Our Story
Tradition might hold the map around here, but curiosity leads the way.
Living Spirits began with a simple but powerful idea: that what we drink should move us. Not just in flavor, but in feeling. Founded by a group of curious, adventurous friends with a love for craft and a thirst for more, we built a distillery rooted in bold techniques, unexpected botanicals, and a deep respect for the process.
We don’t chase trends — we chase the moment. Every bottle we make is layered with intention, crafted with care, and designed to invite you back to what matters: presence, connection, and the joy of slowing down just enough to feel fully alive.
Living Spirits is a bold reminder to choose presence over pretense — so go ahead, take a sip, and see where it leads.
The History
What happens when curious minds, wild imaginations, and generous pours collide?
You get Living Spirits.
Our journey began in New Jersey, a state rich in history and untold stories. Inspired by its character and complexity, we decided to create spirits that echo the essence of the Garden State — from native herbs and botanicals to the diverse communities that call it home.
From our first distillation to our growing collection of spirits and liqueurs, our path has been anything but predictable — and that’s exactly how we like it..
The Values
We believe a great spirit is about more than what’s in the bottle — it’s about what happens around it.
At Living Spirits, we hold these values close:
Craftsmanship Over Convenience
Every bottle is made with time, care, and uncompromising attention to detail.
Curiosity as Compass
We experiment boldly and blend creatively, always exploring what’s possible.
Connection First
A great drink is best when it’s shared. We create for moments that bring people together.
Simplicity Can Be Extraordinary
We don’t overcomplicate. We highlight what’s fresh, what’s real, and what’s worth savoring.
The Mission
We distill for the moments that matter most.
Whether it’s a quiet evening among friends, a celebration of something new, or just a pause in a hectic day — we make spirits that mark time in meaningful ways.
Our mission is simple:
To craft spirits and experiences that turn everyday moments into lasting memories. Raise a glass to the now, and to whatever comes next.
The Cause
Living Spirits is proud to call New Jersey home — and we take that seriously.
Our cause is rooted in honoring the land and stories that shaped us. From using native plants and locally-sourced herbs in our distillations, we’re here to preserve and amplify the spirit of New Jersey.
One bottle at a time, we’re distilling history into the present — and inviting you to be a part of it.
Meet the Team
PETER DEANE
Owner & Distiller
ERIC MONSANTO
Owner & GM
JASON REYES
Beverage & Bar Director
dan sheola
Owner & Sales
jacqueline tal
Owner & Events
William Tal
Owner & Distiller
Our Process
From still to bottle to glass, every spirit has a story.
Mashing
Mashing: The first act in our distilling story. Depending on the spirit, the mash (or wash) is where we combine the core ingredients that will eventually become what's in your glass. From the botanicals behind our Running River Gin to the peaches destined for Bending Branch Brandy, it all starts with selecting the finest ingredients. This carefully controlled process creates a fermentable base — setting the stage for fermentation, distillation, and, ultimately, your next favorite pour.
Fermentation
The heart of the craft. This is where yeast meets mash (or wash) in our 500-gallon stainless steel tanks. As the yeast transforms sugars into alcohol and aromatic compounds, fizz, foam, and subtle heat tell the story of flavor coming alive. This carefully controlled alchemy is equal parts science and art — and it’s where the character of every bottle begins to take shape.
Distillation
Once fermentation finishes, the real magic begins. We heat the wash in our copper stills until vapors rise. The design of the stills — shape, copper contact, height — all influence the flavor. Those vapors condense back into liquid, concentrating spirit, aroma, and character.
Copper isn’t just beautiful — it reacts with sulfur compounds from the yeast, helping remove off-notes so the final spirit is clean, smooth, and rich in its unique flavor profile.
Maturation
Once distillation is complete, the spirit begins to rest — and this phase is just as essential as everything that came before. Depending on the variety, maturation can last anywhere from six weeks to several years.
Some spirits age in oak barrels, drawing richness, depth, and character from the wood. Others rest in stainless steel, allowing volatile compounds to dissipate and complex flavor molecules to develop — ensuring clarity and letting subtle notes shine without the influence of oak.
Whether in wood or steel, this is where boldness meets balance — and patience transforms potential into something truly special.
Maceration & infusion
Some botanicals are too delicate to bring their flavor forward through the distillation process and this is where flavor takes root. During maceration and infusion, botanicals, fruits, herbs, or spices are soaked in a spirit — extracting aromas, colors, and essential oils that give each liqueur or infusion its unique depth.
Sometimes it’s hours. Sometimes it’s weeks. Either way, this slow, hands-on process is how bold ingredients become bold flavor. Whether we’re working with foraged herbs or locally grown produce, maceration is where curiosity meets craft.
Packaging & Shipment
We’re proud of our spirits — whether you’re sipping in our tasting room or having a bottle delivered straight to your doorstep (as long as that doorstep’s in New Jersey).
Every bottle is hand-filled and labeled, carefully packed, and shipped with care to preserve the quality and character of what’s inside. Whether you're restocking your home bar or sending a gift, our small-batch spirits can be shipped anywhere within NJ (or picked up in our Bar & Lounge).