New Jersey’s independent beer industry is heading into one of its most transformative stretches in years, as regulatory changes, long-anticipated brewery openings, and a...

Beer lovers in North Jersey will want to mark their calendars for September 25, when Pompton Craft House hosts a highly anticipated tap takeover featuring one of New Jersey’s most acclaimed breweries, Kane Brewing. The event promises an evening filled with bold flavors, rare pours, and the chance to experience some of the freshest craft beer the Garden State has to offer. Kane Brewing, based in Ocean Township, has built a reputation as a leader in New Jersey’s thriving craft beer scene. Known for its expertly crafted IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and seasonal specialties, the brewery has become a favorite not only among locals but also across the East Coast. A tap takeover is an opportunity for...

New Jersey’s independent beer industry is heading into one of its most transformative stretches in years, as regulatory changes, long-anticipated brewery openings, and a packed winter event calendar converge across the state. From licensing reform and farm brewery legislation to Valentine’s week specialty beers and large-scale festival announcements, early 2026 is shaping up to be a defining moment for how—and where—residents experience local craft beer. At the regulatory level, one of the most immediate shifts is already in effect. As of January 20, 2026, the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control ended its long-standing practice of accepting so-called “placeholder” applications for Limited Brewery Licenses. Going forward, new applications must be administratively complete at the time...