Kelly Lynch, Master Distiller. Paul Goldfinger photo 4/11/24. Asbury Park, NJ, USA. Click once to enlarge.
By Paul Goldfinger, MD. Blogfinger.net. Ocean Grove, NJ, USA. We are sister cities with A. Park, despite what the Tri-City News says.
I was over in A. Park, across the Jersey Avenue bridge in Ocean Grove, to make sure the Bierhalle* was still intact after recent flooding.
While I was there, I noticed a young woman near some large doors pushing a heavy cart filled with wooden barrels. I walked over and when I peeked inside the doors, I saw a fascinating place: the Asbury Park Distilling Co. It looked like the home of a mad scientist.
She invited me in to take a photo (see above). It turns out that she is no ordinary shlepper: She is Kelly Lynch, Master Distiller.
The Asbury Park Distilling Co. is the first and only distillery in Asbury, since Prohibition. They make high class beverages: bourbon, gin, and vodka, as well as other products.
Tours are available.
Their icon is a mermaid.
*ADDENDUM: The” Bierhalle,” a familiar landmark when coming across the Jersey Ave. bridge, and next door to the Asbury Distillery, has been closed for sometime. It is expected that it will reopen, but there are issues having to do with structural concerns. (work is currently being done) and difficulty acquiring insurance due to recurrent flooding. It is very popular in season, especially up on the roof bar where they have had live music.
Bierhalle. Paul Goldfinger photo. 4/11/24. Click to enlarge.
2025 update: The Bierhalle is now permanently closed. The Asbury Distillery is open and has live music on Sundays.
BEE GEES