Beer is Flowing in the Garden State [AUDIO]
Did you know New Jersey was one of the top beer-brewing states before Prohibition? The craft beer scene is starting to pick up again in New Jersey. You can spot it in only certain places.
A number of tap rooms across the state have made it a priority to provide their customers with beer created by local brewers. A lot of Jersey's brands are only available on tap via keg; a few, such as Flying Fish and Cricket Hill, are distributed to stores in bottles.
"You go into a bar now, and it's not just a matter of ordering your usual Corona or Heineken," explained Ken Schlager, editor of New Jersey Monthly. "On any given night, you have 20 to 30 beers on tap. Some places even have 90 different beers."
Schlager said there are currently 27 brewers in New Jersey, and that number will keep growing.
He continued, "There's a lot of unexpected tastes. There are beers that are spicy. There are beers that are citrusy. There are beers that almost taste like breakfast cereal."
Schlager compared New Jersey's craft beer scene to the wine experience. The variety offers drinkers a different option every night and different brands to go with specific types of food.
"It's really fun to find your way through this world," he said.
Want a taste? Dates provided by New Jersey Monthly
March 23 - Beer on the Boards at Martell's Tiki Bar, Point Pleasant Beach
April 5-6 - Atlantic City Beer & Musical Festival, Atlantic City
May 11 - Jersey Shore Beer Fest, Belmar
June 15 - Brew HaHa Craft Beer Festival, Great Adventure in Jackson