CRAFT DISTILLERY

Beach Time Distilling

Lewes,
Delaware
— Vodka, Gin, Moonshine, Liqueur

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

COCKTAILS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

📞 (302) 644-2850
🌐 http://beachtimedistilling.com/
📍 32191 Nassau Rd #5, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Beach Time Distilling sits in a 4,000-square-foot facility in Lewes, Delaware, about five miles from the Atlantic coast. Founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team John and Karen Esposito, this operation started after John’s 30-year career in telecommunications left him wanting something more hands-on. They spent two years converting an industrial space into Delaware’s first grain-to-glass distillery, installing custom copper stills and figuring out how to navigate the state’s complex liquor laws. The couple produces vodka, gin, whiskey, and seasonal spirits, with Karen handling the business side while John manages production and recipe development. What began as a retirement project has grown into a legitimate craft operation that’s helping put Delaware on the spirits map. The distillery focuses on using local ingredients when possible, sourcing corn from Delaware farms and collaborating with nearby businesses for unique flavor profiles. You’ll find them bottling, labeling, and often running tastings themselves—this isn’t a corporate operation with layers of staff.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Beach Time holds the distinction of being Delaware’s first grain-to-glass distillery, which means they handle everything from milling grain to bottling spirits on-site. Their location just miles from the ocean influences both their branding and their approach—they’ve created beach-themed spirits like their Salty Dog gin and seasonal summer releases that play into the coastal vibe. The Espositos also pioneered working within Delaware’s challenging liquor laws, essentially creating a playbook for future distillers in the state. Their small scale means experimental batches and limited releases happen regularly, and they’ve built relationships with local farms for grain sourcing that larger operations couldn’t maintain.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

You’ll typically be greeted by John or Karen personally, and they’re genuinely excited to walk you through their setup. The space feels more like a working production facility than a polished tasting room—you can smell the mash, see grain storage, and watch the actual distilling process if you time it right. Tastings happen at a simple bar setup where you’ll try their core lineup along with whatever experimental batches they have ready. The Espositos are chatty and knowledgeable, happy to explain their grain-to-glass process and share stories about starting Delaware’s first operation. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious—think craft brewery vibe rather than fancy whiskey lounge.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re interested in seeing small-batch distilling up close and personal, Beach Time delivers an authentic behind-the-scenes experience you won’t find at larger operations. The founders are genuinely passionate and present, making this feel more like visiting friends who happen to distill spirits than a commercial tour. However, if you’re expecting elaborate tasting rooms or extensive food pairings, you’ll want to adjust expectations—this is a working distillery first. It’s perfect for spirits enthusiasts who want to understand the actual production process and support true craft operations. The Delaware location also makes it a nice stop if you’re exploring the Lewes area or heading to nearby beaches.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead or check their social media before visiting since hours can vary based on production schedules and seasonal demand. The address can be tricky since it’s in an industrial area—look for the small Beach Time sign rather than relying entirely on GPS. Spring through fall offers the best visiting conditions since the facility isn’t heavily climate controlled. Ask John about their grain sourcing relationships and experimental batches if you want to dive deep into their process. They often have limited releases available only at the distillery, so it’s worth asking what’s special or seasonal during your visit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Beach Time Distilling — Visitor FAQ

What does grain-to-glass mean at Beach Time?
Unlike distilleries that buy pre-made neutral spirits, Beach Time handles everything from milling raw grain to bottling finished spirits on-site. You can see the entire process in their facility, from grain storage through distillation and aging.
Do I need to make an appointment to visit?
While appointments aren’t required, it’s smart to call ahead since hours can vary based on production schedules. John and Karen often run the tastings personally, so checking availability ensures you’ll get the full experience.
What makes their spirits ‘beach-themed’?
Beyond the coastal branding, Beach Time incorporates the Delaware beach influence into actual products like their Salty Dog gin and seasonal summer releases. The proximity to the ocean influences their flavor profiles and ingredient choices.

GETTING THERE

Find Beach Time Distilling

📍32191 Nassau Rd #5, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

 — 

📞 (302) 644-2850

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