’s passion for the art of fermentation is evident in every sip, showcasing the potential for beer to transcend its pedestrian reputation.
Further upriver, Descendant’s Brewing in the quaint town of Milford has been quietly carving out a name for itself with its innovative take on classic beer styles. Their Belgian-style Tripel, for instance, marries the signature yeast-driven flavors of that style with a subtle hop profile, creating a harmonious balance that captivates the senses. Pair one of Descendant’s offerings with the kitchen’s housemade charcuterie or artisanal pizza, and you’ll understand why this unassuming brewpub has become a must-visit destination for local beer enthusiasts.
Craft Spirits: Distilling Artistry
While beer may reign supreme in the craft beverage landscape, the region surrounding The Loch & Quay also boasts a thriving community of distillers who are pushing the boundaries of what spirits can be. Harnessing the pure, mineral-rich waters of the Sourland Mountain aquifer, Sourland Mountain Spirits crafts an impressive array of gins, vodkas, and whiskeys that showcase the terroir of the land.
In the bucolic town of Hopewell, proprietor Mark Opel and his team have perfected the art of small-batch distillation, imbuing each bottle with a distinct personality. Their Sourland Gin, for instance, features a harmonious blend of botanicals that evokes the verdant forests and flowering meadows of the Sourland region. Sipped neat or in a meticulously crafted cocktail, these spirits offer a true taste of place that resonates with discerning drinkers.
Just a short drive away, Bellemara Distillery at Carriage Farm has carved out a niche for itself with its innovative approach to spirits. Founders John and Jill Hanigan have harnessed the crisp, clean character of the region’s spring water to craft vodkas and whiskeys that defy convention. Their Carriage Vodka, for example, stands apart with its velvety mouthfeel and subtle notes of vanilla and spice, making it an ideal base for signature cocktails that highlight the bounty of local ingredients.
Craft Cider: A Fruity Frontier
While beer and spirits may steal the limelight, the craft cider landscape in our region is no less impressive. Cideries like Terhune Orchards, nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant orchards, have elevated the humble apple to new heights, crafting ciders that showcase the terroir of the land and the creativity of the producers.
At Terhune, the Maier family has been cultivating a diverse array of apple varietals for generations, lending their expertise to the creation of ciders that range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Their Estate Cider, for instance, is a celebration of the orchard’s bounty, with a crisp, refreshing profile that pairs beautifully with the kitchen’s seasonally inspired fare. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the cidery’s Hopped Cider offers a captivating interplay of apple and hop aromas, blurring the line between beer and cider.
Oenological Elegance: Regional Wineries
While the craft beverage scene in our region may be dominated by beer, spirits, and cider, the area also boasts a thriving community of winegrowers and winemakers who are elevating the art of viticulture. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and picturesque vineyards, Unionville Vineyards and Old York Cellars have garnered critical acclaim for their world-class wines.
At Unionville, winemaker Cameron Stark and his team have harnessed the unique terroir of the Sourland Mountain region to craft Chardonnays, Cabernet Francs, and Merlots that have earned the respect of discerning oenophiles worldwide. The Estate Reserve Chardonnay, for instance, showcases the region’s cool-climate growing conditions with its vibrant acidity and subtle oak influence, making it an ideal pairing for the kitchen’s seafood dishes or roasted poultry.
Just a stone’s throw away, Old York Cellars has established itself as a must-visit destination for wine lovers, with a tasting room that offers sweeping views of the vineyards and the opportunity to sample its impressive portfolio of vintages. From the delicate, floral notes of the Riesling to the bold, structured character of the Cabernet Sauvignon, Old York’s wines demonstrate the depth and diversity of the region’s viticultural landscape.
Artisanal Production: Celebrating Craftsmanship
Underpinning the success of the local craft beverage scene is a shared commitment to artisanal production methods and an unwavering dedication to quality. Whether it’s the meticulous attention to detail in the brewhouse, the patient stewardship of the distillation process, or the tireless work in the vineyard, the makers behind the region’s finest libations are united by a passion for their craft.
At the heart of this artisanal ethos is a focus on ingredient sourcing, with many producers forging close partnerships with local farmers and purveyors to ensure the freshest, most flavorful components. Flounder Brewing, for instance, has become known for its innovative use of seasonal, locally grown produce in its experimental and barrel-aged beer offerings, highlighting the bounty of the region in every sip.
This emphasis on small-batch manufacturing and a hands-on approach to production also extends to the region’s distilleries and cideries. At Bellemara Distillery, the Hanigan family oversees every step of the process, from milling the grains to carefully monitoring the fermentation and distillation. Similarly, the team at Terhune Orchards meticulously tends to their apple orchards, ensuring the optimal ripeness and flavor profiles for their award-winning ciders.
Tasting and Pairing: Unlocking Flavor Synergies
With such a wealth of craft beverages at their fingertips, visitors to The Loch & Quay and the surrounding region have the opportunity to embark on a veritable flavor odyssey, exploring the myriad ways in which these libations can be savored and enjoyed.
At our on-site tasting room, guests are invited to engage in guided sensory evaluations, learning to identify the nuanced aromas, flavors, and mouthfeels that define the region’s finest craft beers, spirits, and ciders. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to provide recommendations and insights, helping patrons to uncover the unique personalities of each offering and how they might be paired with the kitchen’s seasonally inspired cuisine.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, we offer tasting room tours that delve deeper into the production methods and the stories behind the makers. Whether it’s witnessing the exacting process of barrel aging at Sourland Mountain Spirits or exploring theterroir-driven character of Unionville Vineyards’ estate wines, these behind-the-scenes glimpses offer a deeper appreciation for the craft that goes into each bottle.
Sustainability and Community: Guiding Principles
Beyond their commitment to quality and craftsmanship, the producers who make up the region’s vibrant craft beverage scene are also united by a shared dedication to sustainability and community engagement. Across the board, these makers have embraced eco-friendly practices that minimize their environmental impact, from water conservation and waste reduction to the use of renewable energy sources.
At Terhune Orchards, for instance, the Maier family has long championed organic and regenerative farming techniques, ensuring the long-term health of their orchards and the surrounding ecosystem. Similarly, Ashton Brewing has implemented a comprehensive recycling program, while also sourcing its hops and grains from local and regional suppliers whenever possible.
But the region’s craft beverage makers are not merely concerned with their own operations; they are also deeply invested in supporting the broader community. Many of these producers actively collaborate with local charities and non-profit organizations, donating a portion of their proceeds or hosting fundraising events to bolster important initiatives. Flounder Brewing, for example, has forged partnerships with several area food banks, using its platform to raise awareness and much-needed resources.
Retail and Distribution: Bringing the Craft Home
For those who simply can’t get enough of the region’s craft beverages, the good news is that these exceptional products are not limited to the confines of the tasting room or the dining table. Through a network of specialty shops, online marketplaces, and wholesale partnerships, the makers behind the region’s craft libations have ensured that their creations can be enjoyed far and wide.
In the historic town of Flemington, Lone Eagle Brewing has become a hub for beer enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of its own brews as well as a rotating lineup of guest taps from other acclaimed regional producers. Similarly, The Best Damn Beer Shop in Princeton has become a destination for discerning imbibers, stocking an impressive array of craft beers, spirits, and ciders sourced from across the region and beyond.
For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, the region’s craft beverage makers have embraced e-commerce, offering direct-to-consumer sales and subscription services that allow fans to discover new favorites or stock up on beloved staples. Whether it’s a quarterly shipment of Sourland Mountain Spirits’ latest gin or a mixed case of Descendant’s Brewing’s most exciting seasonal releases, these digital marketplaces have made it easier than ever to bring the flavors of the region home.
Industry Trends and the Future
As the craft beverage landscape in the region surrounding The Loch & Quay continues to evolve, several key trends are emerging that promise to shape the future of this dynamic industry. Chief among these is a growing emphasis on experiential offerings, with producers increasingly focused on creating immersive tasting room environments that captivate the senses and foster deeper connections between maker and consumer.
At the same time, the region’s craft beverage makers are embracing the power of collaboration, forging partnerships that allow them to push the boundaries of what’s possible. From cross-pollination between brewers, distillers, and cidermakers to joint ventures with local chefs and artisanal food producers, these cooperative efforts are yielding innovative products that showcase the full breadth of the region’s culinary talents.
Underpinning these developments is a consumer-driven shift toward more sustainable and socially responsible production practices. Increasingly, discerning drinkers are seeking out craft beverages that not only satisfy their palates but also align with their values, whether it’s a commitment to local sourcing, environmentally friendly operations, or community engagement. The region’s craft beverage makers have risen to meet this demand, solidifying their reputation as leaders in the realm of conscientious consumption.
As The Loch & Quay continues to celebrate and promote the talents of these exceptional craft beverage producers, we are excited to see what the future holds. Whether it’s the emergence of cutting-edge flavor profiles, the adoption of innovative production techniques, or the deepening of the region’s cultural ties, one thing is certain: the craft beverage scene surrounding our refined dining destination will continue to captivate and delight the senses for years to come.