New Mercer County Brewery

It was up both times I went, including a few weeks ago.

 

Oh yeah, it's been there since they opened to the public from what I saw. The question was did it work? I'd never used anything other than cash for growler fills. That said, saw them use it last weekend, so now I know it works. Heh...

 

I assume it worked otherwise the first time I went I scored some free beer!

 

The Referend is OPEN TODAY 2-8PM for tours and tastings. Featuring a selection of 5 live, spontaneously fermented beers available on cask:
Berliner Messe
Berliner Messe - Alleluiavers (aged on NJ peaches & nectarines)
Berliner Messe - Gloria (dry-hopped with Citra, Mosaic, & Simcoe)
Jung - Mosaic...
The Iceman Cometh (Riesling Icewine Faro)

 

There are always skeptics, especially when an American brewer decides to focus on lambic or “American Spontaneous Fermented Beers:” Methode Gueuze as Jeffrey Stuffings calls it. The Referend is not only nailing this niche, but they are doing it at an early stage; cannot fathom what the progression brings

Whether it be the still brew/faro/Berliner: the acidity, dryness, carbonation, grassy bitterness, fruit…are gentle and kind, they are extremely well balanced to the palate

It's clear James knows his way around a coolship

 

Checked out both Troon and Referend today and was impressed by both. Thought all of Troon's offerings were very good, especially Migratory Tentshow and Sweating Through Your Clown Paint. Talked to Alex for awhile who was real cool and knowledgable and brought home a growler of Migratory.

Was surprised by how big the space was at Referend. So many barrels! Had Gloria which was solid but Jung was outstanding. Good stuff! Can't wait until they're open more regularly and release their first couple bottles (March-April).

 

Also stopped by both spots today. Really enjoyed both and will be back.

Referend is real neat. Its nice to have a different option in Jersey. Nice change of pace from hoppy hoppy hoppy. Theyre making stuff you cant really get anywhere around here. That being said it was definately on the expensive side. Theyre charging the same for a 6oz pour as youll pay for a whole flight in some spots. Will be interesting to see how their beers age and mature over time.

Got some fills at Troon, one of which Im in the middle of drinking (Dog-eared Novel). Sampled their Sweating Through Your Clown Paint with Cinnamon and was blown away. There are breweries in the state that have been around for years that havent come close to producing something this good, in my opinion. Surprised for such a new place. If this is the level of beers they are making so early, I cant wait to see whats to come from them in the future.

 

I've enjoyed all Troon's beers so far but I thought Working Retail... was amazing. Still want to visit the Referend. Was planning on hitting them up today but decided on doing the 4 brewery visit in Brooklyn instead.

 

Yeah, I hit Troon today (and Conclave again). I drank a growler of Dog-eared Novel tonight and really loved it.

 

Picked up a growler of Retail to have while watching football tomorrow. Excited to try it after seeing the positive reaction to it.

 

Good choice. It's probably the easiest drinking >10% beer I've ever had. Be careful standing up!

 

I’d give Referend an edge over Troon. Granted there are no stouts/IPA’s to seek, but the execution is immaculate for a start-up. Give the faro a shot…I think you’ll dig the sugar component delved from the Riesling = JUICE/CIDER

 

Working Retail is awesome! No way I would have guessed this was over 10%

Loving what Ive had from Troon. Want to go back next weekend for more growlers!

 

Finally hit The Referend Yesterday. Tap list was the same as 1/21. Sampled everything, and found every offering excellent. Alleluiavers and Jung Mosaic were the standouts in my opinion. And Iceman was really interesting, albeit super sweet. But a great way to end my tasting after all the sour.

Their space is gorgeous. Big, airy, well kept, and well appointed. A pleasure to hang out in while you taste their beer. The self guided tour, "exhibits," were well thought out and interesting to look out. Museum like in fact. Just a great aesthetic all around. The folks I spoke to that were working yesterday were all friendly and knowledgeable as well.

They had a nice steady stream of people coming in during the hour I spent there too. I predict they will in fact need all that extra space more sooner than later. For me the Referend is the most interesting beer experience in NJ right now.

 

Possibly a new Berliner this weekend, refermented on Chambourcin grapes...

Did you know that The Referend is the only beer producer in the country to add no yeast at any point in the beer's lifecycle, including packaging, for 100% of its beers? This all-natural process means that the beer is fully autonomous, resulting in some happily unpredictable and inscrutable casks. For this reason, we cannot accurately announce which of our beers will be pouring until that day, when we've had a chance to taste them and authorize enjoyment of their current expression.

With that in mind, there is a very good chance that our next open day this Saturday (2/18) will feature a new beer, Berliner Messe - Sanctus, refermented on NJ mountainside-grown Chambourcin grapes in port barrels.​

 

Looks like The Referend will be open every Saturday starting in March. Excellent news!

 

+ Bottles soon

 

stopped by the referend today.

so impressed with their beer. james is super cool. everything was well made. really excited something like this exists, and so close to me in nj

 

Glad to hear they're going to be bottling. I would definitely make the trip if I could take home bottles.