New Jersey’s craft beer landscape continues to flourish, and the state’s newest addition, Sons of Barley Beer Co., is a prime example of this growing movement. Located at 998 Mantua Pike in Woodbury Heights, Gloucester County, the brewery welcomed visitors for a soft opening on November 10, with its grand opening scheduled for Saturday, November 22. The brewery promises to offer a unique experience for beer enthusiasts, combining innovative brews with a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors exploring southern New Jersey’s craft beer offerings.
The industry in New Jersey is navigating both exciting growth and regulatory hurdles. A 2024 liquor license reform sought to ease restrictions for craft breweries, allowing them to expand food service and host larger events. However, implementation has been slowed by bureaucratic red tape and high fees, prompting the Brewers Guild of New Jersey to engage state officials to streamline the process. Meanwhile, initiatives like the inaugural New Jersey Craft Beer Week, held in July 2025, and the state’s first-ever New Jersey Craft Beer Conference in October have spotlighted the local brewing industry, offering networking, education, and promotional opportunities for the state’s 150-plus independent breweries. The evolving debate over family-friendly taprooms versus adult-focused experiences also continues, reflecting the state’s diverse beer culture.
This weekend is packed with events for beer lovers across New Jersey. In Belmar, Beach Haus Brewery kicks off a Thanksgiving weekend celebration starting Wednesday, November 26, featuring live music and specialty cocktails. Pinelands Brewing Company in Little Egg Harbor Township hosts a “Sip and Shop” holiday market on Saturday, November 22, with local vendors and food trucks. Ewing Township’s River Horse Brewing Company presents a “Science of Brewing & Trivia Night” on Saturday, November 22, while Hillsborough Township’s Flounder Brewing Co. welcomes a live Beatles tribute, The Britles, the same evening. Food trucks also play a role in the state’s beer culture, with Cousins Maine Lobster visiting Lone Eagle Brewing in Flemington and Glenbrook Brewery in Morristown on Friday, November 21, and Montclair Brewery hosting Ghost Grill Burgers on Saturday. For craft cocktail enthusiasts, 3BR Distillery in Keyport celebrates “Drinksgiving” on Wednesday, November 26, with drink specials and extended hours, offering NJCB members a 10% discount on their bills.
Southern New Jersey continues to anchor the state’s beer scene. Cape May is home to the venerable Cape May Brewing Company, a cornerstone of the region’s craft beer identity. Atlantic City hosts breweries like Tun Tavern Restaurant & Brewery and nearby Avalon Brew Pub, while Wildwood offers MudHen Brewing Co., and Glassboro’s Bonesaw Brewing Co. and Oaklyn’s Tonewood Brewing have become local favorites. Central New Jersey boasts thriving hubs as well, including Asbury Park Brewery in the arts-and-music-rich coastal town, Beach Haus Brewery in Belmar, and Village Brewing Company in Somerville. Red Bank features the popular Triumph Brewing Company, while Ewing Township is home to the long-standing River Horse Brewing Company.
Northern New Jersey cities like Montclair and Jersey City have also seen significant craft beer growth. Montclair Brewery anchors a local community of breweries, providing both innovative flavors and communal experiences, while Jersey City continues to expand its beer landscape, attracting both urban residents and visitors seeking diverse brewing options. Across the state, these cities provide a mix of large-scale production breweries with spacious taprooms and smaller, intimate microbreweries that emphasize community engagement, local ingredients, and experimental brews.
With new openings like Sons of Barley Beer Co., ongoing industry events, and a statewide network of breweries and taprooms, New Jersey’s craft beer culture is thriving. Enthusiasts can explore the full range of breweries across the state through Explore New Jersey’s beer and breweries guide, a comprehensive resource highlighting everything from major production houses to boutique taprooms. Whether sampling a classic IPA, enjoying a live music night at a taproom, or participating in a brewery-hosted trivia event, there’s no shortage of ways to dive into New Jersey’s vibrant beer scene this season.
