Down the slope of Cedar Street in Bristol Borough, just off Mill Street before you get to the public parking lot, sits a little storefront with an inviting look to it. Looking at the name, you might think it an independent DIY shop, but Hops & Hardware Distillery won’t be selling any tools to their customers. Instead, this craft distillery brings a unique experience to the Bristol Borough waterfront.
The business is the brainchild of Denise Mitchell and Charles “Chuck” Costello.
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The distillery is one of a handful open in Bucks County.
Offering small batch creations of vodka and rum, along with original cocktails and appetizing noshes to tempt the tastebuds, Hops & Hardware opened in September 2021 after careful planning and construction by the experienced bartenders.
Credit: Hugh D. Fegely/LevittownNow.com
Mitchell and Costello included the idea of making the storefront more of an experience as a tasting room with comfortable and unique seating.
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With that in mind, and drawing on nearly two decades of experience as a bartender and trainer, Mitchell took to creating new drinks based on local offerings – not only their own creations, but also drawing from other local businesses for all of their needs.
From the local produce market, Papa’s Pretzel Place to Bristol Busy Bee honey and even Dad’s Hat rye whiskey, everything on the menu draws ingredients from the area. And with this, the menu is constantly evolving so each visit can provide a different offering for return visitors, the owners said.
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Of their own distilled creations, they currently offer Hardware Vodka, a corn-based liquor six times distilled before bottling, and the spiced up Perfect Storm Rum.
Next for the stills will be a gin and other possibilities the owners are keeping the wraps on for now.
Each batch distilled is typically 120 to 160 bottles, and as soon as one batch is complete they are already starting the process for another batch to keep up with the demand.
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The tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday, and Hope & Hardware has quickly become a local favorite for the weekends, keeping the place packed on Fridays and Saturdays.
With the coming change of seasons, Costello is already working on improving the patio off the back of the building to double their capacity just in time for warmer weather and increased tourism in Bristol Borough.
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As Mitchell said, you won’t find a hammer at Hops & Hardware, but you can get hammered… so throw a wrench in your plans and stop on by for a fresh Drilled Orange with Hardware Vodka, to chase down your Pretzel Wreath with Chili Lime Cream Cheese.
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