Where You Taste Without a Reservation

Visit the Claremont Distillery tasting rooms in Hamburg, New Jersey

When you're passing through Hamburg or spending a weekend near the resorts, you can stop by the Front Tasting Room without calling ahead or locking in a time slot. The space is open and social, with seating that encourages conversation and a bar where you can sample what's being poured that day. You'll find locals mixing with visitors who just finished a hike or wrapped up a day on the slopes.

The Front Tasting Room at Claremont Distillery seats up to 40 people and operates on a walk-in basis throughout the week. There's also a patio for warmer months, and a second back tasting room opening in May 2025 to add more capacity during busy weekends. You'll taste spirits made on-site, with staff available to explain what goes into each bottle and what makes the distilling process here different from larger operations.

If you're planning a day trip or looking for a place to unwind after exploring Hamburg, stop by and see what's available at the bar.

What happens when you walk in

You'll enter a room with bar seating, tables, and a relaxed layout that doesn't require you to follow a script or stay for a set amount of time. Staff will offer you a tasting menu or recommend something based on what you typically drink. Most people start with a flight and move into full pours or cocktails depending on how long they plan to stay.

After your first tasting, you'll notice the difference between spirits aged in different barrels or distilled with slight variations in grain or process. The staff will point out flavor shifts you might not catch on your own, and you'll leave with a clearer sense of what you actually prefer rather than what you thought you liked. You can also buy bottles to take home if something stands out.

The tasting room stays open during posted hours, and you're welcome to sit as long as you like without pressure to order more or move along. It works well for couples, small groups, or solo visitors who want to try something new without committing to a full tour. When the back tasting room opens, there will be additional seating and a second bar to handle weekend traffic more comfortably.

You probably have a few questions before you stop by

People often ask about timing, group size, and whether they need to plan ahead, especially if they're coordinating with other plans in Hamburg or at nearby resorts.

What days is the Front Tasting Room open?
The Front Tasting Room is open several days a week, with hours posted on the website and updated seasonally. You don't need a reservation, so you can walk in anytime during operating hours.
How long do most people stay in the tasting room?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on whether they're sampling a flight or staying for cocktails. You can leave whenever you're ready without a set time limit.
How many people can the tasting room hold?
The Front Tasting Room seats up to 40 people, and the patio adds outdoor space during warmer months. When the back tasting room opens in May 2025, total capacity will increase to handle larger groups and busy weekends more comfortably.
What should I expect to pay for a tasting?
Pricing depends on what you order, with flights typically starting lower than full pours or cocktails. Staff can walk you through options and costs when you arrive so you know what fits your budget.
Can I bring a group without a reservation?
Yes, the Front Tasting Room is walk-in only, so you can bring friends or family without booking ahead. If your group is larger than six or seven people, calling ahead helps staff prepare seating, though it's not required.

If you're in Hamburg or staying nearby for the weekend, the tasting room is a short drive from most resorts and main roads. Claremont Distillery keeps the atmosphere casual and the process simple, so you can taste what's being made without navigating a complicated booking system or feeling out of place if you're new to spirits.