Sometimes, decisions in life can seem as if they are made on a whim. But this is not the case for Dorien Saunders, owner of Whims Brewing in Atco. Realizing his vision of opening a brewery took a lot of time and effort. So instead, the name plays with the fact that no part of the project was done on a whim.
The 4,200-square foot Whims Brewing creates their own beers using different malt varieties, plus fruit, herbs, and flowers. The brewery also uses local ingredients grown in New Jersey whenever possible. Inside, they offer seating for 99 people across couches, chairs, benches, bar stools, and a large standing table.
More from Best of NJ
A Whimsical Atmosphere
Dorien describes the interior of Whims Brewing as “cozy and purple. Kind of rustic and hip. With all the plants, we’re becoming jungle-esque.” Music is also a key part of the experience. They play jazz on Sundays and a “fairly hip and melodic” playlist on Fridays and Saturdays. “That keeps it nice and airy and helps visitors wind down and relax in preparation for the new week,” he says.
Whims Brewing cannot serve food, but they do have snacks including chips and pretzels. Patrons are also welcome to bring their own food, or have some delivered.
What’s Brewing
Current Whims Brewing favorites include the Scope Creep. This is a cream ale with pink guava finished with hibiscus, which offers a crisp tartness. “It tastes like a refreshing tropical drink,” Dorien says. One summer season flavor is the sour Purgatorio with pineapple puree, grapefruit peppermint leaves, and pink Himalayan salt. Likewise, one of their newest flavors is an IPA called Green Magus, which has a lot of flavor dimensions.
However, Dorien’s personal pick is the Intra, a saison brewed with lemon peel and black pepper. This unique option is fermented with a culture gathered from flowers in his garden; as well as fruit collected from a wedding anniversary trip with his wife. (The culture process converts sugars to alcohol and creates flavor in beer.) Click here to see the full taplist.
For those who prefer to drink at home, Whims Brewing offers 32-ounce growlers. Guests can also bring their own growlers, so long as they’re clean and have a cap.
Future plans for the space include adding more barrels for aging beer, more plants, more art, and rotating seasonal decorations.
About the Owner
Dorien Saunders lives in Atco, and his wife’s family has been in town for generations. “It has been really great to be a part of, and give back to, our small town,” he says. Prior to Whims Brewing, Dorien was a homebrewer for seven years.
Visit Whims Brewing at 302 White Horse Pike B-1, 2, 3 – within Town Square Plaza – in Atco. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Follow them on Facebook.
Click Here to Find More New Jersey Services.
All Photos: © Dorien Saunders | Whims Brewing
