Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for April 2012 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.

Guild Legislative Efforts Continue

Thanks in part to your help, we’ve made great progress with the Guild’s legislation that will make New Jersey a much more beer-friendly state, create jobs and encourage tourism. Currently the legislature is in the budgeting process so other bill making has been put aside. Regular hearings begin again in mid-May and we’re hopeful to continue with the great progress we’ve made. We will be reaching out to all New Jersey craft beer consumers to ask for your help contacting your local lawmakers once things heat up again.

Welcome Two New Guild Breweries

Craft brewing continues to grow in New Jersey, with the recent openings of two new production breweries: Tuckahoe Brewing in northern Cape May county and Turtle Stone in Vineland. Both are focusing on draft beers to start. To find out more, visit them at the members section of our web site.

Flying Fish releases 16th Edition of the Perfect Summer Beer

Hard to believe this tasty stuff is now entering its 16th summer. Farmhouse should be at your favorite retailer and tavern by the time you read this. The perfect summer beer, Farmhouse Ale is brewed with pale malt, a small percentage of wheat and hopped with imported Styrian Goldings. A sour mash gives this beer its signature dryness and great drinkability.

Tuckahoe Helping Out with Fundraiser for The Marine Mammal Stranding Center

In co-operation with Surfers Supplies, Tuckahoe Brewing Company is raising funds for The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. All of the profits from The New Brighton Coffee Stout will be donated to The Stranding Center, and there will be a fundraising event at Yesterday’s in Marmora on April 21 from 3-6. Harrison Beverage and Yesterday’s will also be making contributions to The Stranding Center. Please attend if you can, and please consider supporting this important organization.

There will be a special event for Tuckahoe Brewing at The Crest Tavern in Wildwood Crest on Friday night, May 4. Join Tuckahoe for Summer Sendoff at The Deauville Inn in Strathmere on Friday night, May 18.

Watch Out for JJ Bitting Knockout Bock

JJ Bitting Brewing Company will be tapping the “Knockout Bock”, a pale Maibock (7% abv) on April 20. Before that the “Avenel Amber Ale” will make it’s triumphant return after a brief hiatus. The “Bittings Best Bitter” and the “Rat Pack Pilsner” will be on deck for the following month.

Cape May Brewing Takes First at AC Brewfest

Cape May Centennial IPA from Cape May Brewing Company took first place in the India Pale Ale category at the AC Beerfest.

Get Ready for Krogh’s Shakespeare Week

Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub at 23 White Deer Plaza in Sparta has a Grunney’s Belgian Dubbel on tap as their seasonal right now. The Belgian Dubbel will also be served as a “cask-conditioned” ale. Cask-ales are a new addition to Krogh’s and they are made in limited batches so availabilty will be while supplies last.

Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub is celebrating Shakespeare’s 448th Birthday the week of April 23-27 with different events going on each day. To kick off Shakespeare Week, they will be offering a Gruit Ale, which is a Renaissance-style ale historically linked with herbs. In ancient times, herbs were used over hops to enhance the drink. And as their Shakespeare Week comes to an end on Friday, April 27, they have the best Shakesbeer yet…the “Best of Show” beer from the 2011 New Jersey State Fair. Home-brew competition winner, Dave Peterson, got to brew his winning maibok recipe at Krogh’s and it will be tapped at 5 pm. To learn more about our Shakespeare Week, see Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub on Facebook, or call us at 973-729-8428.

Ramstein Imperial Pilsner Debut

The High Point Brewing Company will debut their Ramstein Imperial Pilsner (German Pilsner malts, lager yeast and dry hopped with Saaz hops, 7?v) at High Point Brewery Open House and Guided Tour on April 14th starting at 2PM.

On April 18th a Ramstein Beer Dinner — 4 courses paired with 4 Ramstein beers — takes place at The Taphouse in Wayne.

Other April events:

• April 20th: MaiFest at Pilsner Haus in Hoboken, NJ – wood barrel tapping of Ramstein Maibock (100pts Ratebeer)
• April 23rd: Brauhaus Schmitz, Philadelphia PA – Celebrate the 496th anniversary of the Reiheitsgebot, wooden barrel taping of Ramstein unfilterd Helles Lager
• April 28-29th: Ramstein Beers will be served at the TAP NY beer fest, Hunter Mountain, NY.

Gaslight Takes it to the Board

Gaslight Brewery & Restaurant will host the Draught Board 15 Meeting on Sunday April 15th at 4pm. The event will be featuring Todd from FX Matts.

Tickets are going fast for the bus trip to TAP NY on Sunday April 29th.

New Gaslight beers on tap during April: Big Dog Porter, Zum Alt Dorf, Enkel Biter Belgian Single & Eliminator Honey Double Mai Bock.

Cricket Hill Champions Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale

From the Cricket Hill Brewing Company news desk:

The Summer has arrived! And once again our Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale is being shipped as we speak! This years release is particularly good with the banana and clove flavor laying in the back of your mouth while the slightly tangy, fruity taste lets this beer pair as well with breakfast as it does with a sizzling steak! The beer for the Jersey shore; extremely refreshing and Shore to please!

 

 

Cricket Hill welcomes our new Essex County Distributor! Aidil Wines & Liquors is now distributing Cricket Hill in Essex County. We look forward to a long and successful relationship.

 

 

As the Summer season begins and baseball fever takes foot, Cricket Hill finds itself being featured in 2 minor league baseball stadiums! The New Jersey Jackals will once again be serving East Coast Lager and their own Jack Ale at the Yogi Berra stadium while the Newark Bears will have the Cricket Hill Beer Garden in full swing!

 

 

Stay tuned for our next Small Batch release in July. Cricket Hill will be brewing a Belgium Dubbel for the first time ever!

 

 

Go to the ballparks this summer with all your kids and have a great time and have some great beers!

 

 

Rick Reed

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.

Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for March 2012 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.

NJ Senate Committee Approves Small Brewer Bill 5-0

After a lot of give and take between the Guild and representatives of the beer wholesalers, liquor stores, restaurant association and liquor distributors, an amended version of our legislation cleared the committee 5-0. One of the big reasons for the vote was that each committee member’s office received more than 200 phone calls/emails from NJ consumers promoting the bill. We thank you for all your help.

There are still several more steps to go: vote in the full Senate, hearing/vote in the Assembly Committee, vote in the full Assembly and signature by the Governor. We’ll be reaching out to you to make your opinion heard before each of these steps. We’re hopeful that sometime later this year New Jersey will become a lot more friendly to craft brewers–and craft beer consumers.

JJ Bitting Introduces Commemorative Abbey Ale

On March 10th, as JJ Bitting Brewing Company celebrates 15 years in business, they will be introducing their commemorative Abbey Ale. It is an Abbey Single style (6.5% abv) dry hopped with Hallertau and fermented with Bastogne yeast. It is blonde in color and light in body carrying notes of plum and spice. The day will include a ceremonial tapping of a firkin (gravity pour) of this special ale to kick off the celebration.

For St. Patrick’s day JJ Bitting will be serving the “O’Halloran’s Irish Red Ale” (a slightly maltier libation with a different hop profile) to temporarily replace the ever-so-popular “Avenel Amber”. The “Barley Legal Barleywine” is already available at the taps weighing in at a hefty 9.1% and featuring flavors of vanilla, pear and an assertive (American) hop character. Also there will be the “Vintage XX Stout” (6.8%). This one has been aged for 4 months on oak and carries a distinctive tartness complimented by complex flavors of bitter chocolate and dried fruit. It’s a great one for those vintage beer enthusiasts.

Join Harvest Moon for 16th Anniversary Beer Dinner

The Harvest Moon will be hosting their 16th Anniversary Beer Dinner on Thursday, March 22 at 7pm. Cost is $40 per person and will include 4 specially prepared courses each paired with one their delicious craft beers. The menu should be available very soon on their website. Seats are limited and are already going fast so call soon to make your reservations — (732)249-6666.

Heading into March Harvest Moon has an Abbey Single, Paddy’s Irish Stout, Moonshine Barley Wine and Columbus Double IPA in addition to their usual brews. The first week in March should see the release of their Zythos Double IPA, followed towards the end of the month by a Belgian Triple.

Ramstein Maibock Debuts on Saturday 3/10

The High Point Brewing Company will debut its award winning Ramstein Maibock at their open house on Saturday, March 10 at 2 PM. They will be tapping a wooden barrel filled with Maibock. Currently, Ramstein Maibock is rated 100 points by Rate Beer.

The beer will be available for growler fills at the brewery and on draft in NJ, NY and PA. High Point brewery’s giftshop and tasting room is open for growler fills and samples from M-F 10am-6:30PM and Saturdays from 1-4PM (except on 10th, hours 2-5PM).

Gaslight Hosts Innis & Gunn Rum Cask Draught Night

Join Gaslight Brewery & Restaurant on Thursday, 3/8 for an Innis & Gunn Rum Cask draught night. Also, they are having a bus trip to Tap NY on Sunday April 29. Tickets are limited and going fast.

Gaslight beers for March:

• B.A. Massive
• Eliminator Honey Double Mai Bock
• Enkle Biter Belgian Single

Flying Fish Releases Exit 8 Chestnut Brown Ale

This long-delayed eighth stop on our multi-year trip to explore New Jersey though its beer and culture brings us to, coincidentally, Exit 8 and celebrates what puts the “Garden” in Garden State.

Did you know that New Jersey has more than 9,800 farms covering 790,000 acres? We’re in the top four nationally in blueberries, cranberries, spinach, peaches, bell peppers and head lettuce produced. Not bad for the most densely populated state. To celebrate Exit 8, one of our big farming areas, we’ve brewed a beer that uses a lost local ingredient chestnuts–and a popular current one–two varieties of local honey.

This full-bodied hybrid Belgian-style brown ale brings forward a nutty character from the chestnuts, accented by the flavors of honey, roasted barley and oat flakes. There’s a nice spiciness from the Mt. Rainier hops while the Chinooks add a touch of pine. Fuggles and Columbus round out the hop profile.

Exit 8 pairs perfectly with hearty foods like roast pork, sausages or a nice aged gouda.

Babe’s E.S.B. on Deck at Krogh’s

Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub at 23 White Deer Plaza in Sparta will be introducing their latest Seasonal, Babe’s E.S.B. in the beginning of the month. They will be celebrating the “luck of the Irish” with their own Irish Stout for St. Patrick’s Day! Their Irish specials go well with their beer! And when April rolls around, Krogh’s has their “Best of Show” beer from the New Jersey State Fair — a maibok! Call them with questions or for reservations (973) 729-8428.

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.

For the first time since craft brewing was legalized in New Jersey, there’s an opportunity for you to make a difference and help NJ brewers and consumers.

On Monday, March 5th, the New Jersey’s Senate Law and Public Safety Committee will meet to vote on S-641. The bill, developed by the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild, will give all craft brewers in the state more flexibility in how, when and where they sell and promote their beer. Current regulations highly restrict what NJ brewers can do–especially when compared to the surrounding states of NY, PA and DE.

This will lead to a healthier environment for small brewers and more choices for craft beer consumers.

By Friday, March 2nd, please contact the 5 members of the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (listed below) to let them know that you support the legislation as a craft beer consumer and ask them to VOTE YES on the bill.

For your information, Committee Chairman Donald Norcross is already a co-prime sponsor of the legislation. You should thank Chairman Norcross for his sponsorship and for allowing the bill to be voted on in committee on the 5th.

When calling the other members of the committee, you should comment on how this bill will help small brewers continue to create jobs, improve tourism opportunities and cut needless red tape. From the consumer perspective, you should comment on how the bill will allow you to have better access to the locally made craft beers you love and want more of.

Remember, please call or e-mail these members by Friday, March 2nd to make sure your voice is heard and your support for S-641 is registered.

Thank you for your continued support of New Jersey’s craft brewers.

Garden State Craft Brewers Guild

Members of the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee

Norcross, Donald – Chair
Audubon Commons Shopping Center
130 Blackhorse Pike
1st Floor
Suite D-3
Audubon, NJ 08106
(856) 547-4800
sennorcross@njleg.org

Greenstein, Linda R. – Vice-Chair
7 Centre Dr.
Suite 2
Monroe, NJ 08831-1565
(609) 395-9911
sengreenstein@njleg.org

Bateman, Christopher
36 East Main St.
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 526-3600
senbateman@njleg.org

Holzapfel, James W
852 Highway 70
Brick, NJ 08724
(732) 840-9028
senholzapfel@njleg.org

Sacco, Nicholas J.
9060 Palisade Ave.
North Bergen, NJ 07047
(201) 295-0200
sensacco@njleg.org

Thanks for your support of New Jersey’s small brewers.

Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for February 2012 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.

Guild Participates in Washington, DC Beer Tasting with NJ Chamber of Commerce

Member breweries supplied 19 beers for the 2nd Annual New Jersey Beer tasting in conjunction with the NJ Chamber of Commerce’s Walk on Washington. The goal was to display the wide variety of beers and breweries now springing up in the Garden State, as well as the impact on employment and tourism each local brewery has. During the tasting, Guild members Michael Kane (Kane Brewing), Rick Reed (Cricket Hill) and Gene Muller (Flying Fish) met with more than two dozen state legislators as well as U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. Other breweries sending beer were Carton Brewing, Iron Hill, Pizzeria Uno and Triumph.

Super Beers for the Super Bowl

For Super Bowl XLVI The Star-Ledger is offering their list of eight “worthy” brews from New York/New Jersey and eight more from New England. The Brewers Guild is well represented with brews from Cricket Hill, Flying Fish, Ramstein and New Jersey Beer Co. Check out the full list!

Flying Fish Releases Exit 8 Mid-month

The long-delayed eighth stop on the multi-year Exit Series trip brings us to, coincidentally, Exit 8 and celebrates what puts the “Garden” in Garden State.

To celebrate Exit 8, one of New Jersey’s big farming areas, Flying Fish has brewed a beer that uses a lost local ingredient: chestnuts–and a popular current one: local honey. This full-bodied hybrid Belgian-style brown ale brings forward a nutty character from the chestnuts, accented by the flavors of honey, roasted barley and oat flakes. There’s a nice spiciness from the Mt. Rainier hops while Chinooks add a touch of pine. Fuggles and Columbus round out the hop profile. Exit 8 pairs perfectly with hearty foods like roast pork, sausages or a nice aged gouda.

Bottled conditioned, 8.3% abv

New Fermenters and a Grain Silo as Cricket Hill Grows

Lots of exciting news coming from Cricket Hill:

Cricket Hill has purchased 2 additional 30 bbl. Fermenters from Switchback brewery in Burlington, VT. These are the original fermenters that Switchback started with and they were shedding tears as we pulled away! In addition, we are expecting delivery on our grain Silo in late February. All this to keep up with our beer production for our newest distributors! Cricket Hill has signed with SKI distributors for New York city and surrounding counties. We have also signed with G&G distributors for central Connecticut! And lets not forget Loveland Distributors in Richmond VA. The fermenters are expected to be up and running Mid-Feb and will be a welcome addition to our little brewery!

We sadly say good-by to assistant brewer Rob who has decided to pursue a career in the granulation business. We will miss him but we welcome back Colin to fill his spot.

Our March release is in the cooker! Look for this years version of our American Brown Ale that proved to be so popular last year.

Our bourbon barrel aged Russian Imperial Stout and our Sour Bourbon barrel Porter are available at the brewery only and only during our brewery tours.

Join the JJ Bitting Birthday Celebration on February 25th

JJ Bitting Brewing Company has their combo 15th Anniversary in business/Mardi Gras party scheduled for Saturday, February 25th. They will be tapping a celebratory Abbey Ale for the occasion. The Barley Legal Barleywine (9%) is expected to debut around the end of the month too. The WHALES IPA will be a regular beer for the foreseeable future but with a subtle variance in each batch… Something for our hop-head regulars to tune in to. Come in to help them celebrate 15 years in business!

Cape May Brewing Turns on the Love Light with Chocolate Covered Strawberry Stout

Cape May Brewing Company will be releasing their Chocolate Covered Strawberry Stout for Valentine’s Day! Join them on Saturday, February 11th at their tasting room. So romantic!

Moonshine Barley Wine Packing a Punch at Harvest Moon

February is shaping up to be an exciting month at Harvest Moon. A revamped version of their Moonshine Barley Wine will hit the taps sometime mid-month. This years Moonshine Barley Wine is a touch lighter in color, slightly more hop forward than last years and stronger; coming in at 11.5% making it the strongest beer ever brewed at Harvest Moon! Also coming out later this month will be Paddy’s Irish Stout and an Abbey Single. They will also be doing two very limited beers for Valentine’s Day this year: a Strawberry Kolsch and a Raspberry Brown Ale.

SHOREzine Offering Online Tour of Kane Brewing

The online magazine SHOREzine is offering a video tour of Kane Brewing Company. Take a virtual visit to Monmouth County to see one of New Jersey’s newest and most exciting breweries.

Look for High Point at International Great Beer Expo on Saturday 2/4

The High Point Brewing Company will be serving their beers at the International Great Beer Expo in Secaucus on Saturday, February 4th. The second annual event will feature some of the biggest names in brewing. Join them at the Meadowlands Exposition Center.

High Point We will be doing a promotion at The Shannon Rose in Woodbridge on February 8th from 6-8pm.

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.

Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for January 2012 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.

Cape May Brewing Releases Imperial IPA

Cape May Brewing Company released their first batch of the Imperial IPA packed with centennial hops in every step of the process. It was so popular it ran out in one hour. They have more in the fermenters so keep an eye on their Facebook page and website for the next release.

Cape May Brewing will be at the 2012 Atlantic City Beer Fest pouring OFS. Look for them there!

They are now on tap at Lucky Bones, Sea Salt and Cabana’s in Cape May. Cape May Brewing Company is looking forward to what 2012 will bring for their small company.

Coming this Month from Flying Fish: Red Fish

From the Flying Fish Brewing Company newswire:

Well, we tried naming this beer Scarlet Fever, but the Feds would not approve our label because it was also the name of a disease. Since we’re plumb out of time and other great name ideas, we’re calling this West Coast hoppy red ale, Red Fish. Columbus, Chinook and Cascade hops give the beer a robust piney nose. Two-row, crystal and cara-red malts give the beer a malty background and a 7% abv.

Red Fish will be available in draft only starting mid-January and only for a short while for now.

Also Coming this Month: Come up with a New Name for Red Fish.

Based on early feedback, we’re thinking of keeping this beer as a full-time offering, but we really want a better name. Send us your suggestions. The winning suggestion will receive a $100 Flying Fish gift card and a couple of goodies from our cellar.

Sweet 15 for JJ Bitting

For the winter months of February and March JJ Bitting Brewing Company will be serving an Abbey Ale to celebrate their 15th anniversary. The “Barley Legal” Barleywine will make its annual return. “Great Scot! Ale”, a 90 Shilling style strong scotch ale, will be available well into February. Keep your eyes out for the introduction of an oak aged cream stout as well!

Kane Brewing Featured in One Year Rare Beer Blowout

Kane Brewing Company will be sending a special beer to the TapHouse Grille in Wayne, NJ for their One Year Rare Beer Blowout! The event takes place Wednesday, January 11th at 6 PM. 24 amazingly rare and unique drafts are featured and paired with food.

Also on tap for Kane:

• 1/11: Beer Dinner and Tasting – Nicchio Ristorante in Belmar, NJ
• 1/19: Beer Tasting Dinner – Salt Creek Grille in Rumson, NJ
• 1/21: As sponsor of the Art House Productions, Snow Ball 2012 Kane Brewing will be pouring beer at the fund raising event in Jersey City.
• 1/27: Meet The Brewery Event – Murphy’s Suds and Sawdust in Rumson, NJ
• 1/28: Kane Brewing will be the featured guest on the “Final Gravity” podcast

Bean There Done That, Vanilla Porter at Krogh’s

Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, will be tapping a Vanilla Porter on Wednesday, 1/11. Come on out of the cold and try this one!

Their next beer will be an Alt Beer followed by an E.S.B., and next month they will be brewing the 2011 Best of Show beer from the NJ State Fair. This year’s winning selection is a Maibok and that will be due out in April.

Happy New Year from Krogh’s! Please call them with any questions or to make a reservation — (973) 729-8428!

Ice Storm Coming from High Point

The High Point Brewing Company gift shop and tasting room will be opened Monday through Friday 9:30 AM-6:30 PM and Saturday from 1-4 PM. These hours are subject to weather conditions so call in advance or check their Facebook page to confirm.

As in previous years, there will be no guided tours until March 10th but samples, self tours and packaged purchases are available during the prescribed gift shop hours.

For fans of Ramstein Ice Storm Icebock, look for availability during end of January. Check their Facebook page to confirm.

All Aboard the Harvest Moon Siberian Express

The Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe will be tapping their Siberian Express Imperial Stout in the next few weeks. They are also starting a barrel aging program. They will be starting with two bourbon barrels. The first beers from the barrels should be out sometime in February or March.

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.

 Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for December 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.

Thanks for Supporting Your Local Breweries

It has been a great year for beer in New Jersey. Three new breweries have opened this year and joined the Guild: Cape May, Carton, Kane. And it looks like a couple more may open next year. The Guild also introduced legislation to help our state’s breweries better market their products and grow their businesses. Although it doesn’t look like the legislation will pass this session, we have commitments from our sponsors to reintroduce it in January and get it on track. Finally, our 15th Annual Festival in June was highly successful despite the high temperatures and we’ve reserved June 23, 2012 on the Battleship NJ for our 16th Annual.

‘Tis the Seasonals at Krogh’s

Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, is featuring two seasonals for December. One is Ashley’s Abby Ale, a lightly hopped, unfiltered brown ale with an alcohol content of 6.2%. Ashley’s Abby Ale is currently on tap. As the holidays approach, Krogh’s will be featuring their Celebration Ale, a darker, heavier winter beer with hints of cinnamon, orange and honey. For reservations or for any questions, please call (973) 729-8428. Happy Holidays and Cheers from Krogh’s!

Flying Fish Re-releasing Exit Beers from Cellar

Since Flying Fish Brewing Company doesn’t have the capacity to brew another 750ml Exit Series beer this year, they are selling some of their private stock of previous releases as part of Saturday tours on December 10 and 17. You can purchase the original gold-medal winning Exit 4, Exit 9 Hoppy Scarlet Ale, Exit 13 Chocolate Stout and Exit 16 Wild Rice Double IPA. They will also have available 3-pack gift boxes to make up your own personal gift box. Exit 1, 6 and 11 are gone.

JJ Bitting Keeping it Toasty with Woodbridge Winter Warmer

JJ Bitting Brewing Company has the popular “Woodbridge Winter Warmer” to carry through the holiday season. Made with a blend of both typical and unusual spices, this dark, full-bodied and complex ale can certainly keep you warm and content through the onslaught of winter. A new, dry-hopped version of the WHALES IPA will be out and the “Chocolate Cherry Stout” should be available until later in the month. Rye Humor is also due out soon (next week). Made with 40% rye malt, including 10% caramel rye malt which will lend a red color and distinctive flavor. It’s finished with a generous dose of Glacier hops and a little caraway seed to enhance that rye bread perception. Hoppy holidays from JJ Bitting Brewing Company.

Lights, Camera, Action for High Point

The High Point Brewing Company gift shop and sampling room will be open during normal business hours — Monday through Friday 9 AM-6:30 PM and Saturday afternoons. They will be closed on December 26th. High Point is featuring their awarding winning Winter Wheat Dopplebock for growler fills as well as their regular portfolio.

Ramstein Winter Wheat is currently rated 98 on RateBeer and one of the top weizenbocks on Beer Advocate. High Point will have their last open house of 2011 on Saturday, December 10th from 2-5pm (two sessions). They will have plenty of brewery collectibles for those thirsty holiday shoppers. The next open house will be in March of 2012.

For those that cannot make the open house, there is a great video about the brewery!

High Point Brewing Company wishes you all a happy and healthy holiday season.

Harvest Moons Lights Up Black O’Lantern Pumpkin Stout

The Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe Black O’Lantern Pumpkin Stout will be on tap for most of December. They just tapped a new batch of their Cluster Double IPA and the middle of the month will see the release of Sinterklaas Belgian Winter Ale, a spiced holiday ale brewed with Belgian yeast. Harvest Moon will also be brewing an imperial stout this month for release the beginning of the new year.

Cape May Brewing Cutting Ribbons, Looking to Grow

Cape May Brewing Company recently cut the ribbon on their new tasting room. The brewery is in talks with the Delaware River & Bay Authority to expand their location at the Cape May County Airport.

The brewery is featured in articles in The Press of Atlantic City and The Cape May County Herald.

The Beer Whisperers Talk (quietly) about Kane Brewing

Kane Brewing Company recently had a visit from the Beer Whisperers who have shared their experience on their website.

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.

Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for November 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.

Flying Fish Announces Plans for New Brewery

Flying Fish Brewing Company has announced plans to relocate their brewery to a new location in Somerdale, NJ. The new building will be three times the size of their current location in Cherry Hill. Some of the features will be a state-of-the-art 50 barrel German-manufactured brewhouse and a solar panel farm on the roof. More information available here.

Harvest Moons Celebrates Anniversary of Ferment the World

The second annual “Fall Harvest” Beer Dinner at Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe is sold out. The event takes place on Thursday, November 3. It is serving as both their fall beer dinner and a celebration of the one year anniversary of their Ferment the World hombrew meetings (check out fermenttheworld.com for more info on the meetings). Keep your eyes open for another Harvest Moon beer dinner sometime in February or March.

The second week of November will see the return of Harvest Moon Nut Brown to the taps. It will be followed by the Black ‘O Lantern Pumpkin Stout just in time for Thanksgiving.

Buela’s Pumpkin Ale Rolling Out at Krogh’s

Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, will finish up November with Buela’s Pumpkin Ale. This is a great Seasonal beer with overtones of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg…all the typical flavorings of Fall! December kicks off with an Abbey Ale and closer to the holidays they will be tapping their Celebration Ale! Happy Holidays to everyone from Krogh’s! For questions and for reservations, please call them at 973-729-8428. Reservations are recommended for the dining room.

Cricket Hill Comes Out of the Dark, Releases Nocturne

Cricket Hill is back! The brewery lost power for four days after the freak storm pummeled New Jersey. This on top of the floods of September has caused havoc with their production schedule!

But their winter Reserve CRICKET’s NOCTURNE has been released on time and is tasting great. Cricket’s Nocturne is a dark lager that combines a mild crispness with subtle toasty, chocolate notes to make it the perfect thirst quencher on days when there’s a chill in the air. It’s a great accompaniment to hearty winter meals, or dessert by the fireside. This winter lager’s unique balance of easy drinkability and richness of flavor make it the ideal “snowblower beer.”

The Cricket Hill winter seasonal Paymaster Porter is now available and soon to be in stores near you. 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. An unfiltered ale that lives up to the gentle session beer reputation that their brewery has become well known for. Watch for the Bourbon Barrel aged version of this porter coming later this month available in 22oz. bottles!

RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT COMING IN JANUARY!!!!

Catch Winter Wheat Doppelbock Debut on High Point Tour

This month’s High Point Brewing Company tour on Saturday, November 12th will feature the debut of their award winning Winter Wheat Doppelbock. It is a rich, complex wheat beer with an ABV of 9.5%. There will be two tours, one at 2 pm and one at 3:45 pm.

For weekly updates and holiday hours, check out their Facebook page or email them at comments@ramsteinbeer.com and ask to be added to our email list.

Caught on Camera: Barrel Tapping at Triumph Princeton

John Leaver of The Princeton Echo put together a video on the barrel tapping at Triumph Brewing Company in Princeton. Check out the video on YouTube.

More Video Fun with Iron Hill and Chocolate

Beer-stained Letter has put together a video with the story behind Iron Hill Maple Shade’s recent chocolate beer and event they put together with Reily’s Candy. Enjoy some tasty viewing!

All Four Cape May Brewing Beers Available for Saturday Tour

Cape May Brewing Company will feature all four of their beers for tastings and growler fills this Saturday, November 5th, from 12-4. For the first time the IPA, Wheat, Honey Porter and Stout will all be in the house!

Carton Brewing Beer Tasting Event this Saturday

Great beer and delicious food come together Saturday, November 5th at Nicchio Restaurant in Belmar. Chef Eric’s imaginative creations come together with the craft brewing cousins Chris and Augie Carton. More details at nicchiorestaurant.com.

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.

Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for October 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.

In this issue:

• Fall is Fresher with JJ Bitting Hop Harvest Ale
• Cape May Brewing Company Now Open for Tours
• Wooden Barrel Tapping from High Point
• Celebrate the Season with Krogh’s Oktoberfest
• Trap Rock to Host Triumph Beer Dinner on Tuesday, 10/11
• Beers for Babes at Harvest Moon
• River Horse Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday, October 8th
• Iron Hill Brings Home the Goods from GABF
• Flying Fish/DiBrunos/Osteria Beer and Cheese Event Caught on Tape
• Benefit Beer Pairing Dinner to Feature Carton Brewing and Kane Brewing
• Reserve Now for Ship Inn Guy Fawkes Night
• October Events

Fall is Fresher with JJ Bitting Hop Harvest Ale

For the month of October JJ Bitting Brewing Company will be carrying the full complement of Autumnal seasonal beers. From their brewer Chris Sheehan:

Starting with the award winning “Bad Boy Oktoberfest” we now also have our “Hop Harvest Ale”, which is a strong and complex wet-hopped brew made with hops that I grow in upstate NY. I cut down the plants and the cones were hand-picked in Woodbridge while the brew was underway. It doesn’t get much fresher than that! In addition to that our “Nut Brown Ale” is also pouring. Like many breweries which feature the style at this time of year, we felt this would enhance our fall line-up with it’s roasty and toasty medium bodied character. Last but not least is the “Raging Pumpkin Ale” featuring lots of pumpkin flavor and just a little spicy character to enhance that pumpkin pie perception.

JJ Bitting is also hosting a “Halloween Bash” on Saturday, October 29th featuring a band, prizes and specials.

Cape May Brewing Company Now Open for Tours

The tasting room at Cape May Brewing Company is now open for tours, growler fills and merchandise on Saturdays from 12-4.

Wooden Barrel Tapping from High Point

High Point Brewing Company will be doing a wooden barrel tapping ceremony at the Office Beer Bar and Grill in Montclair on Thursday, October 6th. The barrels are full of Ramstein Oktoberfest Lager currently rated #1 in style by Beer Advocate.

High Point Brewing will host an open house and brewery tour on Saturday, October 8th. Free tour and samples for those 21 and older. Beer is available in growlers (new or refill customer owned) to go.

Celebrate the Season with Krogh’s Oktoberfest

It’s Fall at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, and they kick off the season with their popular and long-awaited Oktoberfest! Krogh’s Oktoberfest is brewed in the style of German Marzenbier. Marzenbier is full-bodied, rich, toasty and typically dark copper in color with a medium to high alcohol content. The Krogh’s variation has a malty flavor with a well-balanced hop bitterness and a clean, dry finish. It is topped with an off-white, foamy head. The grain bill for Krogh’s Oktoberfest: German Pilsner, Munich, Vienna / IBU: 15 / ABV: 5.9 / OG: 15.5 Plato

This is followed by their popular Pumpkin Ale, also on tap in October. November brings an Abbey’s Ale. Give Krogh’s a call for reservations, questions, or directions at 973-729-8428.

Trap Rock to Host Triumph Beer Dinner on Tuesday, 10/11

Reservations are now available for the Trap Rock Beer Dinner on October 11th. The guest brewer will be Triumph Brewery of Princeton, NJ. Chef Andy will prepare a special pairing menu once the beer selection for the evening has been decided. His theme for this dinner will be locally produced food. The price will be $75 per person, including tax and gratuity. Details available online. Call (908) 665-1755 to make your reservation now.

Beers for Babes at Harvest Moon

The Central Jersey Beers for Babes chapter will hold their inaugural event at Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe. Join them on Tuesday, October 25th from 7-9 PM. Head brewer Kyle McDonald will be leading the ladies through a tutored tasting of his beers. The price is $15 for the sampler. More information available on the Beers for Babes Facebook page.

River Horse Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday, October 8th

Local beer, live music and food provide all the reason you need to join River Horse Brewing Company for their Oktoberfest. They are going to pack it all in one day this year, Saturday, October 8th from 1pm to 6pm. There is no cover charge, pay as you go. Proceeds to benefit local non-profits. Bring non-perishable food to donate to local food pantries. More details on their website.

Iron Hill Brings Home the Goods from GABF

From the blog of Chris LaPierre, head brewer at Iron Hill Maple Shade:

I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate Bob, Vince and all of our brewers on our recent wins at the Great American Beer Fest. Bob continued his uninterrupted ten-year winning streak with a silver medal for his Russian Imperial Stout. Vince took his first (of many we’re sure) GABF medal in the form of a bronze for The Grand Inquisitor. I flew home with Maple Shade’s first medal, a bronze for Vienna Lager.

Read the full post.

Flying Fish/DiBrunos/Osteria Beer and Cheese Event Caught on Tape

Don’t watch this if you’re hungry (or thirsty). A quick look at Flying Fish’s recent pairing event at Osteria. Check out the video.

Benefit Beer Pairing Dinner to Feature Carton Brewing and Kane Brewing

A benefit beer pairing dinner, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Family Promise of Monmouth County, will be held on Friday October 14th at Maloney’s Pub & Grill in Matawan. The event features Kane Brewing Company and Carton Brewing, two of the newest New Jersey craft brewers, both located in Monmouth County.

Reserve Now for Ship Inn Guy Fawkes Night

The annual Guy Fawkes Night at The Ship Inn will Wednesday, November 2nd at 6:30 PM! Renaissance dress and bawdy music should guarantee a great time. Reservations and information at (908) 995-0188.

October 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.

Welcome to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Newsletter for September 2011 — keeping you posted on what’s brewing in New Jersey.

Guild will be featured at National Pavilion at GABF

If you’re heading to the Great American Beer Festival this month, look for the National Guilds pavilion. Ten special New Jersey beers (not available on the event floor) will be poured over the course of the event, so stop by and sample and say hi to your local brewers.

Three New Breweries Join the Guild

The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild is proud to welcome three new members — Cape May Brewing Company, Carton Brewing (Atlantic Highlands) and Kane Brewing Company (Ocean). The breweries will be profiled in upcoming newsletters.

Team Cape May Brewery to Raise Money for MS

Cape May Brewing Company has put together a MS City to Shore team — Team Cape May Brewery — to raise money for MS. Named by Bicycling Magazine as the “Best Cycling Getaway in NJ,” the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride promises to be the best cycling experience on the east coast. Cape May Brewing Company is proud to support the cause. They have a team of 10 individuals who will ride 75-100 miles on Saturday, September 25th from Cherry Hill to Ocean City. Anyone is encouraged to join Team Cape May Brewery, contact info is available at capemaybrewery.com. Check out their bike jersey below!

Trap Rock to Host Triumph Beer Dinner

Reservations are now available for the Trap Rock Beer Dinner on October 11th. The guest brewer will be Triumph Brewery of Princeton, NJ. Chef Andy will prepare a special pairing menu once the beer selection for the evening has been decided. His theme for this dinner will be locally produced food. The price will be $75 per person, including tax and gratuity. Details available online. Call (908) 665-1755 to make your reservation now.

JJ Bittings Gearing up for the Central Jersey Beer Fest

JJ Bitting Brewing Company is gearing up for the Central Jersey Beer Fest 2011 on Saturday, September 24th. The event runs from 1 to 5pm at Parker Press Park. Tickets are available at JJ’s and at the gate, $25 for drinking adults, $15 for non-drinkers and kids under 12 are free. In addition to fine hand-crafted beers there will be live music, great food and a souvenir sampler glass. JJ’s will be tapping the W.H.A.L.E.S. IPA, an Oktoberfest and a Nut Brown Ale in addition to the usual Golden, Amber and Raspberry.

High Point to Debut Oktoberfest

Saturday, September 10th is the September Open House at High Point Brewing Company and the debut of their Oktoberfest. They will be featuring a wooden barrel tapping of the Oktoberfest. There will be 2 sessions — 2 pm and 3:45pm. Their Oktoberfest can be found at many fine bars and restaurants, including the Office Beer Bar & Grill. It will also be served at the 26th Annual NJ Oktoberfest at Crystal Springs Resort on September 17.

Kane Brewing Company Now Open for Tours

Kane Brewing Company is now open for tours and tastings every Saturday from noon to five. Tours will be held every hour from 1pm to 4pm. Call (732) 922-8600 for more information.

Best for Wurst–OktoberFish is Back for 10th Anniversary

Now in it’s 10th edition, this edition of OktoberFish is better than ever. The Flying Fish Brewing Company take on this classic German style uses German malts, hops and yeast. A beautiful reddish color, savory malt profile and delicate hop flavor make this quest beer quite drinkable. OktoberFish is great with food–and especially great with lederhosen.

This is their most limited seasonal, so enjoy it while you can in 12 oz. bottles, 1/2 and 1/6 kegs.

Krogh’s Celebrates Fall

It’s Fall at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub, 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta, and they kick off the season with their crisp Oktoberfest brew! This is followed by their popular Pumpkin Ale also on tap in October. November they will be featuring an Abbey’s Ale as their Seasonal. Fall is a great time to visit Krogh’s and they now have outside tables for your dining and/or drinking pleasure (weather permitting, of course). Come check them out. Give them a call for reservations, questions, or directions at 973-729-8428.

Harvest Moon Heading to Great American Beer Festival

The Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe is gearing up for their first ever trip to GABF at the end of this month. The Monkeyshine Weizenbock has just returned and will be entered at GABF along with their Full Moon Pale Ale. September will also see the tapping of their Hodgepodge Black Ale and towards the end of the month their Pumpkin Ale will be returning. They hope to find time get the Oktoberfest filtered before GABF but it might not be out until the first week of October.

Gaslight Annual Oktoberfest Starts September 22

Gaslight Brewery & Restaurant will be having their annual Oktoberfest starting Thursday, September 22. Join them for a special menu and beers.

Cricket Hill Weathers the Storm

From the Cricket Hill Brewing Company news desk:

I know you have all been reading about Fairfield in all the papers with the incredible flooding that hurricane Irene has caused. They closed the highways into Fairfield and for 4 days no one was allowed in or out. The street we are on was flooded with over 3 feet of water! The buildings on both sides of us had over 4 in. in their offices and warehouse. The front half of our building had 4″ in the machine shops. We had nothing!!!!!!! Because GOD LOVES BEER!!!!

And just in time Tim Mason has returned from Doemens Brewing Academy in Munich Germany. He will be working here until he finds a brewery that wants its beers brewed in German!

So to show our thanks Cricket Hill has released our Fall Seasonal; Fall Festivus! This is a harvest Ale with a light amber color. It has a good balance of earthy malt with a blend of floral and pine hops in the nose. It is the way to spend an autumn afternoon and evening and into the night!

We also have put our Porter into Four Roses Bourbon barrels for its 3 month stay. We will be bottling it in November and it will be available in 22oz. bottles. Last years release was spectacular and this years should be even better!

We have submitted two of our beers, the East Coast Lager and the Cricket’s Nocturne, to the GABF for judging. We also will be serving our American Ale and our Small Batch Dubbel at the Cricket Hill Booth(H30). The Fall Festivus will be served at the New Jersey Booth! See you all there!!

For the 2nd year in a row Cricket Hill will have our beers at the MONDIAL DE LA BIERE in Strasbourg France. We are honored to have been asked back and with the help of Tony Forder and Steve Krawczuk our beers arrived safely!! Stay tuned for Cricket Hill’s infamous Colonel Blide’s in brand new 6-packs! As our distributors have told us…It’s about time!!!

 

 

Cheers,
Rick & John

New Jersey Beer Co. Tours and Tastings on for Saturday

New Jersey Beer Co. tours and tastings will be open this Saturday, September 10th, from 2pm to 6pm. The brewery sustained some flooding from Hurricane Irene but is back in operation. Read more about it on nj.com.

September 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.

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.