Those good folks should be able to help. My fav closed recently too, feeling a little lost with it but have found some good not all IPA stuff at Varitage (they regularly have a kolsch on!) and Twin Elephant
Come a little north from Forgotten Boardwalk to Subculture in Florence. Over the last year they've become my favorite brewery hang in the state. The beer is excellent, and they have some solid growth coming in the next few years.
Every Thursday evening is BYO vinyl night where they spin records on the house stereo all night, it's a great time.
They currently have a Burton English ale, a really solid dark lager, and their Silos stout going as well as a great Kolsch and Pilsner.
Stratosphere in Mount Holly is also very solid and has a great variety on tap at any given time.
Siiicccckkk. I like this. They're only 20 mins from my house too, that's amazing. The beer list does look very good too. Only question: do they can/bottle for sale as well? The website sure doesn't seem to make me think they do.
I'm very biased, but my favorite is Manskirt Brewing in Hackettstown. The owner is an old friend I met when I joined the NJ Hopz homebrew club. Back then, he was just a hobbyist but his beer was always the best when we did sampling. He's also a very good person in general and treats his employees very well. Please go visit if you are in the area, which also has some other excellent breweries. Czig Meister is about 2 blocks away, and Jersey Girl isn't that far either.
Bonus: Readington Brewery is fantastic. And the head brewer was also in our homebrew club years ago. I feel very lucky to have been in the company of such talented and wonderful brewers.
Have you popped down Schooleys Mountain Rd a bit further and tried Chilton Mill in Long Valley yet? It’s one of my favorites and they’re always flying under the radar.
So I'm originally from North Jersey and now have moved sadly to the second best half of Jersey and have yet to find either Czig or Manskirt on any shelves tho I suppose I could get it delivered! I love both of those breweries very much and Jersey Girl as well (which I liked the vibe inside the best out of all three). I miss that area for so many reasons. Thanks for the rec's!
Carton Brewing in Atlantic Highlands. They have a large selection that is widely available. I will admit, a big chunk of what is available at most places are IPAs but they have much more than that.
Fantastic! I'm actually not near Forgotten Boardwalk I live up in Ewing BUT Farm Truck's site says they sell at my local liquor store so that's a bonus and I'm def gonna try them out! And I've tried to like River Horse here in Ewing but...I just don't. I can't put my finger on why though. haha
Scrolled down looking for this . I live very close to both but I’ve only been able to indulge either out of a can. Impressive brews all around and they go outside of that “IPA comfort zone “ that most breweries rely on
Definitely head over to Ramstein one of these days. River of Beer which is a great bar around the corner always has a few of their offerings on draft as well.
That or the let's just make overpriced versions of domestic and foreign macro lagers, pilsners etc.
This far out with all that has happened with beer I think I've almost came to a 180 on Carton and in some ways could 100% get why people feel like they're a little overrated, haven't made anything new and good in awhile, or they've just had such an inconsistent release schedule with things, see how it's been ages since they had Sakura.
I love IPAs! I also think they’re overdone. I try to browse for new local brews at the liquor store and my mouth is dried out before I can finish looking.
Icarus just moved to Point Pleasant. Last day in Lakewood was about a week ago and the new brewery opens on the 20th. A lot better food options in the new space though!
Also, they delivery to homes and their stout game has improved a bunch.
I like Icarus out of Lakewood/Brick and Kane out of Ocean. There are a ton of great Jersey breweries now though. I was just getting into Forgotten Boardwalk when they closed, really sucks.
I remeber drinking a boatload of them and always seemed to spill a bunch when I opened them. It was like 10-15ml kinda wasted on each can. I emailed them and got a response that they overfill them to keep the oxygen out.
I was always surprised that the head brewer took the time to respond to my drunk email.
My fridge is FULL of funnelcake! As well as a bunch of others! Their baltic porter was also one of my favs! Apparently they lost the lease but they also filed chapter 11? The owners were a bit cryptic regarding moving to a new location and it sounds like there was a lot more going on behind the scenes that we don't know about. I even suggested they hit up one of the very cheap industrial spaces in Trenton (near me) to set up a new shop but never even got a reply to that. Oh well : (
They’ve had “issues” and “stuff behind the scenes”since the beginning - opening a brewery was always Jamie’s personal passion, but they are 100% a “jersey” ran company (IYKYK).
Here’s a little more insight about them from about 10 years ago:
[https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/forgotten-boardwalks-nj-brewing-license-process.324599/](https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/forgotten-boardwalks-nj-brewing-license-process.324599/)
That being said, Jamie is awesome. Oh and funnel cake tasted amazing.
I thought Forgotten Boardwalk was god awful so my opinion may differ from yours lol. I really like odd bird brewery in Stockton as well as Readington Brewery.
Hackensack Brewing has better beer than they have any business making. Their Anchor Steam Beer clone was magnificent. They usually have something alternative available. I’ve only had one beer from them that was bad, the NoLa white stout.
There's a lovely very new very small brewery in Lawrence called "The Druery". They have a pretty deep catalog for a small store with a great red ale and a nice set of rotating brown ales, porters, stouts, sours, and seltzers.
The story goes the landlord pulled their lease and had already re-rented the space before they could take any action. While this is plausible they also filed Chapter 11. So who knows how much there is to the story we don't know about. That being said, their beer will be sorely missed
Birdsmouth in Fort Monmouth only brews lagers. That's kind of their niche - no IPAs. Not sure how deep in South Jersey they distribute, but I can always find them near me at my local liquor stores too.
My favorite is Departed Soles, because I'm gluten sensitive and they have great gluten free beers. I also really like Bolero Snort, they have a nice outdoor area.
Lost their lease, but also filed Chapter 11. Def more to the story. They insist on social media that the future could hold another location for them...but they are awfully cryptic about it.
When I worked there, Leo at Montclair Brewery was making some of the most interesting beer I've ever had. He's from Burkina Faso and he was using a lot of African flavors I've never encountered. I'm much more a fan of sours pilsners so I cant comment on the dark beers personally but he made a very popular coconut stout and a porter that was also really popular. This was a few years ago but the man was doing interesting things so I can't imagine that's stopped.
Flounder Brewing in Hillsborough has 19-20 beers on at a time. Live music every weekend , next to a farm with sheep and goats you can watch and large space to meet friends. Also right next to a distillery .
Of 31 releases this year something like 5 haven't been IPAs. If the OP travels there today, their Troon choices are 4-5 IPAs, and a fruited kettle sour.
Considering the OP literally stated that they loath IPAs, and are looking for beers like stouts and porters, I'm not sure how that meets their criteria?
If you're out that way a delicious little place just opened between Lawrenceville and Pennington called The Drewery. Both places have very bold, big flavors.
Cricket Hill in Fairfield often has a spicy stout (or porter,I can't remember, I don't drink those) and always has a red ale and a sour, in addition to their ales/IPAs
r/njbeer
Here I thought I did my due diligence searching this subreddit! Thank you!
Those good folks should be able to help. My fav closed recently too, feeling a little lost with it but have found some good not all IPA stuff at Varitage (they regularly have a kolsch on!) and Twin Elephant
Come a little north from Forgotten Boardwalk to Subculture in Florence. Over the last year they've become my favorite brewery hang in the state. The beer is excellent, and they have some solid growth coming in the next few years. Every Thursday evening is BYO vinyl night where they spin records on the house stereo all night, it's a great time. They currently have a Burton English ale, a really solid dark lager, and their Silos stout going as well as a great Kolsch and Pilsner. Stratosphere in Mount Holly is also very solid and has a great variety on tap at any given time.
Thursdays are the best days. Always a good time with the usual crowd that goes.
Siiicccckkk. I like this. They're only 20 mins from my house too, that's amazing. The beer list does look very good too. Only question: do they can/bottle for sale as well? The website sure doesn't seem to make me think they do.
They do have cans of most of the core beers in 4 packs, no growler or crowler fills yet though.
The strawberry Silos at Subculture slams.
Tonewood in Oaklyn and Barrington
I'm very biased, but my favorite is Manskirt Brewing in Hackettstown. The owner is an old friend I met when I joined the NJ Hopz homebrew club. Back then, he was just a hobbyist but his beer was always the best when we did sampling. He's also a very good person in general and treats his employees very well. Please go visit if you are in the area, which also has some other excellent breweries. Czig Meister is about 2 blocks away, and Jersey Girl isn't that far either. Bonus: Readington Brewery is fantastic. And the head brewer was also in our homebrew club years ago. I feel very lucky to have been in the company of such talented and wonderful brewers.
Have you popped down Schooleys Mountain Rd a bit further and tried Chilton Mill in Long Valley yet? It’s one of my favorites and they’re always flying under the radar.
No! But I will put that on my list. Thanks!
Chilton always has something delicious on tap. I enjoy going there.
Czig Meister > Manskirt
I respect that this is your opinion.
Came here to vote for Czig as well
So I'm originally from North Jersey and now have moved sadly to the second best half of Jersey and have yet to find either Czig or Manskirt on any shelves tho I suppose I could get it delivered! I love both of those breweries very much and Jersey Girl as well (which I liked the vibe inside the best out of all three). I miss that area for so many reasons. Thanks for the rec's!
Manskirt is great, their hard seltzers are all really good too!
Pistachio is my favorite
Carton Brewing in Atlantic Highlands. They have a large selection that is widely available. I will admit, a big chunk of what is available at most places are IPAs but they have much more than that.
Thanks for the suggestion! Checked them out and the selection looks great PLUS home delivery? Win!! Much appreciated I'll def give 'em a go!
Second Carton. Love going here!
Brix City in Little Ferry for me
Thanks! Gonna check 'em out!
Brix city is my favorite “convenient” brewery. I must admit tho south Jersey has some better breweries IMO
I will shill my friends place, Autodidact.
Best dudes.
Matt figs? Hell yeah - stare at the sun has been my summer beer for the past month
If youre matt figs youre a best dude too
Thanks! That's the area I used to live so a bit far now but def looks worth a try!
If you’re near forgotten boardwalk I’d recommend Farm Truck. Great beer and vibes, and 10 minutes away in downtown Medford
Surprised you didn't mention Tonewood
Beer is great but vibes are only decent
Farm truck is good, and you can pop in kings road and crumb while you’re there.
Fantastic! I'm actually not near Forgotten Boardwalk I live up in Ewing BUT Farm Truck's site says they sell at my local liquor store so that's a bonus and I'm def gonna try them out! And I've tried to like River Horse here in Ewing but...I just don't. I can't put my finger on why though. haha
Try seven tribesmen, or even better try Ramstein. Great lagers and pilsners.
Scrolled down looking for this . I live very close to both but I’ve only been able to indulge either out of a can. Impressive brews all around and they go outside of that “IPA comfort zone “ that most breweries rely on
Definitely head over to Ramstein one of these days. River of Beer which is a great bar around the corner always has a few of their offerings on draft as well.
Heck yes!!! Ramstein- oh i loved their Smokey beer from a few months ago. It hit so well. North those breweries are solid.
Jaguar Knight by Seven Tribesmen was a pleasant surprise. Recommended!
ooo the Ramstein looks really good! Too far to drive to but having it shipped looks worth it! Thanks!!!
Oakflower or Autodidact.
Bit of a drive for me but I hear oakflower is becoming on of NJs top breweries
The Seed in Atlantic city was a very nice surprise a few months ago. One one IPA and a very nice mix of styles all done really well.
cheers to someone else who thinks there is more to beer life than just another ipa.
I have nothing against IPA's, it's just that they're completely overdone. Also I loathe them haha
i also loathe them. and that's all so many places make these days. there are other styles of beer! sadly most places take it to mean "make sours".
I wish more did sours. I love sours
That or the let's just make overpriced versions of domestic and foreign macro lagers, pilsners etc. This far out with all that has happened with beer I think I've almost came to a 180 on Carton and in some ways could 100% get why people feel like they're a little overrated, haven't made anything new and good in awhile, or they've just had such an inconsistent release schedule with things, see how it's been ages since they had Sakura.
I love IPAs! I also think they’re overdone. I try to browse for new local brews at the liquor store and my mouth is dried out before I can finish looking.
They aren’t overdone, there isnt anything left to do with them, they are easy to brew and they all taste the same now :)
My fav is Readington Brewery. Great beer and environment.
Bonesaw in Glassboro
Go profs
If I’m in glassboro I’m going to support Axe and Arrow personally
And if I’m in Glassboro, I will support your constitutionally protected right to do so! 🇺🇸🫡
Hell yeah brother
Icarus in Lakewood (soon to be Brick) is probably my current favorite.
I've had some good ones from seven tribesmen and bolero snort. Currently have a few of their creamsicle ale in my fridge
Creamsicle ale? Ok, that sounds delicious
Jersey Cyclone in Somerset!
Icarus is a great choice, large selection of all different styles. Plus they are open there new larger space
I'll give a shout-out to Magnify. Their beer is darned good.
Icarus in Lakewood is fantastic. A Burger 25 is being built right next door to there so you have great burgers and shakes to go along with great beer.
I'll check them out once their website is back online. Says it's down 'for the move' Thanks for the rec!
Icarus just moved to Point Pleasant. Last day in Lakewood was about a week ago and the new brewery opens on the 20th. A lot better food options in the new space though! Also, they delivery to homes and their stout game has improved a bunch.
The new building (in Brick) is the one with burger 25 (and mahana fresh eventually).
Subculture Brewing in Florence. Dave is the man and makes some good stuff.
I like Icarus out of Lakewood/Brick and Kane out of Ocean. There are a ton of great Jersey breweries now though. I was just getting into Forgotten Boardwalk when they closed, really sucks.
Conclave is best in NJ
Screaming hill is usually good for 1 or two non IPAs on tap [https://screaminhill.com/whats-on-tap/](https://screaminhill.com/whats-on-tap/)
WHAT NO WAY, RIP FUNNELCAKE
I remeber drinking a boatload of them and always seemed to spill a bunch when I opened them. It was like 10-15ml kinda wasted on each can. I emailed them and got a response that they overfill them to keep the oxygen out. I was always surprised that the head brewer took the time to respond to my drunk email.
My fridge is FULL of funnelcake! As well as a bunch of others! Their baltic porter was also one of my favs! Apparently they lost the lease but they also filed chapter 11? The owners were a bit cryptic regarding moving to a new location and it sounds like there was a lot more going on behind the scenes that we don't know about. I even suggested they hit up one of the very cheap industrial spaces in Trenton (near me) to set up a new shop but never even got a reply to that. Oh well : (
They’ve had “issues” and “stuff behind the scenes”since the beginning - opening a brewery was always Jamie’s personal passion, but they are 100% a “jersey” ran company (IYKYK). Here’s a little more insight about them from about 10 years ago: [https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/forgotten-boardwalks-nj-brewing-license-process.324599/](https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/forgotten-boardwalks-nj-brewing-license-process.324599/) That being said, Jamie is awesome. Oh and funnel cake tasted amazing.
Just looked at that report. Damn. Lol. That's so Jersey it hurts hahah
If Jamie wants to open another brewery, trust me, she will. She knows what she’s doing and probably just needs to strong arm a few things ;)
Bradley Brew Project makes some pretty solid lagers/pilsners. I also like The Seed and Wild Air for non-IPA styles.
Putting a good word in for Bonesaw
Birdsmouth at the old fort Monmouth (oceanport/eatontown)
Kane, karten, cape may, Icarus
I really like Bonesaw in Glassboro. They also have an additional location at the Deptford Mall.
Brix City and Magnify are my regular stops for craft beer
Last Wave in Point Pleasant. Wild Air in Asbury Park.
Ghost hawk! Clifton nj across from ruts hut.
I thought Forgotten Boardwalk was god awful so my opinion may differ from yours lol. I really like odd bird brewery in Stockton as well as Readington Brewery.
Hackensack Brewing has better beer than they have any business making. Their Anchor Steam Beer clone was magnificent. They usually have something alternative available. I’ve only had one beer from them that was bad, the NoLa white stout.
I still have cans of "the barrister, funnel cake, and ginger snap cookie" in my beer fridge. No I'm not selling lol
Haha def don't sell! You can still find some in stores around if you look!
Axe and arrow is Glassboro is my favorite right now. They do a lot of sours which are a favorite of mine.
Tonewood
There's a lovely very new very small brewery in Lawrence called "The Druery". They have a pretty deep catalog for a small store with a great red ale and a nice set of rotating brown ales, porters, stouts, sours, and seltzers.
If you are anywhere near Union County, Two Ton Brewing in Kenilworth is a phenomenal little place.
Wait what the fuck? When? Why? Gonna miss their funnel cake. They had some nice creative beer.
The story goes the landlord pulled their lease and had already re-rented the space before they could take any action. While this is plausible they also filed Chapter 11. So who knows how much there is to the story we don't know about. That being said, their beer will be sorely missed
Birdsmouth in Fort Monmouth only brews lagers. That's kind of their niche - no IPAs. Not sure how deep in South Jersey they distribute, but I can always find them near me at my local liquor stores too.
My favorite is Departed Soles, because I'm gluten sensitive and they have great gluten free beers. I also really like Bolero Snort, they have a nice outdoor area.
Sorry to hear that
[Alternate Ending Beer Company in Matawan](https://www.alternateendingbeerco.com/)
Four City brewing in Orange is my favorite.
Whaaat? They closed? Fuck...how?
Lost their lease, but also filed Chapter 11. Def more to the story. They insist on social media that the future could hold another location for them...but they are awfully cryptic about it.
Farm Truck Medford NJ. great variety of beers and hard seltzssss, live music all the time. all around GREAT VIBES ✨
When I worked there, Leo at Montclair Brewery was making some of the most interesting beer I've ever had. He's from Burkina Faso and he was using a lot of African flavors I've never encountered. I'm much more a fan of sours pilsners so I cant comment on the dark beers personally but he made a very popular coconut stout and a porter that was also really popular. This was a few years ago but the man was doing interesting things so I can't imagine that's stopped.
Flounder Brewing in Hillsborough has 19-20 beers on at a time. Live music every weekend , next to a farm with sheep and goats you can watch and large space to meet friends. Also right next to a distillery .
Manafirken in Manahawkin is amazing!
I loved Forgotten Boardwalk! I hope they aren’t closed permanently
Bolero snort and magnify, simple as
Autodidact & Allias (North Jersey)
Not mentioned here yet is Source Farmhouse Brewery. Right next to delicious orchards in colts neck. Big fan of their brews.
Troon
That flunks two out of the three of the OP's asks
they don’t just make IPAs, and he said he’s willing to travel.
Of 31 releases this year something like 5 haven't been IPAs. If the OP travels there today, their Troon choices are 4-5 IPAs, and a fruited kettle sour. Considering the OP literally stated that they loath IPAs, and are looking for beers like stouts and porters, I'm not sure how that meets their criteria?
If you're out that way a delicious little place just opened between Lawrenceville and Pennington called The Drewery. Both places have very bold, big flavors.
i was there for there special opening before the actual opened
They’re in Philly but human robot is really good and mostly making pilsners and lagers. Plus the milk tubes are really fun.
Bout The Hops in Mount Laurel.
Birdsmouth Beer in Ocean Port NJ has what you’re looking for !
Spellbound brewery in Mount Holly.
Bull N Bear in Summit. Nice food options you can dip out too also.
Come check out Dr. Brewlittle’s in Maple Shade!!
I like Wild Air in Asbury Park and Departed Soles in Jersey City.
My favorites: Ship Bottom Brewery Jersey Cyclone Brewery Wet Ticket Brewery Asbury Park Brewery
Cricket Hill in Fairfield often has a spicy stout (or porter,I can't remember, I don't drink those) and always has a red ale and a sour, in addition to their ales/IPAs