Food: The Best Brews
December 3, 2008
Today we’re talking about beer – and En Jay has a number of noteworthy microbreweries and brew pubs where the beer is handcrafted in small batches, and of course, everyone knows your name.
Chalk one up for the Ship Inn Restaurant and Brewery in Milford. Owner and brewer Timothy Hall explained that a brew pub is exactly that – a pub where you enjoy good food and drink special craft-style beer made on the premises. Customers here can enjoy its Best Bitter, pale ale like its English compatriot - mild with prominent hops notes.
“Since we are a brew pub and cannot sell wholesale, we have created the Beer in a Box,” explains Tim. “Our customers, many of whom drive for a good hour to get to us, can enjoy our brews at home or while visiting family and friends over the holidays.”
High Point Wheat Beer Company of Butler went from selling its exclusive wheat beer from signature blue vans to becoming our nation’s first exclusive wheat microbrewery – that means they sell their nine varieties of Ramstein Beer wholesale to retailers.
“Unlike traditional beer made from barley, rice or corn,” explains Germany trained founder Greg Zaccardi, “we use wheat, add hops, Jersey water and our specially grown yeast. The result is thirst quenching ale with a higher carbonation and a clove and fruity aroma. Our classic and first brew, Blonde Wheat, is still our most popular.”
The largest and first craft production brewery in the southern half of En Jay is Flying Fish Brewing Company of Cherry Hill. Specializing in classic English and Belgian-style brews, the company has won numerous awards.
We asked founder and owner Gene Muller how to pair holiday food and beer.
“A nice pale ale like our Hopfish India Pale with its citrus hop finish is perfect to start your meal. A British style amber like our popular ESB Ale goes great with lighter fare foods – such as turkey. And for richer dishes or dessert, a strong golden ale like our Grand Cru Winter Reserve is the perfect compliment. For fruit and cheese, we suggest our rich fruity, almondy Belgium Abbey Dubbel.”
An uncommon pairing suggestion from Hall is a pale ale with dark chocolate. “The bitter and sweetness balance each other,” he told us.
The Original Basil T’s in Red Bank serves up authentic Italian specialties with its own craft beer. “Right now we’re serving our popular pumpkin beer with a spicy, anise flavor that goes great with pasta and chicken,” explains Gretchen the brew master. “Just in time for the holidays, we also offer our Red Ribbon Ale with licorice notes.” Regulars at this brewpub --known to serve two of Jersey’s most famous rockers-- know to purchase the five pint “growler” with refills for only $12.
Check out the Garden State Craft Brewer’s Guild for quick info on what’s brewing. Most breweries also offer tours and tastings on weekends. Enjoy a homegrown pint – or two this holiday season – just be responsible. Cheers!
Tell us about your favorite microbrewery or brew pub by clicking on the “Write the Editor” link below.
This article was written by contributor Pamela J. Principe-Golgolab of PNA Associates Inc.
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