March 2019: The New Jersey Craft Beer Craze

Craving a cold one? To help guide readers through Jersey’s burgeoning roster of craft breweries, we assembled a panel of experts to pick the state’s best. In this issue, we introduce you to the 16 top breweries, as chosen by our panel, as well as the state’s best new brewery, top tasting rooms, best brew pub, and more. Cheers!

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Craft Beer

The Surprising Nuance Behind Brewing Lagers

Making the world’s most popular beer requires a bit of extra TLC.

The 16 Best Breweries in New Jersey

There’s no business like beer business—and it’s booming in New Jersey, which now boasts nearly 100 breweries. Here are the best of the best.

The Best Brewery Tasting Rooms in NJ

These three brewery tasting rooms are the best in the state.

Kane Brewing Company Leads the Way in NJ’s Craft Beer Business

Erika and Michael Kane spent years visiting breweries before starting Kane Brewing Company in 2011. Here, we take you through the company’s history and future plans.

The Referend Bier Blendery Explores the Wild Side of Brewing

At the Referend in Pennington, James Priest specializes in an age-old technique that yields complex beers that defy expectations.

Mud Hen Brewing Co. is a Statewide Favorite

In a former Wildwood Harley-Davidson dealership, Brendan Sciarra opens Mud Hen, a 150-barrel system with an expansive food menu, live music and games.

Best in Class: NJ’s Finest Craft Beers

Our panel of experts pick their favorite Jersey beers in eight popular styles.

Painter Philemona Williamson Colorfully Depicts Adolescents

Philemona Williamson’s childhood inspires her colorful canvases of fumbling adolescents. Some of her paintings are on display at Drumthwacket in Princeton.

What’s Being Done to Help NJ’s Food Deserts?

For those who live in Jersey’s urban and rural food deserts, shopping for nutritious groceries remains a daunting challenge.

Brick Farm Market Boasts Super-Fresh Options

The hip Hopewell joint houses a prepared-food section, bakery, juice bar, and butcher and cheese counters.

Top Talent Finally at Ease at Heirloom Kitchen

After years of bouncing around, the gifted David Viana finds the perfect partner and fulfills his potential in Old Bridge.

At Stone House in Warren, Chef David Drake Falls Short of Potential

Chef David Drake has won plaudits for his cooking going back to 2006. Last year, he resurfaced at the upscale Stone House. Our reviewer finds some hints of vintage Drake, but not as many as his track record would make one expect.

Checking Out Cooper River Park’s New Eatery

LaScala’s Birra brought its popular Italian-American menu and beer list to Camden County last year.

Did Wine Change the Course of History?

In a new book, Atlantic County oenophile John Mahoney posits that fermented grapes led to the birth of Western civilization.

Bonesaw Brewing is NJ’s Best New Brewery

The Glassboro brewery’s “go-big-or-go-home mentality” yields exciting results.

Miti Miti Serves Up Latin Street Food

Last year, Miti Miti opened in the building that once housed Stony’s, a South Orange Village favorite.

For Hearty Housemade Mexican Food, Head to El Pueblo Taqueria

The strip-mall eatery in North Cape May is simple, unpretentious and delicious.

At Umbrella Home Decor, Chic Style Reigns

Old is gold at this eclectic Hopewell interior-design shop.

At Madison Boutique, Handbag Heaven Awaits

Luxe designer brands and personal service take center stage at Opulent Habits.

Retiree Enjoys Career ‘Encore’ as Beatles Scholar

Vinnie Bruno, 65, has become a rock star in his own right, giving lectures on the Beatles and other 1960s music acts around the country.

Ember Ensemble Makes Choral Music Come Alive

The Ember Ensemble makes choral music come alive with strong voices and dynamic programs. The group’s next New Jersey concerts are on March 3 and May 19.