This week we stopped into a unique atmosphere to find our featured local mixologist – the all new Nauti Spirits Distillery, which crafts premium spirits from Garden State farm-bred products. Inside, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling glass windows to get a sneak peek of the distilling process from farm to bottle, as well as a beautiful tasting room with a bar top made from reclaimed ship wood. Behind this bar is where we found our bartender of the week, Billy Scott.
Billy moved to West Cape May 12 years ago after spending many summers here as a kid. Originally from York, Pa., he claims, “One day I just came to the beach and never left!” During many of those summers, he worked at local restaurants to make some extra cash, and he eventually made his way up to bartender status.
Although he has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Stockton University and a master’s degree in Marine Biology from Florida Institute of Technology, for now, Billy truly loves his job at Nauti. “Great drinks and great people” is how he describes the gig.
When he’s not working, Billy enjoys cycling, surfing and painting. When he gets the chance to sit on the other side of Nauti’s bar, his go-to drink is the Signal Hill Swizzle: Nauti Spirits vodka, lime juice, grapefruit, Cape May sea salt, mint and a bitters float.
Come visit Billy at Nauti and sample his favorite drink! Or, go for one of the draft cocktails, which are seasonal specials on tap created with locally grown fruits and herbs from Nauti’s farm. Whatever you choose, feel free to bring your own food to enjoy with Nauti’s fine spirits. Self-guided tours are available daily, and guided tours are available on the weekends. Be sure to try the newly released rum, and look out for the debut of Nauti’s gin and whiskey coming soon!