Tonight: Drinking Rum In Camden


It’s about f-ing time.

After waiting for more than a year to receive a blessing from the City of Camden, Philadelphia homebrewer and Kentucky native James Yoakum is finally opening his distillery to the public tonight. Cooper River Distillers, located in an industrial building in (safe) downtown Camden, is the second distillery to open in New Jersey since before Prohibition.

He’s launching with Petty’s Island Rum – which he’ll sample and sell at his grand opening party tonight — and will begin producing bourbon, rye whiskey and brandies soon. He uses a single handmade copper still to make his products, and plans to source as many local ingredients as possible.

Tonight, he’ll be open from 4pm to 8:30pm and will give tours on the hour. While you’re waiting, try a cocktail or visit some of the nearby art galleries that open late for public receptions every Third Thursday.

Cooper River Distillers [Official]