Looking for the perfect NJ-made beer to compliment your 4th of July celebration? Look no further than your own backyard – and by backyard, we mean your own local brewery. NJ’s craft brewery scene is growing by the second, and their American style beers are the perfect way to show off your Jersey pride while watching those 4th of July fireworks go off.
More from Best of NJ
A-Game
Brewery: The Alementary
Style: East Coast IPA
ABV: 6.2%
Availability: Available in cans and growler fills at the tap room (Hackensack)
The American IPA is the king of beer styles in the craft beer world, and Alementary Brewing Co. in Hackensack follows through with one of their flagship beers. Made with Centennial and Citra hops for a citrusy aroma, this crowdpleaser goes with virtually anything you’re serving.
To go a bit more in-depth, the East Coast IPA, which we’re highlighting here, is more floral and piney in smell while holding back on the hop bite. Thus, the A-Game is a great common ground between those who like a tasty IPA and those just want to drink something refreshing.
Herb’s Rye
Brewery: Beach Haus Brewery
Style: American Wheat
ABV: 6.5%
Availability: Available in bottles and growler fills at the tap room (Belmar)
While America is known as the shiny city on the hill, along its path are golden fields of wheat. The Beach Haus Herb’s Rye pays tribute to the grain that makes bread so tasty and, with its name, honors Herb Freedman’s Bakery, in which the brewery is housed.
This wheat beer gives a taste and look similar to a hefeweizen with hints of banana sweetness and a hazy color. One whiff and you’ll think you’re running through open fields of wheat.
077XX
Brewery: Carton Brewing
Style: East Coast Double IPA
ABV: 7.8%
Availability: Available in cans and growler fills at the tap room (Atlantic Highlands)
No matter which zip code you’re rocking in the Garden State, you’ll need a beer to show off your Jersey pride. This relatively high-alcohol double IPA is made for people who like bite in their beer and power on their palate. As with the style, you’ll get a complex, fruity taste with a bitter dankness.
This is the kind of beer you share with a friend so you can spread the thirst-quenching goodness around. Don’t have friends? Carry the Carton can around and you’re sure to find like-minded beer fans.
Extra Pale Ale
Brewery: Flying Fish Brewing Company
Style: American Pale Ale
ABV: 5.2%
Availability: Available in bottles and growler fills at the tap room (Somerdale)
The 4th of July is about celebrating our independence from the British. The American pale ale and IPA styles were inspired by British ales, so salute 241 years of doing our thing with a tasty ale from Jersey’s largest craft brewery.
Pale ales are about balance between hop and malt. Thus, one of Flying Fish’s year-round beers is about giving you an easy-drinking experience you can return to during the four-day weekend again and again and again and again.
1916 Shore Shiver
Brewery: Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing
Style: American IPA
ABV: 6.9%
Availability: Available in cans and growler fills at the tap room (Cherry Hill)
Time for a little history lesson. The 1916 Shore Shiver refers to the Jersey Shore shark attacks that killed four people. Enjoy that ocean swim, kids!
If that factoid turned off your beach visit, you can enjoy this peachy and grassy NJ-made IPA in the safe confines of your backyard pool where the only thing you have to worry about is a sunburn and the occasional insect.
Overhead
Brewery: Kane Brewing Company
Style: Double/Imperial IPA
ABV: 8.2%
Availability: Available in cans and growler fills at the tap room (Ocean)
Want to impress your craft beer friends? Throw some hop knowledge their way by naming the four hop varieties in this impressive double IPA from Kane — Amarillo, Columbus, Centennial and Simcoe.
If you just want to drink, then pour this aggressive NJ-made bad boy into a pint glass, gaze upon its orange hue and dig deep into its tropical flavors. This one is best enjoyed with some meaty BBQ ribs and a generous helping of potato salad.
Maiden Flight
Brewery: Lone Eagle Brewing
Style: West Coast IPA
ABV: 8.2%
Availability: Available in cans and growler fills at the tap room (Flemington)
The mighty eagle … symbol of American freedom from East Coast to West Coast. Flemington’s year-old brewery, Lone Eagle, soars with their entry into the IPA showdown, the Maiden Flight.
To give props to the other coast, the West Coast IPA focuses more on the hop bite and bitterness than the subtler East Coast style. That just might be the reason why Maiden Flight won Best IPA at the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival.
Low Visibility Pale Ale
Brewery: Magnify Brewing Company
Style: American Pale Ale
ABV: 4.8%
Availability: Available in cans and growler fills at the tap room (Fairfield)
You’ll be able to see clearly after enjoying a couple of these pale ales. This sweetly juicy, straight-forward and clean tasting APA is the perfect companion for burgers and hot dogs. Even better, it’s a great introduction to those not familiar to the wonderfulness of local craft beer.
LBIPA
Brewery: New Jersey Beer Company
Style: East Coast IPA
ABV: 7.0%
Availability: Available in cans, bottles and growler fills at the tap room (North Bergen)
You’re not going to get more Jersey than drinking an NJ Beer Co. brew named after Long Beach Island. Maybe if you’re listening to Springsteen and talking about which Garden State Parkway exit has the best Wawa, then you’re keeping it 100 percent Jersey.
This lemony-floral NJ-made IPA pairs well with the fresh salt air and a relaxing night when you know you don’t have work the next day.
Hop Hazard
Brewery: River Horse Brewing Co.
Style: American Amber Ale
ABV: 6.5%
Availability: Available in bottles and growler fills at the tap room (Ewing Township)
If you’re looking for a NJ-made beer with a subtle floral nose, but without the bitterness, then Hop Hazard is the perfect choice. The five-hop blend brewed with a heap of pale malts creates a smooth taste with a hint of a spicy finish. This pairs nicely with light dishes like grilled chicken and fish or a leafy salad.
Check Untappd and BeerMenus for availability in your area.
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