New Women-Led Whiskey Tasting Room Debuts in Downtown Toms River, Expanding Local Craft Spirits Scene
Downtown Toms River is welcoming a new destination for whisky enthusiasts as a locally owned craft distillery prepares to open a dedicated tasting room this week. The new venue is expected to bring a fresh experience to Ocean County by focusing on premium whisky, handcrafted cocktails, and small-batch spirits, adding another attraction to the area’s growing food and beverage scene.
Battle Grounds Distillery will officially welcome guests on August 7 at its new location on Washington Street in downtown Toms River. The opening marks a new chapter for the business, which is introducing a tasting room designed to highlight whisky while also offering a broader selection of handcrafted spirits.
The company is operated by Tracy Bacon alongside fellow owners Heather Carney, Melissa Morrison, and Kristin Capone. The business stands out as a woman-owned distillery, reflecting the growing role of female entrepreneurs in the craft spirits industry, a sector that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Visitors can expect a menu centred on whisky, including bourbon and rye varieties, while also finding gin and rum among the available selections. According to the company, the spirits are sourced and then proofed, blended, and finished in-house to create products with distinct flavour profiles.
In addition to its regular offerings, Battle Grounds Distillery plans to release limited-edition spirits throughout the year. These releases are expected to include cask-strength expressions and speciality finishes, giving returning customers opportunities to try new products as the lineup continues to evolve.
Beyond whisky, the tasting room is introducing a new cocktail programme called “Director’s Cut”. The concept focuses on original recipes created with the distillery’s own spirits and house-made ingredients.
Among the featured drinks at launch is the Black Mamba, a cocktail that blends vanilla-chocolate vodka with coconut cold brew and a coconut coffee whip. Another signature creation, GOGO Tears, combines tomatillo vodka with a house-made tomato shrub to offer a unique flavor profile. The business also plans to rotate seasonal draft cocktails throughout the year, giving customers new options as ingredients and flavors change with the seasons.
The owners say the idea for the tasting room grew from recognising an opportunity in Ocean County for a destination centred specifically on whisky. While many establishments offer a wide variety of spirits, the team believed there was room for a location where whisky would take centre stage alongside carefully crafted cocktails.
The tasting room also brings new life to a familiar downtown address. It occupies the space previously used by Garden State Distillery, continuing the location’s connection to New Jersey’s craft spirits industry while introducing a new business identity and concept.
The opening reflects the continued growth of craft distilleries across New Jersey, where consumers are increasingly seeking locally produced beverages and personalised tasting experiences. Smaller producers have gained attention in recent years by offering limited-production spirits, unique ageing techniques, and cocktail programmes that cannot easily be found at larger commercial establishments.
Industry observers have noted that tasting rooms have become an important part of the craft spirits business model. They not only allow customers to sample products before purchasing but also create gathering spaces where visitors can learn about the production process and interact directly with the people behind the brand.
For downtown Toms River, the addition of another locally owned business may contribute to increased visitor traffic and support nearby restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues. As communities continue investing in their downtown districts, speciality businesses such as craft distilleries often play a role in attracting both residents and tourists looking for unique experiences.
With its emphasis on whisky, rotating limited releases, and creative cocktails, Battle Grounds Distillery hopes to establish itself as a destination for both experienced whisky drinkers and newcomers interested in exploring the expanding world of craft spirits. The opening also highlights the continued momentum of women-led businesses making their mark in New Jersey’s hospitality and beverage industries.
Sources
- Battle Grounds Distillery (Official Business Information)
- New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control
