Jersey's Gone, But Jersey John's Not
There are many things I won't miss about New Jersey: Exorbitant taxes, potholes, exorbitant taxes, Rt. 287 at pretty much any time of day, exorbitant taxes, paying to get on the beach--and then being forbidden to enjoy an Alvarez cigar while standing on it, exorbitant taxes, salted roads for an inch of snow--and did I mention exorbitant taxes?
But there are some things I will definitely miss: my beer/biker buddies, the view from my former home in Perth Amboy, really good pizza--and the beer from Jersey's incredible brewers, especially the ones I've come to know well.
Four of them are in the article below. And what makes them all incredible is not just the caliber of beer they produce; it's what they do for others. SubScout John Gonzalez goes into some detail about that in his guest piece below.
Before you ask, of course I miss "Gonzo," too. But as long as he keeps checking in with stories like this, it feels like he's right here at my elbow, quaffing a cold one with me.
And if he keeps up with good work like this, I'm going to double his salary...
Local Brewers Come up Big for Children with Cancer!
By John "Gonzo" Gonzalez
I am so happy to report that some great people in Jersey's craft beer industry have stepped up and given some tremendous support to those who need it most! With a little help from the Pub Scout, Kurt Epps, I was able to reach out to some of Jersey’s great craft breweries and ask for some much needed assistance for a truly worthy cause.
The Wet Ticket, Two Ton Brewing, Climax Brewing, Little Dog Brewing, and Angry Erik Brewing all chipped in to support the Sunshine Kids Foundation to help children with cancer. They believe that every kid deserves a childhood and the opportunity to be a kid. The non-profit SUNSHINE KIDS™, established in 1982, is committed to bringing sunshine to young cancer patients’ lives by providing positive group activities and emotional support, helping them do what kids are supposed to do--have fun and celebrate life. The foundation provides a variety of free programs and events for kids receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across North America. We were able to raise $1.7 million this year through company wide donations and fundraising activities.
These brewers showed up for us; now let's show up for them!
Go to Climax Brewery in Roselle Park and give Dave Hoffman a big thank you! Dave has been working very hard on revamping Climax brews and its location. He has installed a beautiful back patio biergarten with an eye-catching custom made fire pit! It’s perfect when drinking some of Dave’s classics. He always has his staple four beers on tap created to suit any beer lover's palate along with four awesome seasonal beers. Climax is a win win!
Jump in the car and take a trip up route 80 to the quaint and bucolic town of Hampton to enjoy some special beers at Angry Erik Brewing. Their session IPA, C.A.G.E. (Citra, Amarillo, Galaxy, and Ekuanot hops) is a great 4.9% beauty that is aromatic and delicious. If you are lucky enough to find the Jalapeno IPA on tap I strongly suggest you try it! The brewers did a phenomenal job of capturing the
smoky flavors of the jalapeno while not competing with the great hoppy flavor. A perfect union of earthy flavors working together.
Angry Erik is also expanding and distributing to over 11 counties in NJ - so be on the lookout, you’ll be happy that you did!
Further south in Monmouth County you will find a quaint brewery that pays extra special attention to brewing a more European style of beer. Little Dog is a great brewery located in Neptune City that provides a nice laid back beer sampling experience. Brewer Gretchen’s beers run the spectrum from a light aromatic Blonde Ale to a deeply complex Seafarer’s Stout. Wash off the beach sand and stop by; you will be pleasantly surprised.
You like new innovative beers? How about live bands? If you answered yes to either, take your squad over to Two Ton Brewing. The Barbiere brothers in Kenilworth are looking forward to seeing you. Matt and Jim have been busy canning some of their best brews and what’s pouring on tap is equally amazing. The Hammer and Ale Imperial IPA(a personal favorite), Situation Normal APA, and Crispy Boi Lager are on my go-to list each time I visit. Don’t forget we are in the crush of the biergarten season, and nothing beats summer nights here in Jersey! Be on the lookout for their double can release: Wrought Gold Blonde Ale and Brothers from Another Mother New England IPA collaboration with Resident Culture Brewing in North Carolina. See you soon!
Trying to avoid getting dumped by his girlfriend in the movie Stripes, Bill Murray’s character calls out, “talk about massive potential for growth!” Alas, it didn’t work for Bill, but it has worked for the gentlemen at The Wet Ticket. They have expanded their menu, distribution, volume, and more importantly...their fan base. Growing in leaps and bounds Tim, Al, and Jim just keep cranking out some great quality beers. Canning, bottling, and brewing at the Wet Ticket is a nonstop process that has been responsible for the brewery’s massive fan appeal. New beers arrive on what appears to be a weekly basis and disappear almost as quickly, giving the brewers happy headaches. Pineapple Hopper Milkshake IPA, Watermelon Wheat, Trolley Hopper, and Fully Juiced make up my “Beers for the Summer” list. What’s your list look like?
Thank you for reading and patronizing your favorite local craft brewers! They truly stepped up and many children and families are a bit more comfortable and happy for it.
Thank you to all of them.
SubScout John Gonzalez
Cheers!
The PubScout--Since 1996
