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.
