The Jersey Shore has long had a reputation as a mecca for mass market beer, like Coors and Budweiser. In the last decade, this has all started to change. A number of small but delicious craft breweries are popping up along New Jersey’s popular shorefront locales. They offer a broad palette of delectable varieties poised to tickle the flavor centers of your brain.
You’ll soon discover a fascinating range of brews offering everything from the mild and refreshing to the remarkably unconventional. Without further adu, we present the top 5 Jersey Shore Craft Breweries that you should know about.
BeachHaus Brewery – 801 Main Street, Belmar, NJ
The grand daddy of them all. BeachHaus came around when the closest thing to craft brew to be found on the shore was Samuel Adams. The beer drinking public was dominated by Coors and Budweiser until BeachHaus introduced a new classic to the public’s attention – the American Classic Pilsner. BeachHaus started out as a small operation working out of Point Pleasant Beach but have now moved to their own facility in Belmar.
Choice Brew: BeachHaus American Classic Pilsner
Screamin’ Hill Brewery – 83 Emley’s Hill Road, Upper Freehold, NJ
Screamin’ Hill is leading the charge in the farm-to-glass movement. Found on the 100-acre Bullock family farm, the brewery grows virtually all its ingredients on site, including hops (an essential ingredient in beer) as well as pumpkin, habanero peppers and wheat used to flavor the beer. What started out as a pipe-dream of three home brewing friends has grown into so much more!
Choice Brew: Screamin' Hills Habanero Wheat Ale
Kane Brewing, 1750 Bloomsbury Avenue, Ocean Township, NJ
Among the Jersey Shore’s more renowned craft breweries, Kane Brewing Company focuses mostly on Belgian and American styles, unfiltered and fresh. The brews are a true local delight, available on draft in select restaurants up and down the New Jersey coastline. A small team of dedicated beer aficionados take care of the running of the business, and personally delivering their draft-only creations. Feel free to visit their no-frills tap room in Ocean Township to sample the range of flavors.
Choice Brew: Kane's Overhead Imperial IPA
Carton Brewing Company, 6 East Washington Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Synonymous with craft brews on the Jersey Shore, Carton Brewing Company started off as a passion project of two local cousins from Atlantic Highlands. They have an unbridled passion for the frothy suds they create. Carton brews are available throughout New Jersey and neighboring states in liquor stores and restaurants. Feel free to stop by the laid-back brewery found in a non-descript red-brick building, the inviting tap room features a number of unique brews including Regular Coffee, BDG (Brunch, Dinner, Grub) and a Milk Stout.
Choice Brew: Regular Coffee
Dark City Brewing Company, 801 2nd Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ
Asbury Park’s first craft brewery, Dark City Brewing, draws its inspiration from the city’s kinetic and creative energy. The brewery’s name comes from Asbury Park’s nickname and the city’s long, and storied history. The brewers have sought to create a scintillating collection of unique and eclectic recipes. The brewery itself is a celebration of the city's artwork, with a rotating collection of pieces adorning the brewery and taproom’s muraled walls.
Choice Brew: Populous Coffee Porter
The Jersey Shore is filled to the brim with an engaging culture and a full calendar of exciting community events. If you think you'd like to make a home here, be sure to contact Shawn Clayton online or call (732) 295-2222 to consult an experienced Jersey Shore real estate specialist!
