Breweries have been sprouting up all across New Jersey in recent years. And according to the Brewers Association, New Jersey ranks 21st in the United States in terms of craft brewers. The explosion of craft brewers provided a chance for residents to support breweries locally or even far away in order to experience new flavors. As a result of the quality, atmosphere, and flavor of breweries in South Jersey, NJ people are taking note.
If you choose to enter the beer brewing industry, you’ll notice that the majority of the entrepreneurs have a similar love for making their own brews or simply like drinking beer. That is why they are at the top of our list.
The last six breweries on this list are devoted to sustainable brewing and operations, making them ideal for anyone wanting to support enterprises that integrate environmental principles.
So, fill your growlers and find out where to enjoy locally created handmade beers in South Jersey.
Double Nickel Brewing Co.
Double Nickel Brewing Co. started their business last 2015, and until now, they still bring inspiration to everyone who wants to start a brewery business. They take inspiration from the classic which makes people love them even more.
If you live outside of Pennsauken, NJ, you’re in luck since Double Nickel Brewing distributes its beer across New Jersey and certain areas of Philadelphia.
What makes them special is that they lend help and collaborate with other breweries to help those in need. Proceeds go to charities like Cathedral Kitchen and Philabundance.
Eclipse Brewing
Back in the old days, starting a brewery business was just a dream for Chris Mattern. Until he decided to start off his home brewing kit 30 years ago and that changed everything for him. By 2013, Chris decided to start his micro-brewery, and the rest is history.
Every week, Eclipse Brewing rotates between its 17 beer offerings. Fruity, hoppy, and light beers are among the options.
Forgotten Boardwalk
The Forgotten Boardwalk is a company based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and is well-known for its Witbier, IPA, and Funnel Cake ale. The Funnel Cake lager is a hophead favorite.
The brewery also makes a point of supporting and donating to 501(c)3 nonprofits that work in the arts, no-kill shelters, environmental groups, and the local community.
King’s Road
Their passion for craft beer took them to a life-changing moment. Last 2017, a group of five friends were inspired by their love for beer to start their own brewery, then King’s Road was founded. It has been a go-to brewery for the locals because of the outstanding flavors of their beer.
It’s jam-packed with people but would still prefer to quench their thirst with the brewery’s best-selling IPAs. But, with their beverages, the long wait in lines is definitely worth it.
Hidden Sands Brewing Company
Hidden Sands Brewing Company is the closest brewery to Atlantic City, located directly off Exit 37 of the Garden State Parkway or exit 7 of the Atlantic City Expressway. Their recipes and styles are created to compliment the wide spectrum of tastes.
Locals keep coming back to them because of their must-try beer and its unique other flavors. And if you’re planning to visit NJ soon, you shouldn’t miss it during their stay. Their 107’ IPA is a hit amongst their customer base.
Pinelands Brewing
Pinelands Brewing is aptly named as it’s surrounded by Pine Trees in Little Egg Harbor Township. It’s the kind of brewery that even when you’re miles away, the long trip will be worth it if you get to try their beer. Guests seem to love their first experience in the brewery, they become returning customers.
So, if you ever come to NJ, you shouldn’t miss this on your itinerary. It’s worth the long trip and you shouldn’t miss it out.
Manafirkin Brewing Co.
Manafirkin is one of South Jersey’s newest brewers on our list. Donn and Todd, co-owners, started the brewery after exploring East Coast breweries for their love of beer. Since its establishment, it has had over 20 Firkin Founders and a large fanbase due to a wide range of beers.
And you should try the Hophoppers’ favorite: Wake the Firk Up! (An oatmeal coffee stout). It’s a real game-changer.
Three 3s Brewing Co.
This brewery is perfect for small and intimate gatherings. The locals are head over heels for the selection of beer on tap and their delectable brews. Their most loved beer is an American IPA called Bugg Juice.
Their main focus is brewing IPA’s and Saison. Their Style Beers are available in their tasting room which you can enjoy with your friends when you visit their brewery and distributed all over NJ.
Cape May Brewing Company
Cape May Brewing Company was founded by three people and with a beer. Ryan, Hank, and Mop Man made their first batch of Cape May IPA in 2011, brewed it, and sold beer to a pub up the street, kicking off South Jersey’s craft movement.
Their tasting Room is one of the largest and most accessible in the state, with a spacious and sunny Beer Garden which you’ll definitely enjoy. Throughout the year, hundreds of their beers can be found throughout New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The company’s pride is carried by being able to distribute their beers to hundreds of bars, restaurants, and liquor stores, on draft and in cans, ensuring premium freshness and excellent service. If you haven’t tried their beer yet, then you’re totally missing out on big stuff.
Slack Tide Brewing Co.
Make a broad and high-quality variety of beers using all natural ingredients acquired locally wherever feasible. Slack Tide Brewing Company is an attraction where residents feel at ease and tourists look forward to returning. The brewery aims to be a local favorite, but it seems many of its guests have traveled for the wide selection of beers and the experience.
For those who want to meet fellow beer enthusiasts and get discounts from Slack Tide, people can join their Mug Club to get exclusive deals.
Cold Spring Brewery
The only non-profit brewery on our list is in New Jersey, all the way down south. The brewery opened in 2014, thanks to the support of the HCSV Foundation Board of Trustees. The HCSV foundation, a non-profit living museum, receives 100% of the proceeds.
Why are hopheads so enamored with the location? Its rustic environment, as well as the kind informed employees who provide great beer and hospitality during the guests’ stay, make the lengthy journey worthwhile.
Flying Fish Brewing Co.
In 1996, the brewery went “virtual.” Because of the success it has achieved since then, creator Gene Muller decided to make his idea a reality in Cherry Hill. It has been practicing sustainable practices such as recycling and conservation since its relocation to Somerdale. In addition, the brewery is a member of the New Jersey Sustainable Business Registry (NJSBR).
Many are loving their English IPA, HopFish India Pale IPA.
Tomfoolery Brewing
To produce its beers, the family-owned brewery draws on their skills in biochemistry and electrical engineering. Many of their guests love the fresh and clear beers they provide. Customers, on the other hand, adore their beer flights.
As part of the NJSBR, the wasted grain is sent to a local farm to feed their animals. In addition, the brewery recycles and recovers hot water. We all love a company who shares their part with the environment.
Lower Forge Brewery
According to Untappd, the audience favorite appears to be Vertically Challenged, a hoppy Porter. Lower Forge aims to reduce their water use by 100 to 200 gallons per week by using a cold water CLT system. Their fruity beers and shandies are popular with many of their consumers. However, Lower Forge is only available from Thursdays through Sundays for those who wish to visit.
The founders organized a campaign to construct their brewery in Medford. Because of their perseverance, they were able to get a construction permission and have been in business since 2016. According to their website, the brewery intends to broaden their service by distributing their products in other taverns and restaurants.
Zed’s Beer
Their “core four” basic beers, as well as their Prickly Pear Hibiscus hard spritZer, have all received gold in international competition! Customers appear to have taken notice of the brewery’s “approachable” craft and are enjoying their options of beer on tap. According to their NJSBR profile, Zed recycles paper, distributes leftover grain to a local farm, and reuses water to cool the wort for washing. Zed will also provide a free Lyft trip to residents of Marlton and Voorhees.
Eight & Sand Beer Co.
This brewery features about 20 beers on tap, which change on a regular basis to provide unique experience with each visit. They also have trivia evenings, as do several of the other brewers in South Jersey. For those who prefer to eat while drinking, they provide a selection of local eateries such as Vito’s Pizza and Angelo’s to bring or have delivered while at the brewery.
One of Eight & Sand Beer Co.’s numerous sustainability initiatives is their dedication to clean electricity and lowering their carbon footprint using solar power. They’re really worth visiting not only because of their outstanding beers but also for their eco-friendly mission to help the environment.
Cross Keys Brewing Co.
The final brewery on our list is in Williamstown. They distribute their beers across the state and in certain areas of Pennsylvania, as do other South Jersey brewers. Hopheads rave about their Hopedemic IPA. Cross Keys Brewing Company is a hyper-local South Jersey brewery run by Jersey boys who are dedicated to providing our community with distinctive, fresh, and delicious craft beers. This passion is shown in every barrel they manufacture.
Cross Keys can host any event or occasion if you are from Gloucester County and searching for a location to celebrate. Every barrel they produce represents their commitment to being a sustainable brewery.
Support for local breweries
Every brewery has their own stories to tell and a special mission behind the names. It’s their enthusiasm in brewing beer for every palette and for everyone to enjoy. These South Jersey brewers seek to put New Jersey on the map by providing high-quality beers that travelers from other regions of the country know and appreciate. Now that you’ve gotten a sense of all the breweries, go to the one that piques your attention and have a gulp of locally brewed beer.
