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Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – August 2011
Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for August 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.
In this issue:
- Harvest Moon Gears Up for Great American Beer Festival
- Flying Fish Turns Sweet 15
- Fall Comes Early to Cricket Hill
- Krogh’s Nears the 1000 Brew Mark
- Enjoy Weiss or Bock at Ramstein
- Iron Fish is in the Tank
- August Events
Harvest Moon Gears Up for Great American Beer Festival
August is shaping up to be quite a busy month at Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe with the return of Rutgers students and faculty, as well as gearing up for their first ever trip to the Great American Beer Festival! The first week of August will see the release of two new beers, the Citra Double IPA and Sorachi Saison. The second week will see the return of their Harvest Hefeweizen and near the end of the month they will be releasing their smoked porter and Monkeyshine Weizenbock (one of the beers being taken to GABF, along with the Full Moon Pale Ale).
Flying Fish Turns Sweet 15
August 1996 doesn’t seem that long ago, but what a different world: Google was still two years from existence. Spam was more of a curiosity than a daily headache. The US government was heading toward a budget surplus. The Flying Fish web site looked like this.
And on the 10th of that month, Flying Fish brewed its first batch. Fifteen years and 5,450 batches later they are going strong and on the cusp of a major expansion.
Also, stay tuned for news on the next release of Oktoberfish–Best for Wurst!
Fall Comes Early to Cricket Hill
The Fall is upon us and with it comes the Fall array of beers at Cricket Hill Brewery. Their Fall Festivus is scheduled for release during the month of August while we say goodbye to Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale (until next year).
August will see Cricket Hill at several festivals throughout the month!
- National Mead day on Saturday, August 6th will find their Home Brew club (Back Yard Obsessive Brewers) meading away at the brewery from Noon till 4pm.
- The North Fork Festival on August 13th in Long Island at the Martha Clare vinyards. 2 till 6pm.
- Beer Show at the Lakewood Blue Claws baseball game sponsored by Cricket Hill distributor Shore Point. Come watch a good baseball game and enjoy some of the best beers on the Planet Earth.
- See you at the New Jersey Brewers night at the Barcade in Jersey City! Thursday August 25th. Times TBD
- Cricket Hill will be at Stoudt’s in Adamstown PA for their August Brewfest on Saturday August 27th!
What an August!!!
Krogh’s Nears the 1000 Brew Mark
For August, Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub at 23 White Deer Plaza in Sparta will be featuring a “Tom Klosterhoff Cream Ale” seasonal.
Coming up in September, Krogh’s will hit the marker of making 1,000 brews! They will be having a 1,000 brew celebration … details will be made available shortly!
Call them for directions, reservations or questions at 973-729-8428. Enjoy the rest of the summer…hopefully with one of the seven Krogh’s brews in hand!
Enjoy Weiss or Bock at Ramstein
Ramstein has two new beer currently on tap — Berliner Weiss and Summer Bock, limited quantities available. The Blonde Wheat beer has just been bottled this week in their new packaging — look for it in stores! Their next tour is August 13th, one session at 2 PM.
Iron Fish is in the Tank
Brewers Chris LaPierre of Iron Hill Maple Shade and Casey Hughes of Flying Fish have joined forces to create Iron Fish, a collaborative Imperial Black Belgian IPA. The release is planned for Saturday, August 27th. More details on the Iron Hill blog.
August Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – July 2011
Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for July 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.
In this issue:
- 15th Annual Guild Fest Another Success
- New Head Brewer Welcomed at Cricket Hill
- Krogh’s Best of Show Beer on Tap
- Flying Fish Teams Up with WXPN for Xponential Music Fest
- Harvest Moon Rolls Out Iowa Farmhouse Ale
- Summer Brews at J.J.Bitting
- Second Anniversary Celebration at Iron Hill Maple Shade
- It’s Blueberry Saison at Trap Rock
- July Events
15th Annual Guild Fest Another Success
More than 700 folks enjoyed Jersey’s finest beers on the Battleship NJ last month with 14 breweries attending–each of which poured two or more styles. This year Cabot Cheese provided complimentary samples and the Cabin Dogs again rocked the bandstand. Thanks to all who attended and help support NJ breweries.
New Head Brewer Welcomed at Cricket Hill
Cricket Hill Brewery welcomes Mehmet Kadiev as the new head brewer! Mehmet has made the trek up from the Hog haus Brewing Company in Fayetteville Arkansas and brought with him a wealth of brewing knowledge! He and his girlfriend Beverly will be living in Jersey City and making the trip across route 3!
Take a look at their new website, crickethillbrewery.com. They have updated it with new graphics, a new format and loads of new information!
Cricket Hill’s old friend Hopnotic IPA, one of their flagship brews, has undergone a facelift! With a new label and a matching 6 pack carrier the art seems to leap out at you and screams “Try Me”.
Their newest release, a Belgian Dubbel is the second of their Small Batch releases this year. This fine brew was Keith Kobal’s 3rd place winner in the Cricket Hill home brew contest last winter. This ale at 8% has a full-bodied and strong malt background to balance the pleasant banana and nutmeg flavor. Don’t let the higher alcohol or the coppery color fool you–this Ale is very refreshing and will keep you smiling through the long Summer nights!
The Cricket Hill Friday tours continue to bring a lot of new faces into their local brewery! Every Friday from 5 till 7 they hold a tour with samples available. They try to have live music available and as always Rick gives his enlightened speech around 6:30. Come and join us!
Krogh’s Best of Show Beer on Tap
Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub at 23 White Deer Plaza in Sparta has the 2010 NJ State Fair “Best of Show Beer” on tap. Winner of the 14th Annual Home Brew Contest was Peter Kennedy and he brewed his beer right at Krogh’s. His Patersbier is a Belgian-style ale “with a twist” and worth checking out before it’s gone!
Krogh’s will be wrapping up July with an I.P.A. Looking ahead to August, they will be tapping a Belgian Wit beer followed by a Cream Ale. Any questions or to make a reservation, please call 973-729-8428.
Flying Fish Teams Up with WXPN for Xponential Music Fest
The Xponential Music Fest is a three day family-oriented festival which has about as diverse a selection of music as you will find locally this summer (as well as plenty of Flying Fish beer): Emmylou Harris, Citizen Cope, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Booker T., Ben Folds, North Mississippi Allstars Duo and many more. Conveniently located by public transportation, lots of parking and with a great view of the Delaware River and the Philadelphia Skyline.
Website: xpn.org
Harvest Moon Rolls Out Iowa Farmhouse Ale
July will see the return of the Iowa Farmhouse Ale to the Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe as well as the release of the second Saison in their Summer Saison Series. This Saison will be brewed with Sorachi Ace hops and lemon peel creating a very dry, citrusy beer with strong lemon notes.
Summer Brews at J.J.Bitting
J.J.Bitting Brewing Company has brewed more Woodbridge Lite and more Bierstasse Hefewiessen. They will have Garden State coming up in a week to satisfy those hop cravings. JJ’s will also be pouring beer at Parker Press Park July 4th and 9th during the concerts.
Second Anniversary Celebration at Iron Hill Maple Shade
Join Iron Hill Maple Shade on Saturday, July 16th from noon – 5 PM to celebrate their second anniversary. They will release their anniversary beer Second Rising — a double IPA. On Tap: A firkin of Christmas in July, a Bourbon Strong Ale. There will be complimentary appetizers and a raffle for Mug Club members.
It’s Blueberry Saison at Trap Rock
Trap Rock Restaurant & Brewery has Saison Du Roc and Schroeder Weiss on tap to meet the summer demand. Blueberry Saison and a very special Dr. Otto’s Rye will debut this month.
July Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – June 2011
In this issue:
- Help New Jersey Breweries Grow and Thrive!
- Tickets on Sale for 15th Annual Beer Festival
- Trap Rock Beer Dinners June 7 and 14
- Krogh’s to Host Homebrewing Event
- Woodbridge Lite on Tap, Black Magic Schwarzbier on Deck at JJ Bitting
- High Point Blondes Out for the Summer
- Flying Fish Exits 11 & 16 Make Brief Reappearance
- Guild Breweries Take Part in Philly Beer Week
- June Events
Help New Jersey Breweries Grow and Thrive!
The Guild has introduced legislation to help us continue to create jobs, generate tourism and promote beer in New Jersey. Our state now has the largest number of breweries in almost 100 years. Unfortunately, in some cases, the regulations don’t reflect an industry with many small, local breweries instead of large national ones. We are looking to address some of those issues that are holding back our local businesses while still promoting responsible alcohol consumption.
You as a consumer/voter/constituent have the most powerful voice in helping us make that a reality. We need you to contact your state representatives and ask them to support our bills Senate Bill 2870 (S-2870) and Assembly Bill 3969 (A-3969). We’ve provided tools to help you find you representatives, supplied a template for a letter that you can adapt and given an overview of what the bills would accomplish. You can find it all here.
Tickets on Sale for 15th Annual Beer Festival
The 15th Annual Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Beer Festival will be taking place on Saturday, June 18th from 1-5pm. Tickets are $45 (must be 21 or older). Sample great craft beer, enjoy good food and hang out on the deck of the Battleship New Jersey!
Tickets are available now through TicketWeb!
Trap Rock Beer Dinners June 7 and 14
The last beer dinner at Trap Rock Restaurant & Brewery was so successful they are going to have another one, only bigger! To accommodate even more people than last time, the next beer dinner will be split into two, taking place on two separate Tuesdays. The setting of the dinner will also be returned to the Garden Room to allow more large groups to dine together and to allow everyone to hear the speakers better.
More details are available on their website.
Krogh’s to Host Homebrewing Event
Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub at 23 White Deer Plaza in Sparta has announced a unique homebrewing event that they are hosting on Sunday, June 12 from noon – 3 pm! Join them as they host a live world-wide web “podcast” starting at noon and sponsored by Final Gravity Podcast. The topic of discussion will be “Getting Involved with Homebrewing”. There will be guest speakers, such as Chris McGrath of River Horse Brewing in Lambertville, NJ, along with homebrewing demonstrations and lectures by njhopz.com, Q&A time and a “Meet & Greet” with a brewer from their own brew pub! There will also be live music from 3:00 – 5:00 pm in the Pub area. If you are interested in homebrewing, this is a must-see event for you!
The Krogh’s Seasonal beer for June will be their long-awaited “Best of Show Beer” from the 2010 NJ State Fair Homebrewing Contest. It will be available on June 17th at 5:00 pm. The winner was Peter Kennedy and Peter got to brew his winning beer right at Krogh’s! It’s a Patersbier with a twist! This is a Belgian-style Ale, which represents the height of the brewer’s art with sophisticated brewing techniques, yeast blends and unique flavoring elements.
For questions, directions or reservations, please give Krogh’s a call at 973-729-8428.
Woodbridge Lite on Tap, Black Magic Schwarzbier on Deck at JJ Bitting
JJ Bitting Brewing Co. in Woodbridge has their deck open and in full swing. They just planted a bunch of hops up there as well, so look for some great harvest beers when they start producing. Their Woodbridge Lite is on tap now. It is a very sessionable light lager. Soon to come on tap is the Black Magic Schwarzbier and Biersrtasse Hefe.
See you guys at the Battleship!
High Point Blondes Out for the Summer
High Point Brewing Company, the specialist for wheat beers, is promoting their award winning Blonde Hefe-weizen and Double Platinum Blonde during the warm weather. The Office Beer Bar & Grill is one of the fine beer bars that will have their wheat beers on tap.
Their June Open House tour is on Saturday, June 11th. There will be one tour at 2 pm, as with all of their summer Open House tours.
High Point will be participating in the 15th Annual Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Beer Festival on Saturday, June 18th.
Flying Fish Exits 11 & 16 Make Brief Reappearance
Flying Fish Brewing Company is too busy keeping up with their regular styles this summer to try to sneak out a new Exit beer, but they have done the next best thing. Based on your votes, they have decided to rebrew one batch each of Exit 11 Hoppy Wheat and Exit 16 Wild Rice Double IPA for draft only. The beers will start shipping this week, so look for them on tap when you’re out and about.
Flying Fish is heading to one of the Garden State’s prime growing areas for Hammonton’s first Slow Food dinner. Four courses paired with four Flying Fish. Onion tartlet, grape tomato salad, local pork loin, Cape May Day Boat scallops, strawberry shortcake and more.
Flying Fish will be running tours every other Saturday this summer. For the most up to date information, check their calendar.
Guild Breweries Take Part in Philly Beer Week
Philly Beer Week is the largest beer celebration of its kind in America, featuring hundreds of festivals, dinners, tours, pub crawls, tastings and meet-the-brewer nights to area bars, restaurants and other locations throughout Greater Philadelphia. The event runs June 3-12.
View special event pages from Flying Fish and River Horse. Keep an eye out for other Guild members as well.
June Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – May 2011
Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for May 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey…
Tickets on Sale for 15th Annual Beer Festival
The 15th Annual Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Beer Festival will be taking place on Saturday, June 18th from 1-5pm. Tickets are $45 (must be 21 or older). Sample great craft beer, enjoy good food and hang out on the deck of the Battleship New Jersey!
Tickets are available now through TicketWeb!
High Point Wins Best of Show at TAP NY
High Point Brewing Company won the gold medal best of show at Tap NY 2011 for their Ramstein Double Platinum Blonde Hefe-Weizen.
Ramstein Double Platinum Blonde is available on draft at fine establishments in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania (including Biggies in Carlstadt, NJ, Stirling Hotel in Stirling NJ, Iron Monkey in Jersey City, Office Beer Bar and Grill in multiple NJ locations and Brauhaus Schmitz in Philadelphia). Growlers can be filled at High Point’s gift shop and tap room from 9:30am – 6:30pm Monday through Friday and Saturday afternoons till 4pm.
High Point open house and tour on Saturday May 14, 2011. 2 sessions (2-3:30PM & 3:45-5PM). Look for Ramstein Imperial Pilsner on draft throughout May.
Harvest Moon Tapping Maibock, Readying Summer Saion Series
The first week of May will see the release of Harvest Moon Brewery/Cafe Maibock lager. May will also kickoff their “Summer Saison Series” with the release of their Belgian Saison. Also keep an eye out for the Harvest Moon Chinook Double IPA!
Woodbridge Lite to Debut at JJ Bitting
JJ Bitting Brewing Co. in Woodbridge will debut Woodbridge Lite in May. They will also offer a dry hopped version of The Whales Brew. Currently on tap is Victorias Golden Ale, JJ’s Raspberry Wheat, Rat Pack Pilsner, Garden State IPA, and Black Jack Oatmeal Stout. And the JJ’s deck is open for business!
Krogh’s Features Gruney’s Belgian Dubble
Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in Sparta will be featuring a Gruney’s Belgian Dubble as their handcrafted beer for May. Stay tuned for June as they unveil “The New Jersey State Fair Best of Show 2010 Home Brew!” More details on this to come next month. For reservations or questions, call them at 973-729-8428.
Philadelphia Daily News Profiles Ship Inn
The Ship Inn in Milford was featured recently with an article in the Philadelphia Daily News. An article heading that includes “good food, good brews” is always promising!
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Iron Hill Maple Shade
Head to Iron Hill Maple Shade this Thursday 5/5 and sample Oscura – a dark Mexican lager with a pronounced roasted malt aroma and flavor, and a crisp, clean finish.
River Horse Packs ‘Em in for ShadFest 2011
River Horse Brewing Company has posted pictures from ShadFest 2011 on their Facebook page. The images prove once again there ain’t no party like a shad party.
The Reviews Are In for Basil T’s
Basil T’s in Red Bank has recently been featured with positive reviews from the Jersey Shore Restaurant Review and Monmouth Health & Life!
NJ Beer Co. Garden State Stout in Jersey City Festival Saturday, May 7
The Jersey City Festival & Adopt A Lot Kickoff Party takes place Saturday May 7th from 9am to 10pm. New Jersey Beer Co. will be there featuring their Garden State Stout.
The Garden State Stout was also recently reviewed by The BewThusiast.
The Gaslight Brewery Eliminator is Back in Town
With a reputation that precedes it, The Eliminator from Gaslight Brewery & Restaurant has swaggered back into town. At 8.6% it will kick you in the head. A little sweetness and the cold fermentation gives it a smoothness that has the potential to pack a punch like a 2×4 wrapped in velvet and bubble wrap.
Cricket Hill Releases Summer Breakfast Ale – Summer is Officially Here
The summer has come again to the Jersey Shore and with it comes Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale from Cricket Hill Brewing Company. This unfiltered Breakfast Ale is as fresh and full of flavor as a day down the Shore! Fermented with Belgian Yeast, this beer has a slightly tangy, fruity taste that pairs as well with bacon and eggs as it does with a back yard barbeque. Summer Breakfast Ale is always a summer favorite!
Exit 4 Reigns Supreme in Washington Post’s 2011 Beer Madness
Exit 4 from Flying Fish Brewing Company has trumped the competition in the Washington Post’s 2011 Beer Madness. There were 64 beers blind-tasted by a pretty discerning panel and Jersey kicked butt, winning the final round against Lagunitas Maximus. Get the story from The Washington Post and also from NBC10 News.
May Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – April 2011
Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for April 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.
Tickets on Sale for 15th Annual Beer Festival
The 15th Annual Garden State Craft brewers Guild Beer Festival will be taking place on Saturday, June 18th from 1-5pm. Tickets are $45 (must be 21 or older). Sample great craft beer, enjoy good food and hang out on the deck of the Battleship New Jersey!
Tickets are available now through TicketWeb!
Iron Hill Fundraiser Features Rising Sun IPA
Iron Hill Maple Shade brewer Chris Lapierre created Rising Sun IPA as an American IPA hopped with 100% Sorachi Ace hops from Japan. The brew has become extremely popular and is now offered at several Iron Hill locations. On Friday, April 15th every Iron Hill location will be serving Rising Sun IPA and donating 100% of the proceeds to the Red Cross Japanese relief effort. Be sure to stop in and drink a beer for a good cause.
Krogh’s Brings Out Babe’s ESB
Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in Sparta currently has Babe’s ESB (“Extra Special Bitters”) on tap. This is an English-style beer, amber in color and dry-hopped…not bitter at all! They will have a Maibok on tap in April followed by a Gruney’s Belgian Dubble. Please call ahead to make sure they have what you want on tap…973-729-8428. Happy Spring!
Harvest Moon Releasing Mocha Porter
The second week of April will see the release of Harvest Moon Brewery/Cafe Mocha Porter, followed by their Maibock lager the last week of the month. They are currently pouring their Moonshine Barley Wine and Cluster Double IPA, along with all of their standard brews.
People are encouraged to come check out Harvest Moon on April 30th at the Manayunk Brewery’s 13th Annual Brew Fest Extravaganza. It is held at the Manayunk Brewery, just outside of Philadelphia, from 1-5pm. Check out their website for more information.
JJ Bitting Taps Rat Pack Pilsner
At JJ Bitting Brewing Co. in Woodbridge the Rat Pack Pilsner is on tap. Black Jack Stout and the Garden State IPA are coming very soon. As soon as it warms up they will have an American Style Light Pilsner for the people craving light beer. It has a nice flavor with a great body and none of the commitment. On April 4th there will be a fundraiser for St John Vianney.
High Point at TAP NY
High Point Brewing Company will have an open house on Saturday, April 9 with 2 sessions: 2-3:30 pm & 3:45-5 pm. This will be the last tour with highly rated Ramstein Maibock 2011 on tap at the brewery. Ramstein Maibock is available on draft at fine establishments in NJ, NY and PA, while supplies last. Also, on April 9th, Ramstein beers will be featured at the annual Blue Jean Bash “Fun-raiser” for America’s Grow-a-Row. The event will be at Peaceful Valley Orchards in Pittstown, NJ.
High Point is the only New Jersey brewer invited to participate in TAP NY. Ramstein Beers will be available at TAP NY on April 30th-May 1st.
Which Exit Series Beer to Brew Again? Flying Fish Lets You Decide
Flying Fish Brewing Company will brew one batch of a previous Exit Series beer for release on draft. Which will it be:
- Exit 11 Hoppy Wheat
- Exit 1 Oyster Stout
- Exit 16 Wild Rice Double IPA
- Exit 6 Wallonian Rye
- Exit 13 Chocolate Stout
Flying Fish is giving the power to the people, cast your vote now. The winner will be released this June.
April Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – March 2011
Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for March 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.
Tickets on Sale for 15th Annual Beer Festival
The 15th Annual Garden State Craft brewers Guild Beer Festival will be taking place on Saturday, June 18th from 1-5pm. Tickets are $45 (must be 21 or older). Sample great craft beer, enjoy good food and hang out on the deck of the Battleship New Jersey!
Tickets are available now through TicketWeb!.
Trap Rock Mardi Gras Beer Dinner on Tuesday, March 8th
Only a few seats remain for the Trap Rock Mardi Gras Beer Dinner. This dinner will take place on Fat Tuesday (March 8, 2011) starting at 6:30PM. The dinner will, naturally, have a Mardi Gras theme. The guest brewery will be Ommegang from Cooperstown, NY, specializing in Belgian-style ales, described as “functional art, crafted to make your dining and drinking experience something to behold.”
The price is $75 per person, including tax and gratuity. They will need a credit card number to hold your spot. Call the Trap Rock at (908) 665-1755, or come in to the bar so that they can add you to the list.
Annual Chili Cook-off March 20th at JJ Bitting
On Sunday, March 20th JJ Bitting Brewing Co. in Woodbridge will hold their Annual Chilli Cook-off. The event benefits local charities and features entertainment and door prizes.
Currently at JJ’s they have the Baltic Ported WHALES collabortaion, Barley Legal and a real nice Bitter on tap. Soon to come is the O’hallerins Irish Red and Rat Pack Pilsner.
Flying Fish Releases Exit 9
Flying Fish Brewing Company has releases Exit 9 – Hoppy Scarlet Ale, the latest in their Exit Series of beer. Exit 9 is best known as the Rutgers University exit. The state’s university, Rutgers, began in 1771 with classes held at a local tavern though by 1810, students were banned from frequenting “beer and oyster houses.” To celebrate Exit 9, Flying Fish brewed a richly flavored red beer crafted with a variety of domestic and imported malts and a classic American yeast strain.
Also, If you happen to be heading to Hawaii next week, catch a taste of Jersey at the Kona Brewers Festival on Saturday, March 12th. Flying Fish will be serving Exit 4 and HopFish IPA at this festival on the beach.
Krogh’s Will Bring Out the Stout for St. Patrick’s Day
This March, Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in Sparta will be finishing up an Augie’s Alt and then unveiling a Sullivan’s Irish Stout for St. Patrick’s Day! When they complete the Stout Krogh’s will be bringing out a Maibok! Please call ahead to make sure they have what you want on tap…973-729-8428. Happy Spring from Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub!
Harvest Moon Hosting St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
Harvest Moon Brewery/Cafe will be hosting a beer dinner on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17 at 6:45pm. The dinner will be five courses each specially paired with one of their beers. Harvest Moon is selling tickets in advance for $60. Space is limited so people are encouraged to call or stop in soon to purchase their tickets. The number is (732)249-6666. The menu is available online.
Harvest Moon is currently pouring Paddy’s Irish Stout and will be through St. Patrick’s Day. And just in time for the beer dinner, they will be tapping their Barley Wine on March 16th.
Spring Cask Festival at Uno Chicago Grill in Metuchen
On March 26th Uno Chicago Grill | Metuchen hosts their annual spring cask festival. They will have 8 to 10 casks tapped. Come down and try one of UNOS Ales and also sample Ales from other breweries in the area. Casks are confirmed from Flying Fish, Yards, Weyerbacher,and High Point. Doors open at 11:30 for this all day event!
High Point to Debut Ramstein Maibock Lager
High Point Brewing Company will debut its award winning Ramstein Maibock Lager at their first open house of 2011. The date is Saturday March 12th. Two sessions (2-3:30 and 3:45-5pm). Ramstein Maibock is currently rated 100 points by RateBeer.
Ramstein Maibock will be available only on draft at fine establishments in NJ, NY and PA.
High Point Brewing will be serving its beers at the Philly Craft Beer Festival on Saturday March 5th. Please visit them on Facebook for more info.
Gaslight Celebrations in March
Gaslight Brewery & Restaurant in South Orange is running their Mardi Gras Celebration through March 8th. Their St. Patrick’s Day Celebration takes place March 17 to March 21. And join the fun for the Gaslight annual Bus trip to Tap New York Craft Beer & Fine Food Festival on May 1st. Tickets on sale!
River Horse Meet the Brewer Night this Friday, March 4th at Blue Dog
This Friday night at 6PM c’mon out to the Blue Dog Tavern in Lansdale, PA for River Horse Meet the Brewer Night. They will be pouring Oatmeal Milk Stout, Hop-A-Lot-Amus Double IPA, Double Wit, and a specialty Tripel Horse cask aged with Bourbon Soaked Oak Chips (wow, that’s a better lineup than the 1927 Yankees).
New Jersey Beer Co. featured in TimeOut NY
New Jersey Beer Co. Be is featured in the TimeOut New York story on The Rise of the Nanobrewery. Makes a good read!
March Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – February 2011
Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for February 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.
Brewers Guild Members Making Tasty Pairings in 2011
The collaborative spirit is flowing forward as Garden State Craft Brewers Guild members pair up for tasty creations. In mid-January Flying Fish and Iron Hill Maple Shade answered a long-simmering question — what do you get when you combine some of Iron Hill’s Coffee Stout with Flying Fish Exit 13 Chocolate Stout? Jersey Bites provides a review of the event.
Also in January Basil T’s and Tun Tavern teamed up to produce Cocoa Fuego, a chocolate-chili pepper-cinnamon beer. Read the write up by Beer-Stained Letter.
Are more brewery pairings in the works? To be the first to know be sure to Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/njbeer. Also, follow us on Twitter, twitter.com/njbeer.
Harvest Moon Black IPA is Pouring
After many delays the Black IPA from Harvest Moon Brewery/Cafe is finally pouring. Next week they will be tapping our weizenbock.
Planning for the Harvest Moon March Beer Dinner is in the works, stay tuned for a date. Check their website for more details as they become available.
February Love Brewing with Krogh’s Augie’s Alt
February means love is in the air and for all the beer aficionados out there, Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub at 23 White Deer Plaza in Sparta, has an Augie’s Alt on tap! Krogh’s will welcome March with a Sullivan’s Irish Stout. Please call ahead at 973-729-8428 to make sure they have what you want on tap or to make a reservation.
Winter Happenings at Cricket Hill
The Cricket Hill Brewery Reserve Series beer — Bourbon Barrel Aged Porter — has aged over 4 months in barrels from the Four Roses Distillery! Chocolate and coffee overtones of a fine Porter mingle perfectly with vanilla and bourbon notes from the White Oak making this incredible beer delightfully smooth and an aromatic masterpiece!
The Cricket Hill Seasonal Paymaster Porter has once again lived up to its reputation. This years batch was rated a 91 by Rate Beer! The Paymaster’s Porter is a dark brown Ale with major coffee flavors but no burned aftertaste. The background is slightly chocolate with wonderful candied undertones. It finishes with a marvelous mixture of chocolate and coffee. A non-filtered ale that lives up to the gentle session beer reputation that the brewery has become well known for.
The Reserve Series American Brown Ale is back by popular demand! Cricket Hill has added another batch just to insure there is enough to last through the cold winter’s nights.
High Point Representing New Jersey on USA Beer Map
High Point Brewing will serve Ramstein beer at the International Great Beer Expo on Saturday, February 5th. High Point scores some big accolades, rated by CBS news as one of the Best New York Area brewers (quite a feat for a NJ brewer). Also, Ramstein puts New Jersey Beer on the Map of United States of Beer.
The High Point brewery giftshop and tasting room will be opened during normal business hours M-F and Sat. afternoons during February (weather permitting). Formal guided tours will resume in March. Visit ramsteinbeer.com or on Facebook at Ramstein-Beer for more info.
Tun Tavern Home-brew Contest Winner will be Featured at AC Beer Festival
Tun Tavern is sponsoring the ultimate home-brewing contest. The winning recipe will be brewed on the Tun’s 10 barrel system and will be served at the Atlantic City beer festival. Click for details on entering.
Annual Mugger’s Ball at Ship Inn on February 7th
For those who have worked so hard to complete the Ship Inn beer list and got their pewter mug, the Ship Inn is holding our annual Muggers’ Ball with food, drink, and amusement to be had. This is the party for you!!
Monday Feb 7th from 7 PM onwards
Call (908) 995-0188 for more information
International Great Beer Expo at Meadowlands on Saturday, February 5th
Cricket Hill, River Horse, Flying Fish and High Point will be representing the Brewers Guild at the International Great Beer Expo. Event takes place February 5th at The Meadowlands. Tickets available.
Flying Fish Has New Exit Beer Next Month
Details have not been released yet, but the seventh beer in the Flying Fish Exit Series will hit March 1. What exit? Well, a clue is that it’s a place that Milton Friedman, Mario Batali and Mr. Magoo have in common.
BrewThusiast Reviews New Jersey Beer Co. Weehawken Wee Heavy
The BrewThusiast has ventured through the snow to sample the Weehawken Wee Heavy from New Jersey Beer Co. Be sure to check out the blog for the verdict.
February Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – January 2011
Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for January 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.
New Jersey Breweries on Facebook and Twitter
You can find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. The Brewers Guild and its members were doing social media before social media was cool. Here are some links:
- Garden State Craft Brewers Guild
- Basil T’s
- Cricket Hill
- Flying Fish
- Gaslight
- High Point
- Iron Hill
- JJ Bittings
- Krogh’s
- New Jersey Beer Co
- River Horse
- Triumph of Princeton
- Tun Tavern
- Uno Chicago Grill – Metuchen
- Garden State Craft Brewers Guild
- Basil T’s
- Flying Fish
- Gaslight
- Iron Hill
- JJ Bittings
- Krogh’s
- New Jersey Brewing Co
- Triumph of Princeton
Harvest Moon Hosting Jimmy D Charity Event on Sunday, 1/16
The Harvest Moon Brewery/Cafe will be hosting their annual Jimmy D’s charity event on Sunday, January 16th to honor the late former New Brunswick deputy fire chief James D’Heron and help support the Connecticut Burns Foundation Children’s Burn Camp, a charity that was very dear to his heart. There will be a live DJ all day, a 50/50 raffle and other fun events. For more information call 732.249.6666 or visit harvestmoonbrewery.com.
Late January will see several new beer styles grace Harvest Moon taps, including a black IPA and a weizenbock.
Krogh’s Kicks Off 2011 with Vanilla Porter
Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub at 23 White Deer Plaza in Sparta has a Fallon’s Vanilla Porter as its current seasonal. Coming up in February, their next handcrafted beer will be an Augie’s Alt and then a Sullivan’s Irish Stout in March. Call ahead at 973-729-8428 to make sure they have what you want on tap or to make a reservation.
Cricket Hill Releases Winter Seasonal – The Paymaster’s Porter
As the new year enters so does Cricket Hill’s winter seasonal : The Paymaster’s Porter! The Paymaster Porter is a dark brown Ale with major coffee flavors but no burnt aftertaste. The background is slightly chocolate with wonderful candied undertones. It finishes with a marvelous mixture of chocolate and coffee. It is truly an Ale that lives up to the gentle session beer reputation that Cricket Hill has become well known for! So take that same Porter and age it in Bourbon barrels. What you get is their current reserve series beer: A bourbon barrel aged Porter that defies imagination with its flavor!
Cricket Hill held its first annual home brew contest with the all around winner becoming one of this year’s Reserve Series Beers and the runners up to become small batch beers. Each will be brewed by the home brewer under the watchful eye of our Head Brewer David Manka. There were 33 entries, all of which were well made and very difficult to pick one over another.
The runner’s up were:
Doug Petkoski – Imperial Ipa
Bill Kovach – American Pale Ale
Keith Koval – Belgian Dubbel
The Grand Prize:
Bill Kovach – Russian Imperial Stout
Each of these brewers received a pint glass and a Bourbon barrel and get their beer brewed by a production Brewery!
Stayed tuned for the next Cricket Hill release in February…an American Brown Ale.
River Horse to Host Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival Chili Cook-off
2011 will be the 15th annual chili cook-off at the Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival. Come in from the cold for their spicy hot competition, featuring some of the tastiest, tangiest and most original chili created by the finest local restaurants and accompanied by Lambertville’s award winning River Horse Brewery beers. The event takes place Sunday, January 30th. Admission includes commemorative pint glass. More information available on the Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival website.
Jersey’s Finest — a collaboration between Iron Hill Maple Shade and Flying Fish
Join the fun on January 15th from noon to 4 PM. Iron Hill Maple Shade welcomes guest brewer Casey Hughes of Flying Fish Brewing Company.
ON TAP FROM FLYING FISH
Exit 13 Chocolate Stout
Grand Cru Winter Reserve
ON TAP FROM IRON HILL
Luca Brasi
Cask-Conditioned Half Caff
Jersey’s Finest – a blend of Flying Fish Exit 13 and Iron Hill’s Luca Brasi aged on whole vanilla beans and cocoa nibs
Flying Fish Exit 13 Chocolate Stout Draft Released
After getting all the bottles shipped in time for the holidays, Flying Fish released a limited amount of Exit 13 draft throughout New Jersey. Catch it while you can. Also, all bottles have been shipped, so if you still want some, grab it when you see it.
Flying Fish Brewing Company gives you behind the scenes access to the labeling of Exit 13–the sixth stop in their Exit Series of big bottle beers. See the video on the Flying Fish website.
High Point Preparing to Unleash ICE Storm Eisbock
Ramstein ICE Storm Eisbock is scheduled for release during the week of January 17th. Samples and Growler fills available at the brewery. Check out ramsteinbeer on Facebook for exact date and more info.
High Point Brewing Company was selected to participate in a very special beer dinner at Blue Hill at Stone Barns on January 30th. The event features locally brewed beers with local ingredients. High Point will brew a batch of beer with locally grown and malted spelt as well as local honey.
High Point Brewing Company’s gift shop and tasting room will be opened normal business hours M-Sat. during January and February (weather permitting). There will be no formal guided tours till March 12th.
January Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – December 2010
Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for December 2010 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.
Flying Fish Releases Exit 13 Belgian Chocolate Stout
The sixth in its series of beers celebrating New Jersey, focuses on an exit probably best known for it’s view of the Newark airport, but it is also home to the Port of Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, one of the busiest in the world. Many food products come through the port, including the Belgian chocolate they used for what they’re calling an import/ export stout.
This fuller “export style” stout gives a sturdy base for the rich chocolate flavor. A mix of imported and domestic malts are highlighted by roastiness from dark wheat. An Irish ale yeast and Pacific Northwest hops combine to create an excellent dessert beer as well as one to share in the cool weather with friends. More information at exitseries.com.
New Jersey Beer Co. Says Brewery Glassware is Nice, Exclusive Access is Even Better
For the beer lover there is an endless supply of gift ideas that crop up around this time of year. Glassware, bottle openers, books, apparel and even beer itself are all great ideas. There are homebrew kits and instructional DVDs that can bring hours of enjoyment. The New Jersey Beer Co. has gotten a little creative with its holiday offerings and is selling memberships to its Reserve Club, an exclusive group that is eligible for insider benefits and the opportunity to brew on NJBC’s 10-barrel system.
The first 200 people to sign up for the $100 memberships will receive a second year in the club at no additional cost. Members will receive a growler of each of the brewery’s four seasonal beers before they go on sale to the public as well as a first chance to sample and purchase small-batch special releases. A brewery t-shirt and 20% off all merchandise from the brewery store for the duration of membership is also included.
Steinberg plans to hold several members-only events at the North Bergen, NJ brewery and regular opportunities to brew alongside the New Jersey Beer Co. staff, something many home brewers will appreciate. “We want to give people a chance to experience the brewery in a deeper way,” said Matt Steinberg, the brewery president. “This is more than the standard tour and tastings we currently offer, it’s really a chance to be part of the brewery family and connect with like-minded people.”
Memberships to the Reserve Club are available at njbeerco.com or by contacting NJBC via email at info@njbeerco.com.
Gaslight Victorian Dinner on 12/15
The annual Gaslight Victorian Dinner happens on Wednesday, December 15th. Tickets are selling fast so be sure to get yours soon! Be sure to check out the menu!
Thursday 12/2 is Sierra Nevada Promo Night. All four of the 30th Anniversary beers will be on tap and in bottles. Also on tap are Bigfoot, Celebration, Northern Hemisphere Harvest, Estate Harvest & Tumbler. Bottles of Bigfoot, Celebration, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere & Estate are also available. Special Pricing & giveaways. 7pm til close.
Ramstein Winter Wheat Doppelbock Featured at High Point Open House
On Saturday, December 11 High Point Brewing Company will host it last open house until March 2011. High Point will feature its Ramstein Winter Wheat Doppelbock for sale and samples. Bring your growlers.
For Holiday shoppers, the brewery gift shop and tasting room will be open every day except Sundays and holidays throughout December. Call 973-838-7400 or visit us on Facebook at ramsteinbeer for more details.
Guild Breweries Coming to Allentown Craft Beer Festival
The Allentown Brew Works Craft Beer Festival takes place this Saturday, December 4th. Tickets are selling quickly! Cricket Hill and Flying Fish will be among the 40 represented breweries.
New Jersey Beer Co. Stout Named “Best Thing to Come Out of New Jersey Since Bon Jovi”
New Jersey Beer Co. has run away with the title “Best Thing to Come Out of New Jersey Since Bon Jovi” by New York Press. Read more about how NJBC is giving New Jersey brewing a good name.
December Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter – November 2010
Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for November 2010 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.
Guild Elects New Officers
The Guild’s new officers are:
President: Dan Saboti, Gaslight Brewery and Restaurant
Vice President: Charlie Schroeder, Trap Rock Brewery and Restaurant
Secretary: Mike Sella, Pizzeria Uno Grill and Brewery
Treasurer: Gene Muller, Flying Fish Brewing Company
Many thanks to outgoing President Gretchen Schmidhausler from Basil T’s Brewpub for her countless hours of service.
Krogh’s Finishes Fall with Pumpkin Ale
Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub finishes up the Fall season with their crisp Pumpkin Ale. They transition into the holidays with a festive Celebration Ale due out in December and for January, as we ring in a New Year, Krogh’s will have Fallon’s Vanilla Porter. For questions or reservations, please call 973-729-8428.
JJ Bitting Prepping IPA, Ale and Marzen
October was a good month for JJ Bitting Brewing Company. The BadBoy Oktoberfest was great and The Raging Pumpkin Ale was a hit. This months upcoming beers are a Harvest Whales IPA, Nut Brown Ale and some more Marzen. Later this winter they will have the Woodbridge Winter Warmer, Doppelbock, and possibly another collaboration brew with the Whales club.
Gaslight Celebrates Most Arrogant Week
Join Gaslight Brewing Company November 13 to November 19 for the Most Arrogant Week. There will be discounted Stone bottles and draughts all week.
The annual Gaslight Thanksgiving Gathering takes places Wednesday 11/24 to Sunday 11/28. Buy a Commemorative Glass and get discounted refills of Gaslight beer all weekend.
The annual Gaslight Victorian Dinner happens on Wednesday, December 15th. Tickets are selling fast so be sure to get yours soon! Be sure to check out the menu!
Gaslight also has their 13th anniversary ale coming out soon. It is a Belgian Quad. There are two versions. Regular and bourbon barrel aged. The Gaslight Fall/Winter seasonals will be available soon: Tripel 7′s, Belgo Pale, Citra Wet Hop E.S.B., Satan Claws, 11 Piper.
Grand Cru Now Out And About
It’s just started shipping, so keep your eyes out for Flying Fish’s Grand Cru Winter Reserve. Lightly filtered, the Grand Cru is a medium-bodied beer with exceptional malt character, a slightly spicy hop presence and a balanced, warming finish. It uses a sour mash process to give it a dry, quenching finish.
Grand Cru Winter Reserve is perfect with all kinds of food or all by itself. Available in bottles and draft. It will be available in bottle, 1/6 kegs 1/2 kegs and maybe special cask conditioned versions through the holidays.
Best of the BrewsFest a Success
The 1st annual Best of the BrewsFest held on October 2nd at Hidden Valley resort in Vernon, NJ was a very successful day with attendance of 280. Over 10 breweries were serving their beers on the Lodge balconies overlooking the bottom of the mountain and providing a majestic backdrop for all to enjoy. There was live music by Kilby & Taylor, food provided by Hidden Valley, great beer by: Krogh’s, Stoudts, JJ Bitting, NJ Beer Co., Erie Brewing, East Coast Beer Co., River Horse, Port 44, High Point, Boak’s and Cricket Hill.
Save the date for next year: The first Saturday in October now belongs to North Jersey’s own Best of the BrewsFest!
High Point Brewing Company Debuting Ramstein Winter Wheat
High Point Brewing Company will be debuting their Ramstein Winter Wheat 2010 at their November 13 Open House Tour. Ramstein Winter Wheat is rated one of the 8 great winter Beers by Gourmet Magazine, 98 points by RateBeer and one of the top 4 Weizenbocks by Beer Advocate.
High Point’s Open House will be offered in two sessions, one at 2:00 pm and one at 3:45 pm. Six packs and growlers will be available. High Point has decided to focus its limited Winter Wheat for draft. Bottles of Winter will only be available for sale at their brewery. Draft will be available throughout NJ, PA and NY.
On Saturday, November 6th Office Beer Bar and Grill locations will debut the “Homebrew War” winning IPA produced at High Point. The 6.5% abv. beer was brewed and dry hopped with Simcoe Hop Flowers. This is the first but probably not the last IPA brewed at High Point. Also on November 6th, cask dry hopped version of Ramstein Oktoberfest available at the Coppermine Pub in N. Arlington, NJ.
November Events
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild website is continuously updated with new events. Check out the calendar to see what’s brewing in New Jersey this month.
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