Lower Forge Brewery

 

Made a stop here while doing a brewery call in NJ with my brother. Old house on the main drag restored quite nicely. Look and feel of an old country inn, tables in side, and a small porch out front. Quaint. While the service was good, the beers were not. They were all weak and bland, and for one of them, unfinishable. This would be a hell of a place if they had decent beer.

Lower Forge Brewery is a charming, small place in historic Medford just above Medford Lakes. Inside it's comfortable and cozy but not too small, and the service from the family that owns it follows along those lines as well. They don't offer any food as per New Jersey law, but they have 6 or so beers on tap. They brew a fair amount of flavored and fruity beers (Cranberry Rake, Cinn & Redemption Pumpkin Ale, Catch Me If You Can Gingerbread Cookie Ale, Squeeze Of The Day Grapefruit Radler, etc.) but they also do quite a few standards (Vertically Challenged Imperial Porter, Against The Grain American Amber, Healthy Wealthy & Weizen, Mischief & Mayhem IPA, etc.), and even barrel age some of their beers. It's an interesting and fun stop that you shouldn't skip if you're in the area.

 

 

Visited on 2nd day of operation, May 20, 2016.

V: Went early afternoon, so place was pretty quiet, but customers who were there friendly and knowledgeable, owners and staff friendly and forthcoming. Clearly will be a place to be in Medford.

Q: What they had is very solid and speaks to time and care with brewing as well as a thought for the season.

Service: Tour (required before service in NJ) was quick yet informative, no trouble at all getting served quickly at bar. Everyone friendly and talkative.

Sel: Give it almost an incomplete as they're just getting going and have limited facilities. They had 2 Hefewiezens and a black ale on tap, all good, the day I was there. They'll be wheeling out more in the coming weeks.

Keep an eye on this brewery. I think eventually they'll be up there with Kane and Carton.