Lakewood, NJ Local Craft Beer Guide
Discover the Best Brews in Town
Lakewood, NJ has established itself as a destination for craft beer aficionados. Situated in a state celebrated for its burgeoning beer scene, this town stands out with its own unique offerings. Local breweries, like Icarus Brewing, have gained recognition for their innovative approaches to beer-making. These establishments not only offer a diverse range of styles and flavors but also contribute to the area's local economy and culture, embodying the spirit of New Jersey's craft beer movement.
Craft beer in Lakewood reflects the community’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Breweries in and around the 08701 area code are known for utilizing high-quality ingredients and maintaining a strong connection with their patrons. It's not just about the beer; it's about the experience—visiting these local institutions often means engaging with passionate brewers, enjoying the taproom atmosphere, and, in some cases, exploring outdoor seating areas and special events.
The town's proximity to other Jersey Shore breweries also positions Lakewood as an advantageous stop on the state's craft beer trail. Enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of offerings, from German-inspired brews at Little Dog Brewing Co. in neighboring Neptune City to the historically rooted principles of Climax Brewing in Roselle Park. This guide to Lakewood's craft beer landscape is an invitation to explore the rich flavors and committed community that define New Jersey's local brewing culture.
History of Craft Beer in Lakewood
Lakewood, NJ, has seen a burgeoning craft beer scene that reflects the wider story of New Jersey's love affair with artisanal brewing. Craft breweries in the area have embraced the notion that beer should offer a pleasurable drinking experience, focusing on authentic styles.
Icarus Brewing: Standing out as a notable brewery in Lakewood, Icarus prides itself on a diverse and evolving beer menu. It's known for experimental brews and has become a hub for local beer enthusiasts.
Location: Lakewood Township, NJ
Offerings: 15 taps, growlers, canned beer
The locality thrives on innovation within its craft breweries, often infusing unique flavors into traditional recipes. These local brewers have been instrumental in creating a vibrant community, often fostering family-friendly spaces that contribute to the town's social fabric.
Craft Beer Evolution
1960s: Roots of modern U.S. craft brewing begin
1970s: Homebrewing popularity increases
1990s: Microbrewery movement takes off
Lakewood's brewers have expertly tapped into the craft beer history of New Jersey, contributing to the state's rise in locally produced beer. As these breweries flourish, they continue to serve the community with high-quality, creative blends. Not confined to production alone, Lakewood's tasting rooms have become a cherished part of the local culture, often featuring only a handful of tables where simplicity and quality converge.
Lakewood's Top Craft Breweries
Lakewood, NJ has become a significant player in the craft beer scene, boasting a variety of breweries that offer an array of locally brewed ales, IPAs, stouts, and porters. These establishments not only provide exceptional beer selections but also contribute to the community's thriving craft beer culture.
Icarus Brewing Company
Icarus Brewing takes pride as Lakewood's first microbrewery, known for a daring and innovative beer selection that pushes the boundaries of traditional flavors. The brewery has gained local acclaim for its high-quality ales and IPAs, which are crafted with a blend of creativity and balance. Its service to the community extends beyond great beer, as Icarus also offers online ordering for their beers to-go.
Popular Beers:
Year-round IPAs
Seasonal stouts
Last Wave Brewing Co.
Nestled not far from the shore, Last Wave Brewing Co. specializes in craft beers that resonate with the surf culture. This brewery has made a name for itself with its distinctive hop-centric offerings, including a range of ales that capture the essence of the local vibes. Patrons often praise the inviting atmosphere and the consistent quality of the beer produced here.
Services Offered:
Local beer production
Tasting room experience
Ocean County Homebrewers
The Ocean County Homebrewers is a testament to the robust homebrewing community within Lakewood. Emphasizing the craft in craft beer, this group of local enthusiasts plays a pivotal role in the proliferation of the craft beer movement. Members share knowledge, engage in production, and overall, raise the profile of Lakewood's local beer selections through communal efforts.
Community Impact:
Supporting the craft beer culture
Fostering community around homebrewing
Guide to Lakewood's Beer Bars and Beer Gardens
Lakewood, NJ, is home to a vibrant beer culture, offering an array of beer bars and gardens that cater to every taste. Here, locals and visitors alike can enjoy the rich variety of craft beers in settings that range from cozy indoor spaces to expansive outdoor seating areas.
The Local Beer Bar Scene
Lakewood's beer bar scene is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. These beer bars often boast a wide beer selection from local breweries, keeping the local beer culture alive and thriving. One such place to go is the well-regarded Miners Saloon, known for its impressive selection of Colorado Craft Beers as well as top-notch cocktails. Drinkers can indulge in an array of beers, and the service is praised for being attentive and friendly.
Another popular destination is Joyride Brewing, where the local drinker can discover a favorite among the many offerings, such as the Black Razz Blonde, a hit during the summer months. These establishments often provide cozy indoor environments perfect for a relaxing night out or a place to gather with friends.
Beer Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
Beer gardens, or biergartens, in Lakewood provide an ideal outdoor setting for those looking to enjoy a drink under the sky. One of the standout options is the Red Rocks Beer Garden, where guests not only get to sip on good beer but also engage with a welcoming community that often includes fellow dog owners. The atmosphere at these outdoor spaces is laid-back, fostering an environment where both dogs and humans can relax.
Another notable beer garden is Edgewater Beer Garden, which offers an excellent range of beers along with happy hour specials and appetizing mozzarella sticks. These spaces often come to life with local music and events, making them a dynamic place to go for both the casual and serious drinker. The outdoor seating isn't just abundant; it's also designed to encourage social interaction and community building, making these beer gardens an essential part of Lakewood’s social fabric.
Craft Beer and Food Pairings
Craft beer enthusiasts in Lakewood, NJ, revel in the local scene's rich tapestry of beer and food pairings. Discovering the perfect balance between a local brew and regional cuisine elevates the dining experience, while special events showcase Lakewood's diverse beer selection and food pairings.
Local Delicacies
In Lakewood, the synergy between locally crafted beers and traditional dishes is undeniable. A popular choice is the regional favorite, schnitzel—a thinly pounded, breaded, and fried cutlet that finds its match in the crispness of a well-crafted Pilsner or a hop-forward Lager. These beers complement the schnitzel's richness with a refreshing finish.
For an outdoor seating experience, patrons often enjoy lighter fare such as fresh salads or grilled vegetables. Here, a Blonde Ale or Cream Ale pairs sublimely, offering a smooth malty sweetness that balances any spice or heat in the food, without overpowering delicate flavors.
Beer and Food Events
Lakewood's calendar is dotted with events designed to highlight the harmonious relationship between craft beer and gastronomy. These gatherings provide an immersive service to both newcomers and aficionados, featuring guided tastings that demonstrate how a robust beer selection can enhance various culinary creations. Attendees can expect to savor local craft beers alongside expertly curated dishes, gaining insight into how different beer profiles interact with specific food components to create a memorable gastronomic affair.
Breweries and Tours
In Lakewood, New Jersey, craft beer enthusiasts can explore a variety of local breweries, each offering unique tour experiences and educational sessions that highlight the art of brewing. These breweries combine a passion for craft beer with an eagerness to share their knowledge and processes.
Brewery Tour Experiences
Brewery tours in Lakewood provide an intimate look at the craft brewing process, from the selection of hops to the intricate steps of fermentation. Visitors can witness firsthand the meticulous care brewers take to craft each batch of beer. Icarus Brewing is notable as Lakewood's first microbrewery, where the team demonstrates their bold approach to crafting distinct flavors. Tour attendees typically find a hospitable service, with the chance to meet owners and staff, lending a personal touch to the experience. These tours at the Jersey Shore breweries often conclude in the tasting room, where a diverse beer selection awaits.
Key Tour Features:
Up-close view of brewing operations
Interaction with brewery staff
Tasting sessions of various beer offerings
Educational Sessions
For those looking to deepen their understanding of craft beer, Lakewood's breweries often host educational sessions. These sessions may cover topics such as the origin and properties of different hops varieties, the science behind fermentation, and the nuances of flavor profiling. Patrons have the opportunity to learn about the brewing landscape of New Jersey, highlighting the local aspects of craft beer production. These educational components are designed to enrich the overall visitor experience, making the tour more than just a sampling service, but also a learning opportunity.
Educational Session Highlights:
Exploring the ingredients and processes in beer making
Learning about New Jersey's brewing history and local impact
Opportunities for Q&A with knowledgeable brewery personnel
Community and Craft Beer Culture
Lakewood, NJ boasts a thriving community that commends the art of local craft beer. The synergy between the residents and the craft beer scene underscores a culture focused on appreciation for quality brews and local businesses.
Local Craft Beer Festivals
Jersey Shore Beer Festival: This annual event is a highlight in the Lakewood community's calendar, drawing in beer enthusiasts from across the state. A diverse beer selection from local craft breweries is paired with lively music and food vendors, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
Lakewood Craft Beer Expo: Residents eagerly anticipate the Lakewood Craft Beer Expo, where local breweries showcase their finest offerings. It provides a platform for craft beer aficionados to explore new flavors and for breweries to receive direct feedback from the community.
The festivals not only fuel the local economy but also reinforce the bond between the craft beer industry and Lakewood's community. It's a testament to the town's commitment to supporting local enterprise and deepening its rich beer culture.
Craft Beer Reviews and Publications
In Lakewood, NJ, the craft beer scene has been receiving increasing attention from local publications. They highlight the unique variety of craft beers available. A notable example of Lakewood's offerings is a featured one-room tasting room known for its creative array of craft brews, including specialty sodas.
Local Publications:
Edible Jersey: Focuses on the pleasurable drinking experience provided by NJ's oldest microbreweries.
NJ MOM®: Regularly updates a comprehensive list of craft brew spots throughout New Jersey.
FunNewJersey: Offers insights into the best craft breweries, emphasizing their hometown feel and prolific beer varieties.
Reader Reviews:
Enthusiastic beer lovers contribute reviews, emphasizing the unique beers crafted locally. Spirits enthusiasts often comment on the distinctive flavors and styles available.
Essential Attributes of Lakewood Craft Beers:
Creativity and Uniqueness: Craft beers in Lakewood offer a distinguished palette of flavors.
Local Ingredients: There is a strong commitment to using high-quality malts and hops.
Community Engagement: Breweries often feature interactive spaces like tasting rooms and outdoor seating areas.
In sum, Lakewood's craft beer reviews and publications reflect a city with an authentic and growing beer culture. Publications frequently discuss the distinctive qualities and local dedication of breweries, while reviewers continue to praise the inventive and regionally inspired brews that define the local scene.
Economic Impact of Craft Breweries
Craft breweries have become significant contributors to local economies, and in places like Lakewood, NJ, their impact is felt across various sectors. In New Jersey, the craft beer industry has fostered economic growth within the county and the state at large.
One might consider the substantial direct employment opportunities they create. As artisanal beer production becomes more prominent, it leads to the creation of myriad jobs in brewing, distribution, and retail. Breweries not only employ staff but also often support local farms by sourcing ingredients regionally.
Financial Contributions
Revenue Generation: Craft breweries add to the local and state revenue through the sales of their products and associated merchandise.
Tourism Attraction: These establishments draw both in-state and out-of-state visitors, bolstering the tourism industry.
Community Benefits
Local Business Support: The presence of craft breweries can spur the growth of nearby businesses due to increased foot traffic.
Cultural Enhancement: By hosting events and becoming community hubs, breweries enhance the cultural fabric of the area.
In 2022, the craft brewing industry added a striking $72.2 billion to the U.S. economy, showing its growing influence nationally. Although New Jersey's craft beer scene is relatively young, with state laws evolving in recent years to support this industry, the financial ripple effect is notable, clearly indicating that local brewpubs and production breweries are not just places for craft beer enthusiasts but are also vital pieces of the economic puzzle.
Understanding Beer Types
When exploring Lakewood, NJ's craft beer scene, understanding the distinct types of ales and lagers, along with seasonal brews and unique offerings, enhances the appreciation for local beer selections.
The Different Ales and Lagers
Ales and lagers represent the two main categories of beer, differentiated primarily by the type of yeast and fermentation process. Ales, fermented at warmer temperatures, cover a broad spectrum that includes IPAs (India Pale Ales), stouts, and porters. IPAs are known for their bold hops flavor and higher bitterness, with certain variations such as the English IPA being less hoppy. Stouts and porters offer rich, roasty flavors with varying degrees of maltiness.
Lagers, on the other hand, ferment at cooler temperatures, resulting in a cleaner and crisper taste. This category includes well-known types such as pilsners, which are slightly hoppy and known for their easy drinkability and lower alcohol by volume (ABV).
Seasonal Brews and Unique Offerings
Craft breweries in Lakewood may also present a selection of seasonal beers and unique offerings that reflect the creativity of local brewers. Seasonal beers are designed to complement the weather, with lighter choices like fruit ales or ciders for summer, and hearty, spiced options for colder months.
Unique offerings can include experimental brews that push the boundaries of traditional beer styles, incorporating local ingredients or unusual flavor combinations, resulting in one-of-a-kind beers that stand out in a diverse beer selection. These unique beers allow aficionados to explore a wide range of taste experiences found only in Lakewood's craft beer community.
Regulations and Craft Brewing Legalities
In New Jersey, craft breweries operate under stringent regulations that manage how these businesses can sell and market their products. Recently, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law, marking the first major reform of the state's liquor license regulations since Prohibition. This legislation expands the availability of liquor licenses and alleviates numerous restrictions, offering relief to breweries and distilleries throughout New Jersey.
License Reforms
Case in Point:
Increased Licenses: A surge in the number of liquor licenses is anticipated.
Eased Restrictions: Breweries may experience more freedom in operations.
Operational Parameters
New Jersey imposes specific rules that breweries must adhere to. The recently implemented regulation affects several aspects of their operations:
Event Limits: Breweries face a cap on the number of on-site events they can host.
Food Provision: They must navigate food service restrictions, often necessitating partnerships with local food vendors.
Local breweries like Icarus Brewing in Lakewood have been active in challenging these rules and advocating for more equitable legislation. The Brewers Guild of New Jersey has also been instrumental in fostering change, supporting initiatives that benefit local businesses.
Crafting the Path Forward
Craft brewers in Lakewood and across New Jersey are navigating a changing legal landscape, striving to balance business growth with compliance. They remain vigilant and adaptable as they spearhead the craft beer movement within the state's evolving legal framework.
Homebrewing in Lakewood
Lakewood, NJ, has seen an upsurge in homebrewing activities, paralleling the broader growth in the craft beer community. Local homebrewers bring vigor to the community, sharing their passion for craft beer through the creation of unique and personalized brews.
One notable individual is a contractor who, having honed his brewing skills for around two decades, is at the forefront of Lakewood's craft beer surge. He distinguishes himself with the establishment of what is reported to be Monmouth County's first kosher brewery. This initiative not only contributes to the diversity of craft beer in Lakewood but also suggests a growing interest in homebrewing within different cultural spheres.
Homebrewing Resources:
Local Homebrew Stores: Shops that cater to the homebrewing community by providing essential brewing ingredients and equipment.
Brew on Premise Locations: Venues where individuals can brew and ferment their own beers with professional-grade equipment.
New Jersey Homebrew Clubs: Groups where enthusiasts can exchange ideas, techniques, and samples.
Homebrewing is more than a hobby in Lakewood; it's a thread that weaves through the fabric of the local community, promoting collaboration and creativity. The trend points to a promising future for local craft breweries, with Lakewood serving as a testament to the vibrancy and innovative spirit of the craft beer scene.
Pet-Friendly Breweries & Dog Events
Lakewood, New Jersey, is home to Icarus Brewing Company, a microbrewery that stands out not just for its creative flavors but also for being dog-friendly. Established in late 2015, Icarus has developed a strong local following. While dogs aren't allowed inside, they are welcome to join their owners for a sunny day in the outdoor seating area.
Upcoming Dog Events: Residents and visitors can look forward to pet-friendly events within the town and its vicinities. These events range from social meet-ups to themed gatherings and provide a chance for pet owners to mingle while their dogs enjoy a playful and social environment.
Nearby, the Long Valley Pub & Brewery is another locale offering craft brews with the added benefit of welcoming dogs. Their outdoor area provides ample space for dogs to relax by their owner's side.
Event Type Location Detail
Pet-Friendly Brews Icarus Brewing Dogs allowed in outdoor areas.
Dog Events Lakewood Area Check local listings for upcoming dog events nearby.
Pub Experience Long Valley Pub Dogs welcome in the outdoor pub area.
When visiting Lakewood, New Jersey, and its surrounding areas, dog owners can take pleasure in knowing that there are establishments and events that cater to their four-legged friends, ensuring a welcoming experience for all.
Non-Beer Craft Options
While Lakewood is known for its growing craft beer presence, the city also offers a robust selection of non-beer craft beverages for those seeking variety. Local wineries and cideries provide a delightful alternative, boasting locally produced wines and ciders that reflect the unique terroir of New Jersey. Additionally, the craft spirits scene is on the rise, with local distilleries creating small-batch spirits that are as unique as they are flavorful.
Local Wineries and Cideries
Lakewood's nearby wineries offer an array of locally produced wines, providing a diverse tasting experience outside the beer spectrum. Cape May, not far from Lakewood, is home to wineries that capture the coastal essence in their bottles, epitomizing the quality of New Jersey's local produce.
Notable Local Wine and Cidery Establishments:
Wine Academy: A retail outlet offering a selection of local wines.
Cape May Winery: Known for its quality wines, embodying local flavors.
Craft Spirits and Local Distilleries
The craft spirits industry in Lakewood complements the local craft beer market, adding depth to the city's craft beverage landscape. Distilleries in the region are gaining attention for their innovative approaches to making spirits, particularly focusing on craft techniques and locally sourced ingredients.
Key Local Distilleries:
Forbes Liquors: Stocks a variety of craft spirits, many of which are locally distilled.
River Rock Sports B & G: While known for sports and good times, they also serve up local spirits crafted with care.
Each establishment contributes to Lakewood's diverse craft beverage culture, ensuring that non-beer options are not only available but are of high quality, offering unique and satisfying experiences for all patrons.
Environmental Sustainability in Brewing
Sustainability in brewing is an increasingly crucial aspect for businesses, particularly for local breweries in Lakewood, NJ. These breweries often showcase a commitment to eco-friendly production methods. Integrating sustainability into their operations, they help preserve the environment while producing high-quality craft beers.
Energy Efficiency: Local breweries are adopting energy-efficient practices. The use of solar panels is a testament to their commitment to renewable energy. This not only reduces their carbon footprint but also significantly cuts down on energy costs associated with the production of beer.
Waste Reduction: They are pioneering carbon capture technologies to minimize waste. Breweries repurpose spent grains, which are by-products of the beer-making process, by donating them to local farms for animal feed, thus completing a circle of sustainability.
Sourcing Locally: The focus on local sourcing is evident in their operations. Local ingredients are preferred, which not only supports local economies but also reduces the ecological impact due to transportation. This practice often results in unique regional flavors, giving the craft beers of Lakewood, NJ a distinct character.
Sustainable Practice Description
Energy Efficiency Utilizing solar panels to minimize reliance on non-renewable energy.
Carbon Capture Deploying systems to capture CO2 emissions during fermentation.
Local Sourcing Prioritizing local ingredients to support the community and reduce transport-related emissions.
By embracing these practices, breweries not only contribute to a healthier planet but also resonate with conscious consumers who value environmental stewardship.
