Made in New Jersey: 3BR Distillery blends New Jersey craft with a revolutionary past
The name 3BR stands for “Three Bottles or Riot,” a nod to the late 1980s during the second prohibition in the Soviet Union, when alcohol was heavily rationed.
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A distillery in Keyport is blending New Jersey craftsmanship with a history shaped by Soviet‑era shortages and creativity.
This week’s Made in New Jersey takes us inside 3BR Distillery, where co‑owners Maksim and Alexander draw inspiration from their family’s past to create spirits rooted in tradition.
The name 3BR stands for “Three Bottles or Riot,” a reference to the late 1980s during the second prohibition in the Soviet Union, when alcohol was rationed.“Our parents are telling us that the ration was actually two bottles per person a month during this time period, and obviously that wasn’t enough,” said Maksim Zhdanov, co‑owner of 3BR Distillery.
Their grandfather, Oleg, a Soviet government engineer, turned to making his own vodka during that time.“They started rationing sugar, so people had to get really creative,” Zhdanov said. “You realized peas were something that was super plentiful.”
Five years ago, the family opened 3BR Distillery in Keyport, using Oleg’s recipe to become the world’s first producer of 100% pea vodka, known as Mendel.
The operation is fully carbon neutral, with the company producing everything on site.
Today, 3BR offers more than 40 flavors along with unique cocktails inspired by Russian ingredients.
The distillery’s Soviet‑punk tasting room reflects the same history that shaped its recipes.“Not talking Soviet leaders or their decisions, but the history of the people,” Zhdanov said. “There’s such rich, kind people… so many great things to celebrate about a people.”
While the Soviet Union has come and gone, that revolutionary spirit — and those old recipes — continue on the quiet streets of Keyport.
For those who want to try the pea vodka themselves, products are available through the company’s website or at the 3BR Distillery tasting room in Keyport.
