How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

New Jersey

Little Water Distillery

mailing address,

New Jersey

— Whiskey, Rum

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🔬

Scientific Method

Engineering precision meets traditional distilling

🏙️

Urban Location

Craft spirits in casino country

📊

Data Driven

Each batch tracked like controlled experiment

🥃

Small Batches

Experimental mash bills and aging techniques

👨‍🔬

Owner Tours

McCormick explains the chemistry behind spirits

📞

By Appointment

Call ahead, working facility first

📞 (609) 344-7867

🌐 http://www.lwdco.com/

📍 810 Lexington Ave. (entrance location, mailing address, 807 Baltic Ave unit b, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Urban Craft Distilling In Atlantic City

Little Water Distillery operates out of a unique setup in Atlantic City, with their entrance at 810 Lexington Ave and operations based at their Baltic Ave location. Founded by Mike McCormick, a former telecommunications executive who pivoted to craft distilling after years of home brewing and distillation experimentation. The distillery opened in 2018, bringing small-batch spirits production to Atlantic City’s growing craft beverage scene. They focus primarily on whiskey and rum production, using a combination of traditional techniques and modern equipment in their compact urban facility. McCormick’s background in engineering shows in their methodical approach to fermentation and distillation, treating each batch like a carefully controlled experiment. The operation reflects Atlantic City’s industrial heritage while embracing the craft spirits movement that’s taken hold across New Jersey. You’ll find this isn’t your typical tourist-focused distillery but rather a working production facility where the focus stays on the spirits themselves.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Engineering Meets Whiskey Making

Little Water distinguishes itself through its urban Atlantic City location, bringing craft distilling to a city better known for casinos than craft spirits. McCormick’s engineering background translates into a data-driven approach to distillation that’s more laboratory than romantic craft narrative. The distillery name references the Scottish Gaelic term for whiskey, connecting their New Jersey operation to traditional distilling heritage. Their small-batch approach allows for experimentation with different mash bills and aging techniques that larger operations can’t afford to risk. The Atlantic City location also means they’re working within the unique regulatory environment of New Jersey’s gaming capital, navigating rules that most distilleries never encounter.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Working Laboratory Not Tourist Trap

Visits to Little Water feel more like stepping into a working laboratory than a polished tasting room. McCormick often leads tours himself, explaining the technical aspects of fermentation and distillation with the precision you’d expect from someone with an engineering background. The space is compact and functional, with gleaming steel equipment and the constant hum of production. You’ll smell the sweet mash and oak aging barrels, though the urban setting means you’re hearing city sounds alongside the distillery operations. The experience is intimate by necessity, with small groups getting detailed explanations of each step in their process.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

For Serious Spirit Students

This visit appeals most to spirits enthusiasts who want to understand the technical side of distillation rather than casual tourists looking for entertainment. If you’re interested in the science behind spirits production and enjoy talking shop with someone who can explain the chemistry, you’ll appreciate McCormick’s detailed approach. Don’t expect elaborate tasting rooms or polished presentations, but do expect to learn something about how small-batch distilling actually works. The Atlantic City location makes it an interesting stop if you’re already in the area, though it’s probably not worth a special trip unless you’re serious about craft spirits.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead to arrange visits since this is primarily a production facility without regular public hours. McCormick is usually willing to accommodate serious visitors but needs advance notice to work around production schedules. The Baltic Ave location can be tricky to find, so confirm the exact entrance when you call. Parking is street parking in an urban area, so factor that into your timing. Ask about their different mash bill experiments if you’re interested in the technical aspects, as that’s where McCormick’s engineering approach really shows. Don’t expect a gift shop or elaborate merchandise, but you can usually purchase bottles directly.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Little Water Distillery — Visitor FAQ

Do I need to make an appointment to visit?

Yes, definitely call ahead. This is a working production facility, not a regular tasting room, so visits need to be scheduled around production activities. Mike McCormick accommodates visitors when possible but needs advance notice.

What should I expect from a visit?

Expect a technical, educational experience focused on the science of distillation. This isn’t a polished tourist attraction but a working distillery where you’ll learn about the engineering and chemistry behind craft spirits production.

Can I buy bottles on-site?

Yes, you can typically purchase bottles directly from the distillery during your visit. Selection depends on current production and inventory levels.

GETTING THERE

Find Little Water Distillery

📍810 Lexington Ave. (entrance location, mailing address, 807 Baltic Ave unit b, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, USA

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📞 (609) 344-7867

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