A Visit to Newark Distillery All Points West

by Alice Magdziak • November 26, 2019 • Essex, Food • Comments (0) • 1010

A while back, we visited All Points West distillery in Newark’s Ironbound District. Owner and distiller Gil Spaier took us on a tour and talked about how he came up with his recipes for his outstanding group of spirits. He makes gin, vodka and whiskey–each with an interesting twist on the expected.

Right off Route 21 and in a fairly non-descript building, All Points West is bringing something exciting back to Newark that it hasn’t had in a long time. At one time, Newark had 26 operational breweries and today there are none left. Inspired by all this brewing in the past, All Points West is bringing back alcohol production to Newark. The name of the distillery comes from the old Jersey Central Railroad that ran through Newark and gave the Ironbound its name.

They make three main spirits: Gin, Vodka, and Whiskey. The Cathouse Gin was very floral and is a naturally macerated gin made with 13 botanicals.

I loved the vodka best. It’s called Bone Black Vodka and it’s filtered through bone char for a unique flavor profile. It’s available in the original strength (104 proof) and as a less intense 80 proof. There’s also a brand new: Bone Black Black Pepper which is fascinating!

Ed’s favorite (naturally, since he’s a bourbon man) was the Malt and Grain Pot Still Whiskey. Gil, the owner and distiller, explained how he looks for the oldest American whiskey recipes he can find and tries to make them. This whiskey tastes like nothing we’ve ever had before.

Check out the photo gallery from our tour of All Points West and get to the Ironbound to try these historical and surprising spirits this weekend!