Ship Bottom Brewery Brings Coastal Craft and Community Events to Long Beach Island

LONG BEACH ISLAND — Ship Bottom Brewery has long been a staple of New Jersey’s craft beer scene, bringing a distinctly coastal personality to its beers and creating spaces where locals and visitors alike can gather, sip, and celebrate the flavors of Long Beach Island. Known for its “beach-branded” beers and inventive takes on traditional styles, the brewery operates multiple tasting room locations across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, offering year-round opportunities for beer enthusiasts to explore their signature creations. As the new year unfolds, Ship Bottom Brewery is serving up both familiar favorites and exciting events that reinforce its reputation as a hub for craft beer culture and community engagement.

At the heart of Ship Bottom Brewery’s operations is its main 15-barrel production facility in Beach Haven, NJ. Situated on the second floor of Bay Village at 830 N Bay Avenue, the location features a spacious tasting room with sweeping views of the bay, inviting guests to linger over a pint while taking in the scenic beauty of LBI. The brewery’s philosophy emphasizes not just quality brewing but also a sense of place, with beers often inspired by local landmarks, history, and ingredients. The Shack IPA, for example, honors a well-known LBI duck hunting shack lost during Hurricane Sandy, blending nostalgia and flavor in a single hoppy pour. More recent releases, such as Clean Surf—a light American lager clocking in at just 90 calories and 2.5% ABV—show the brewery’s commitment to balancing creativity with approachability, appealing to both craft aficionados and casual drinkers.

In addition to its Beach Haven hub, Ship Bottom Brewery operates the Blendery & Barrel House in Swarthmore, PA, at 5 Park Avenue, and a seasonal beer garden at Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA, which is closed during the winter months but typically reopens in spring for al fresco gatherings. Across these locations, the brewery hosts a range of community-focused events designed to engage both locals and visiting guests. This month, for instance, the annual Chili Cook-Off will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at both Beach Haven and Swarthmore locations. Cooks can enter for a $10 fee, with prizes awarded to the top three winners, celebrating the creativity and friendly competition that define the event.

Ship Bottom Brewery also maintains regular weekly programming, such as Trivia Night hosted by Quizzoholics every Friday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Beach Haven tasting room. These evenings attract groups of friends and families eager for lively competition paired with craft beer in a relaxed, inviting setting. For dedicated patrons, the brewery’s 2026 Locals Only Mug Club offers a $99 membership granting special access to exclusive beers, events, and merchandise, a nod to the loyalty and community spirit cultivated over years of service.

The brewery’s beer lineup remains as imaginative as its programming. Beyond The Shack IPA and Clean Surf, Ship Bottom offers distinctive creations such as the Chicken or the Egg IPA, brewed in collaboration with a popular LBI restaurant and featuring hot wing sauce in the brew itself, and a Mexican Cerveza infused with salt harvested directly from Barnegat Bay. These unique offerings reflect the brewery’s commitment to integrating local ingredients and culture into its brewing process, giving patrons a taste of Long Beach Island in every pour.

Ship Bottom Brewery’s combination of creative beers, inviting tasting rooms, and community-centered events has solidified its role as more than a brewery—it has become a gathering point for locals and visitors seeking authentic experiences on the Jersey Shore. Its approach underscores a broader trend in New Jersey’s craft beverage scene, where breweries double as social hubs, blending culinary innovation with local engagement. Those looking to explore the state’s full spectrum of bar culture, events, and craft offerings can find additional insights in Explore New Jersey’s detailed bars and nightlife guide.

With a calendar full of trivia nights, cooking contests, and seasonal releases, Ship Bottom Brewery continues to expand the footprint of LBI craft brewing while staying true to its roots in local flavor, creativity, and community connection. Whether sipping a light, refreshing lager or sampling one of the more experimental collaborations, patrons can expect an experience that celebrates both the artistry of brewing and the spirit of New Jersey’s coastal communities.

Ship Bottom Brewery, located in the vibrant beach town of Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike who appreciate great beer and coastal vibes. Founded by Rob Zarko and Robert Kolloge, this brewery embodies the laid-back spirit of the Jersey Shore while delivering exceptional craft brews.

What sets Ship Bottom Brewery apart is its dedication to crafting high-quality beers that capture the essence of beach living. From refreshing, easy-drinking ales to bold and hoppy IPAs and rich, flavorful stouts, their diverse lineup offers something for every taste and occasion. Each beer is brewed with care and precision, using only the finest ingredients and innovative techniques to ensure a memorable drinking experience.

The brewery’s taproom is a welcoming and relaxed space, with a beach-inspired decor that transports patrons to the shore even when they’re miles away from the sand. Whether you’re enjoying a pint with friends after a day of sun and surf or stopping in for a tasting flight to sample the latest releases, you’ll find a laid-back atmosphere and friendly faces at Ship Bottom Brewery. The brewery’s staff are passionate about beer and always eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with customers.

In addition to its exceptional beer offerings, Ship Bottom Brewery is deeply involved in the local community. The brewery regularly hosts events, fundraisers, and collaborations with local businesses and organizations, using its platform to support important causes and make a positive impact in Beach Haven and the surrounding area.

Ship Bottom Brewery’s dedication to sustainability is also evident in its operations, with efforts to minimize waste, conserve resources, and support local suppliers and farmers. By prioritizing environmental responsibility and community engagement, the brewery strives to be a good steward of the environment while also contributing to the economic and social well-being of Beach Haven.

Overall, Ship Bottom Brewery is more than just a brewery; it’s a celebration of beach life, community, and great beer. With its commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainability, Ship Bottom Brewery has quickly become an integral part of the Beach Haven community, where good beer and good times are always on tap.

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