Best 11 Breweries in New Jersey: A Comprehensive Guide

New Jersey has a thriving craft beer scene, with dozens of breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking out the best breweries in the state, there’s something for everyone in New Jersey’s craft beer community.

From small, family-owned operations to larger, well-known breweries, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to beer in New Jersey. Some of the state’s most popular breweries include Kane Brewing Company in Ocean Township, which is known for its IPAs and barrel-aged stouts, and Carton Brewing Company in Atlantic Highlands, which offers a wide range of styles and flavors, from pilsners to sours. Other top breweries include Cape May Brewing Company, which has won numerous awards for its beers, and Magnify Brewing Company, which is known for its hazy IPAs.

Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or crisp lagers, you’re sure to find a beer you love at one of New Jersey’s many breweries. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to see why the state has become a destination for craft beer lovers from around the world.

Top Breweries in North Jersey

Brix City Brewing

Brix City Brewing is a well-known brewery in Little Ferry, New Jersey. They offer a wide variety of beers including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Their taproom is a great spot to relax and enjoy a beer with friends. They also offer brewery tours on weekends.

Website: http://brixcitybrewing.com/

Address: 4 Alsan Way, Little Ferry, NJ 07643, United States

Magnify Brewing Company

Magnify Brewing Company is located in Fairfield, New Jersey. They are known for their IPAs and have won several awards for their beers. They have a taproom that is open seven days a week and offers a rotating selection of beers.

Website: http://magnifybrewing.com/

Address: 1275 Bloomfield Ave Building 7 Unit 40C, Fairfield, NJ 07004, United States

902 Brewing Company

902 Brewing Company is located in Hoboken, New Jersey. They are a small brewery that focuses on quality over quantity. They offer a variety of beers including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their taproom is a great spot to hang out and enjoy a beer.

Website: http://www.902brewing.com/

Address: 101 Pacific Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304, United States

Ghost Hawk Brewing

Ghost Hawk Brewing is located in Clifton, New Jersey. They are a family-owned brewery that offers a variety of beers including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Their taproom is a great spot to relax and enjoy a beer with friends. They also offer brewery tours on weekends.

Website: http://www.ghosthawkbrewing.com/

Address: 321 River Rd #6, Clifton, NJ 07014, United States

Kane Brewing Company

Kane Brewing Company is located in Ocean Township, New Jersey. They are known for their IPAs and have won several awards for their beers. They have a taproom that is open seven days a week and offers a rotating selection of beers.

Website: http://www.kanebrewing.com/

Address:  1750 Bloomsbury Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712, United States

North Jersey has a great selection of breweries to choose from. Brix City Brewing, Magnify Brewing Company, 902 Brewing Company, Ghost Hawk Brewing, and Kane Brewing Company are just a few of the top breweries in the area. Each brewery offers a unique selection of beers and a great atmosphere to enjoy them in. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to check out these great breweries.

Best Breweries in Central Jersey

Conclave Brewing

Conclave Brewing is a popular brewery located in Flemington, New Jersey. Known for its unique and flavorful beers, Conclave Brewing has quickly become a favorite among beer enthusiasts in Central Jersey. They offer a wide variety of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. Some of their most popular brews include the Moonwater IPA, Mexican Morning Stout, and Gravitational Waves.

The atmosphere at Conclave Brewing is relaxed and welcoming. The tasting room is spacious and features rustic decor, making it a great place to enjoy a beer with friends or family. They also offer a variety of snacks and food trucks on-site, making it a great spot for a casual night out.

Website: http://www.conclavebrewing.com/

Address: 11 Minneakoning Rd, Flemington, NJ 08822, United States

Twin Elephant Brewing Company

Twin Elephant Brewing Company is another popular brewery located in Chatham, New Jersey. They offer a variety of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and sour beers. Some of their most popular brews include the Diamond Nugget IPA, the Mosaic Pale Ale, and the Vanilla Bean Milk Stout.

The tasting room at Twin Elephant Brewing Company is cozy and inviting, with a rustic decor and plenty of seating options. They also offer board games and other activities, making it a great spot for a fun night out with friends or family. Additionally, they often host events and special releases, so be sure to check their website for upcoming events.

Website: http://www.twinelephant.com/

Address: 13 Watchung Ave, Chatham, NJ 07928, United States

Overall, Conclave Brewing and Twin Elephant Brewing Company are two of the best breweries in Central Jersey. With their unique and flavorful beers, welcoming atmospheres, and fun events, they are definitely worth a visit for any beer enthusiast in the area.

Notable Breweries in South Jersey

Cape May Brewing Co

Cape May Brewing Co. is one of the most popular breweries in South Jersey. It was founded in 2011 by Ryan Krill, Chris Henke, and Bob Krill. The brewery is located in Cape May and offers a wide range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery has won several awards, including the 2015 Best Brewery in New Jersey award.

Website: http://capemaybrewery.com/

Address: 1250 Hornet Rd, Rio Grande, NJ 08242, United States

Glasstown Brewing Co

Glasstown Brewing Co. is another well-known brewery in South Jersey. It was founded in 2013 by Paul Simmons Jenifer and Kyle Sturges. The brewery is located in Millville and offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and pilsners. The brewery has a taproom that is open to the public and offers tours of the brewery.

Website: http://www.glasstownbrewery.com/

Address: 10 Peterson St, Millville, NJ 08332, United States

Double Nickel Brewing Company

Double Nickel Brewing Company is a brewery located in Pennsauken, New Jersey. It was founded in 2015 by Drew Perry and John Dalsey. The brewery offers a range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery has a taproom that is open to the public and offers tours of the brewery.

Website: http://dnbcbeer.com/

Address: 1585 NJ-73, Pennsauken Township, NJ 08110, United States

These three breweries are some of the most notable in South Jersey. They offer various beers and have won several awards for their quality and taste. If you are a beer lover and find yourself in South Jersey, be sure to check out Cape May Brewing Co., Glasstown Brewing Co., and Double Nickel Brewing Company.

Experience at New Jersey Breweries

New Jersey is home to a plethora of breweries, each offering a unique experience for visitors. From the taproom vibe to the live music and venue, there are many factors that contribute to the overall experience at a New Jersey brewery.

One important aspect of the experience is the staff. Friendly and knowledgeable bartenders can make all the difference, providing recommendations and answering questions about the beer selection. Visitors to New Jersey breweries can expect to find staff who are passionate about their craft and eager to share their knowledge with customers.

Another key factor is the atmosphere. Tasting rooms with comfortable seating and tables are a must, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy their beer in a welcoming environment. Many breweries also offer outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying a sunny day while sipping on a cold brew. Parking is also an important consideration, and many New Jersey breweries offer ample parking options for their guests.

The taproom vibe is also an important aspect of the experience. Some breweries have a laid-back, casual vibe, while others are more upscale and sophisticated. Visitors can choose the taproom that best suits their preferences and mood.

Finally, live music can add an extra element of fun to the brewery experience. Many New Jersey breweries host live music events, featuring local musicians and bands. These events can be a great way to enjoy some great beer while listening to some great tunes.

The Variety of Brews

New Jersey is home to a diverse range of breweries, each with its own unique selection of brews. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between, there’s something for every beer lover in the Garden State.

One popular type of beer in New Jersey is the porter. Porters are dark, malty beers that often have notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. Some of the best porters in the state can be found at breweries like Kane Brewing Company and Carton Brewing.

Another popular style of beer in New Jersey is the pale ale. Pale ales are hoppy beers with a light, refreshing taste. Many breweries in the state offer their own take on this classic style, including Cape May Brewing Company and Magnify Brewing.

IPAs are also a staple of the New Jersey beer scene. These hop-forward beers come in a variety of sub-styles, from West Coast to New England. Some of the best IPAs in the state can be found at breweries like Bolero Snort Brewery and Twin Elephant Brewing Company.

Lagers are another popular type of beer in New Jersey. These crisp, clean beers are perfect for hot summer days. Many breweries in the state offer their own take on the classic lager, including Brix City Brewing and Departed Soles Brewing Company.

Stouts is a rich, full-bodied beer that often has notes of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt. Many breweries in New Jersey offer their own take on this classic style, including Dark City Brewing Company and Tonewood Brewing.

Sours are a tart, fruity beer that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many breweries in New Jersey offer their own take on this style, including Alementary Brewing Company and Referend Bier Blendery.

Pilsners are a light, refreshing beer that is perfect for warm weather. Many breweries in New Jersey offer their own take on this classic style, including Conclave Brewing and Source Brewing.

Hefeweizens are a wheat beer that is often brewed with spices like coriander and orange peel. Many breweries in New Jersey offer their own take on this classic style, including Flying Fish Brewing Company and River Horse Brewing Company.

Blonde ales are a light, easy-drinking beer that is perfect for any occasion. Many breweries in New Jersey offer their own take on this classic style, including Three 3’s Brewing Company and Village Idiot Brewing Company.

Hazy IPAs are a relatively new style of beer that has become increasingly popular in recent years. These juicy, hoppy beers are perfect for those who love IPAs but want a more mellow flavor. Many breweries in New Jersey offer their own take on this style, including Icarus Brewing and Kane Brewing Company.

Imperial stouts are a stronger, more intense version of the classic stout. These beers often have a higher alcohol content and a more complex flavor profile. Many breweries in New Jersey offer their own take on this style, including Czig Meister Brewing Company and Magnify Brewing.

Unique Brews to Try

New Jersey has a thriving craft beer scene with many breweries offering unique and innovative brews.

Backward Flag Brewing Co

Located in Forked River, Backward Flag Brewing Co. offers a wide range of unique brews, including their flagship beer, Crowler, a refreshing and memorable IPA. They also offer other unique brews like Gravitational Waves, a double dry-hopped IPA, and Power Juicer, a New England-style IPA with a juicy flavor profile.

Website: http://backwardflagbrewing.com/

Address: 699 Challenger Way, Forked River, NJ 08731, United States

The Beer Garden Experience

New Jersey is known as the Garden State, and for good reason. The state is home to many beautiful gardens, parks, and some of the best breweries in the country. One of the most popular trends in the craft beer industry is the beer garden experience, and New Jersey has some of the best beer gardens around.

A beer garden is an outdoor area where people can enjoy a cold beer, good food, and great company. Many beer gardens are located in beautiful settings, surrounded by flowers, trees, and other natural elements. The experience of drinking a beer in a beer garden is like no other, and New Jersey has some of the best beer gardens in the country.

One of the best beer gardens in New Jersey is located in Asbury Park. This beer garden is located on the boardwalk and offers stunning views of the ocean. The garden is surrounded by beautiful flowers and other natural elements, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold beer.

Another great beer garden in New Jersey is located at one of the state’s many breweries. Many breweries have outdoor areas where people can enjoy a beer while taking in the beautiful scenery. These beer gardens often offer live music, food trucks, and other entertainment, making them a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

In conclusion, the beer garden experience is one of the best ways to enjoy a cold beer in New Jersey. Whether you are looking for a relaxing place to unwind or a fun place to hang out with friends, New Jersey has some of the best beer gardens around. So grab a cold beer, sit back, and enjoy the beauty of the Garden State.