High Point Brewing Company Sets the Standard for German-Style Craft Beer in New Jersey

More than two decades before lagers reclaimed their place at the forefront of American craft brewing, High Point Brewing Company was already committed to doing things the traditional way. Founded in 1996, the Butler-based brewery has built a national reputation as the country’s leading producer of authentic German-style lagers and wheat beers, anchored by its flagship Ramstein Beer line and a philosophy rooted in precision, patience, and heritage.

At the center of High Point’s enduring success is founder and head brewer Greg Zaccardi, whose path to brewing excellence began not in the United States, but in southern Germany. Zaccardi trained and brewed professionally in Bavaria, immersing himself in centuries-old brewing traditions and mastering the exacting standards that define classic German beer styles. When he returned to New Jersey, he brought that knowledge with him, determined to apply European techniques in an American craft beer landscape that was still finding its footing.

That commitment to authenticity remains evident in every Ramstein release. High Point imports its malt, hops, and yeast directly from Bavaria, ensuring the raw ingredients meet the same standards found in traditional German breweries. One of the most distinctive elements of Ramstein Beer is its proprietary yeast strain, sourced from a small Bavarian brewery and used exclusively by High Point. The result is a depth of flavor and complexity that sets Ramstein apart, giving its beers a character that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

The name Ramstein itself reflects the brewery’s cross-cultural identity. It pays homage to the town of Ramstein in Germany, home to a significant American population and the Ramstein U.S. Air Force Base. That blend of German tradition and American influence defines High Point’s approach, bridging old-world brewing discipline with the innovation expected of a modern craft brewery.

Over the years, High Point Brewing Company has earned widespread recognition both locally and nationally. Its Amber Lager captured gold at the 2023 Beer Cup Awards, reinforcing the brewery’s reputation for consistency and technical excellence. Ramstein’s Blonde Hefe-Weizen was named a Top 10 selection by The New York Times, while multiple publications have repeatedly ranked the brewery among the best in New Jersey and beyond.

Beyond awards, High Point has maintained a steady presence in the broader craft beer conversation. Zaccardi has been featured in industry interviews, podcasts, and brewery spotlights, sharing insights on traditional lagering methods, fermentation discipline, and the importance of patience in brewing. The brewery’s expansion over the years, including the installation of new fermenters, has allowed High Point to increase capacity while preserving the meticulous processes that define its beers.

Seasonal releases, such as Ramstein’s celebrated Oktoberfest Märzen and spring lagers, further demonstrate the brewery’s respect for classic styles. Even as trends come and go, High Point has remained focused on lagers that are balanced, nuanced, and true to their origins—an approach that continues to resonate with both longtime fans and newer craft beer drinkers.

Today, High Point Brewing Company stands as a cornerstone of New Jersey’s craft beer identity, proving that tradition and innovation are not opposing forces, but complementary ones. As interest in well-made lagers continues to grow, Ramstein’s influence on the state’s brewing culture is more relevant than ever.

For readers exploring the depth and diversity of New Jersey’s breweries, High Point’s story remains a benchmark for how authenticity, discipline, and vision can create a lasting legacy in American craft beer.