When it comes to big-time beer-brewing cities here in the States, Milwaukee probably springs to mind. Or perhaps Portland, Maine, with its bevvy of award-winning craft brews. But New Jersey? Believe it or not, it’s quickly becoming the place to raise a mug of locally brewed lager, ale, and IPA. And there’s no better time to toast the beer lover in your life than Father’s Day, when several area breweries and pubs will be showcasing special menus, tours, and tastings fit for a king. Here are a few of the best breweries in NJ to consider hop-ping (or better yet, ride-sharing) to on Dad’s big day.
The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn is the first in New Jersey since prohibition to brew beer for consumption on premise and provides a family-friendly English pub atmosphere in the scenic Delaware valley. Enjoy craft-brewed ales (all based on styles from the British Isles and beyond in their brick-and-wood-clad Peter Austin brewing system), ciders, and homemade, British-inspired foods with locally sourced ingredients. All this amidst an original Victorian tin ceiling, exposed brick and beams, hatch-board tables and nautical fixtures, and an English-style brewery. Their special Father’s Day event promises “the manliest of kitchen specials, happy hour brews, and whiskey cocktails all day long.”
The Ship Inn
61 Bridge Street, Milford
(908) 995-0188
Long Valley Pub and Brewery
Nestled at the foot of Schooley’s Mountain in the heart of scenic Long Valley, New Jersey, the Long Valley Pub and Brewery resides in a breathtakingly restored 200-year-old barn. Their award-winning brewer (available nowhere else!) and outstanding culinary team have developed a wide variety of unique, seasonal beers and culinary creations sure to appeal to a variety of tastebuds. Stop in for their special prix fixe Fathers’ Day Brunch (Adults: $34.95 per person; Kids ages 4-12: $15; Kids 3 & Under: FREE) to experience the most award-winning brew-pub in all of New Jersey. Tours (May through October): Saturday, 12-4 pm; call 908-876-1122 for reservations. Tastings: Mon-Thurs, 11:30am-Midnight; Fri-Sat, 11:30am-2am; Sun, 11:30am-11pm
Long Valley Pub and Brewery
1 Fairmount Rd, Long Valley
(908) 876-1122
River Horse Brewing Company
Founded in 1995 by two brothers in Lambertville, New Jersey, River Horse showed great promise for many years, but after a while, was in need of new leadership and a fresh branding strategy. Fortunately, in 2007, friends and colleagues Chris Walsh and Glen Bernabeo came along and turned everything around, assembling a team of top-notch brewers (including Head Brewer Chris Rakow) and re-establishing the brewery's presence. Weekly tours (reservations required) are available Saturdays and Sundays, taking visitors through the entire brewing process from mill room to packaging. Tours: Saturdays at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm, and Sundays at 2pm (click here for reservations).
River Horse Brewing Company
2 Graphics Drive, Ewing
(609) 883-0890
Flying Fish Brewing Co.
This award-winning craft brewery—the largest producer in South Jersey—is a must-visit for any beer enthusiast. Focusing on balance and sustainability, their beers are full-flavored yet highly drinkable, and they’re still innovating to this day with their brand new canning and bottling operation, which is on full display during a tour, where guides will walk you through the brewing process from ingredients to glass. Afterwards, take advantage of the brewery’s close proximity to Old City Philadelphia to check out the Liberty Bell and historical sights from our Founding Fathers. Tours: Saturdays, 1pm-4pm; Tastings: Tuesday & Wednesday, 2pm-7pm, Thursday & Friday 3pm-8pm, Saturday 12pm-6pm.
Flying Fish Brewing Co.
900 Kennedy Blvd., Somerdale
(856) 504-3442
Carton Brewing
The brainchild—er, brewchild—of cousins Chris and Augie Carton, Carton Brewing is charmingly housed in a turn-of-the-century red brick warehouse, showcasing “a passion for stimulating flavors in the places their tastes were formed.” This philosophy is no better on display than in their newest fun flavor, Sundae, a Neapolitan Russian Imperial Stout aged in cognac barrels with walnuts and maraschino cherries. Tours and Tastings: Wednesday and Thursday, 5-8, Friday, 4-8, Saturdays 12-8, and Sunday, 12-5. A tour of the brewery is required before tasting.
Carton Brewing
6 East Washington Ave., Atlantic Highlands
(732) 654-BEER
