America's Brewery's in the Heart of America
Manafirkin Brewing Co.
Overall
I was in the area seeing shows in Atlantic City and some people I knew were going to this Manifirkin place to see a Grateful Dead cover band. Noticing it was an obvious Brewery, I wanted to check out the place. We did get off to an eh start because one pet peave of mine in 2021/2022 is communication. Not for the sake of talking but if there is a specific reason to communicate, I would expect a courtesy reply this day and age. I had to email them about food. I assumed that being in Jersey, they did not serve food and so I emailed them about those logistics. I never heard back from them.
The area is horrible. There is nothing around it and the food in the area is very limiting. I am not sure what this area is all about but it needs work. However, the Manifirkin Brewing Co. Venue itself is great. It has the perfect combo of space outdoor and indoor. They have a lengthy sized bar inside which was pretty filled up and even thoug there were lines or a line, it was not that bad getting your order. The staff had one of those arrogant ways about them because they weren't necessarly friendly and moreover, I think they looked at me as an outsider or someone they wanted no part of. Which is honestly fine because there is that fine line between that stand off vibe and the people that talk too much vibe. Besides, I was there meeting people and the areas inside and outside are so vast that the people working there did not come into play. You could ignore them.
I ordered the Nice Cream. I thought it was tasty. It was not over the top creamy but then again, with that style, kegs lose so much of that creamy and full taste vs cans. Then, someone I was with brought over 8 samples including that Nice Cream. As you know, I do NOT get into IPA's and so as for the other styles that are not IPA styles, everything was solid. Nothing blew me away but nothing was less than good. I wish things were a bit stronger in every regard and here is what I tasted for the most part but again, I was drinking light styles which is why it was maybe thin tasting. Ozzies, Quick Escape, Shake Your Melons, Bewski, Bigger Road, Nice Cream, Sun of a Kason, Uncle Punk, Done in a Jiffy & 1st Dry Burn. Now that I wrote these down for you here, the sour and/or melon was strong in a great way. I liked that one now that I think of it overall taste wise. The Nice dream, is very easy to drink which is great about it. Overall, I would go back. I would almost like to set myself there for just tastings rather than seeing music because it did get overwhelmed because we paid more attention to the music and clientele than the beer. Which was good in some respect though because most of all, the place is no doubt fun. We did have fun that sunny afternoon.
The Outdoor igloo's that we have pictured here, is/are one the greatest concepts I have seen at any dining establishment (however I have not seen them in person and nor have I ever been in one). Plus, they take a lot of chances with their beer recipe's.
Devil's Creek Brewery
Beer
If you like spice and spices in your beer, this is the place for you. The beers are excellent in that regard however and again, they are all very strong across the broad. Both spice wise and alcohol corntent wise. It does happen to be some of the best of beer around and also, they some incredible chances (They had soe type of candy apple flavored beer one time).
Venue, Pourers & Staffers/Owners: The place is pretty cool but it does get tight if its a crowded situation. One time I loved they had a dude playing an acoustic guitar but it does take up a bunch of the client space. Overall though, its a great hang with a cool feel. I like the staff too. They seem nice and very into what they make there..I drink very specific and non hoppy beer which makes it hard for me to sit here for long periods of time.
Honestly, if I have two beers during my style, that gets hard for me but the beer is great. Its all very strong and its hard to escape it. But I urge you to know its some of top beer on the planet. They take some unreal chances that work.
This place is built on its creativity. Just take a look at the beer selection and at any time in the year they have so many crazy blends. All always sound appealing but again, they are heavy beers from a spice POV. But also again, everything is exceptional here.
Forgotten Boardwalk Brewing Company
Overall
Solid beer, including the mexican spiced ale which I love at any time in the day or evening. And, its got a bite, which makes the blend great for parties.
Venue, Pourers & Staffers/Owners: The place is great. No TV's but the Staff and Pourers are nicer than the next one and between the small outdoor area and the make shift high tables inside, there is plenty of space and its a cool atmosphere. There are boardwalk style games like Skee-Ball for anyone to play.
As you know, I drink very specific and non hoppy beer and so I tend to go towards the above mentioned and its predecessor in style that is called Funnel Cake. I dont get that much taste of what is funnel cake however the beer tastes great and its very even keeled which again, makes it easy to drink at any given time in the day.
I love the venue itself with the skee-ball machine and New Jersey Boardwalk and beach themed décor. There is only one bench to sit outside but its used for smoking from I see. As for beer chances, the Mexican Styled beer I mention here is no doubt off the norm and it gives that lager a great bite.
Zed's Beer
Beer
This is my 'go to' place no matter if I want to sit in and/or when I want to take out their beer. They have some great flavors and they take some great chances with the Shandi Selection that seems to be year round. The Copper Cream Ale is one of the tastiest and easiest beers to drink at any given point in your day or evening.
Venue, Pourers & Staffers/Owners: The vibe in Brewery is great. You can set yourself at a table, at the bar and/or at a long sofa. There are plenty of things to do, including watching up to two (2) TV's if you want to watch a local sporting event.
I only drink very specific and non hoppy beers and there has never been anything I tasted at Zed's that is not over the top and perfect. The problem is that I tend to get the same thing every time because its so good.
Bonesaw Brewing Company
Overall
I have tried the following in cans and honestly, I can't stop drinking these two styles. Crimson Skull - Vienna - Style Lager & the Irish Queen - Irish Coffee Cream Ale.
Unfortunately, I have not had the chance to get this great Brewery and I will when the COVID thing breaks and/or when I time to get out more.
Crimson Skull, Irish Queen... I just tried the Irish Queen, Irish Coffee Cream Ale and its exceptional. However, I am not sure if there is a better beer let alone any better of a so called 'easy' drinking beer than the Bonesaw Crimson Skull Vienna-Style Lager. The alcohol level is at 5.8% and it is literally one of the most perfect and quintessential tasting beers I have ever had and again, it is such an easy drinking beer. It tastes so good. It tastes great quite frankly. Day drinking is a non issue however the flavor is so perfectly made that you can kind of keep on drinking as many as that are placed in front of you and not only that, you also crave the next one. Remember that I am limited to what my people deliver at my local beer stores and Liquor stores, but I keep buying the place out whenever they get the Crimson Skull's in. I use it also for guests because there is never any chance it being too strong or too much and moreover, I get comments all of the time about how great these beers taste. When i saw the Irish Queen Ale at the place I go to every week, I snagged the pack and I was not surprised how good it was. There is a slight taste of the coffee itself and even a slight taste of Whiskey or Bourbon flavor. The bite is ever so slight so again, this is very easy to drink. It tastes so good. The one thing I cant wait to do is taste more of these people's beers. I also want to check out the place. It looks like a nice hang out. When I go, I will report about it.
I have only tried the above mentioend which are not necessarily taking a ton of chances creative wise but again, the styles are great and I will update this as try more from her.
Four City Brewing Company
Best of New Jersey
Shadetree Mechanic Cream Ale, Side Dish Sour, St. Cloud Belgian Style Dubbel, and more
The name Four City represents The Oranges, made up of East Orange, West Orange, South Orange, and Orange. This new brewery is also the dream of three beer-lovers wanting to introduce craft beer to the area. While they don’t serve any food, you can bring your own or order delivery to this kid-friendly, neighborhood brewery.
Ghost Hawk Brewing
Best of New Jersey
Apex Predator New England Style IPA, Ghost Hawk Lager, Ravendark Stout, and more
Ghost Hawk happens to be found next to Silk City Distillery and across the street from Rutt’s Hut, recently voted the best hot dog in the country. Of course, that means you can make a day of trying delicious treats, starting with the seasonal Siberian Solace, a Russian Imperial Stout clocking in at a wild 9.6% ABV.
Invertase Brewing Company
Best of New Jersey
1600 American Pale Ale, 1726 Imperial Stout, 571 Coconut Blonde Ale, and more
Invertase comes from the minds of a family of scientists that honed their skills to produce tasty craft beer. Live music every Friday evening plus fun trivia nights make Invertase a cool place to hang out.
‘Bout The Hops Brewing
Best of New Jersey
Hoptimus Prime (IPA), O’Banion’s Brew (Irish Red Ale), Black Stumble (Imperial stout), and more
Stop in for happy hour specials ($1 off all pours and flights) or Monday Night Football deals to enjoy the 18 beers flowing at this brand-new spot. I like how the website shows you the current tap list as well as exactly how many pints of each beer are left! Very cool.
Highrail Brewing
Best of New Jersey
Bitten by a Misfit Hazy IPA, Polka with Nana Kolsch, Triple 6 Brown Ale, and more
This family-owned nano-brewery serves up high quality craft beer in small batches. Nestled on Main Street in High Bridge, it’s a perfect place to stop in and catch up with friends. Meanwhile, you can order a 10 oz. pour of Laced in Icicles, a 9.7% ABV Winter Warmer that pays homage to the icicles along the High Bridge arches, a famous winter sight in town.
Sunken Silo Brew Works
Best of New Jersey
Bitten by a Misfit Hazy IPA, Polka with Nana Kolsch, Triple 6 Brown Ale, and more
This family-owned nano-brewery serves up high quality craft beer in small batches. Nestled on Main Street in High Bridge, it’s a perfect place to stop in and catch up with friends. Meanwhile, you can order a 10 oz. pour of Laced in Icicles, a 9.7% ABV Winter Warmer that pays homage to the icicles along the High Bridge arches, a famous winter sight in town.
Untied Brewing Company
Best of New Jersey
High Performer Triple IPA, File This New England Style IPA, and more
Untied prides itself on being experimental and creative in its approach to beers. Score a pint of Climbing the Corporate Ladder, a 10.1% ABV Belgian Style Tripel Ale and bring your own snacks to enjoy. Follow on social media to see when fun events like improv nights are going on.
Village Brewing Company
Best of New Jersey
Jersey Haze IPA, The Pioneer’s Porter, Gingerbread Moochiato Stout, and more
The philosophy at this brewpub is local, local, local! Locally-sourced ingredients are used in both the beer and the food at Village Brewing Company. Oysters, sandwiches, burgers, and ribs are all on the menu, in addition to craft cocktails.
Axe and Arrow Brewery
Best of New Jersey
IPAs, lagers, sours, and more
With 18 beers on tap, Axe and Arrow has something for all tastes to try. They also win creativity points for their “Meat Sweats” beer, a spicy, pepper-infused brew made as a collaboration with Three 3’s Brewing Company, Cross Keys Brewing Co. and Core3Brewery.
Core3Brewery
Best of New Jersey
IPAs, pale ales, stouts, and more
Design your own flight from the dozen or so beers on tap at Core3Brewery or take some to go in a crowler or growler. The brainchild of two friends, this place aims to be a haven for festive fun and tasty drinks. For example, you can try a beer cocktail, like The Barbaros S’mores. You’ll be amazed by this lustrous milk stout in a chocolate drizzled glass; which also comes with a marshmallow fluff rim dusted with graham cracker and cocoa and garnished with toasted marshmallows.
Cape May Brewing Co.
Best of New Jersey
South Jersey’s sought to bring more local craft beer to the area, getting its start in 2011 at the Cape May Airport. Since its inception, this New Jersey brewery has grown in notoriety and medaled in many local, state and national competitions. The expansive property—including the beer garden, Brewtanical Garden and indoor seating space—provides ample room for guests to enjoy their array of beer options. Cape May Brewing Co. is one of the top New Jersey breweries and is open daily on a first-come, first-serve basis.
