The Referend leaving NJ for PA

Very sad to see. Move having them as something different in state. That extra distance is gonna make a trip there a rarity probably

 

I suppose the farm/vineyard will make for a more robust micro flora, change in the short term, stability on the horizon. Yet I wonder how they will tweak their process to prevent wine yeast from getting at the beer and Brett getting at their wine.

 

Sounds and looks like an exciting project, and I wish them nothing but the best!

 

this sucks... that drive is not really doable for me...hoping they still do some form on NJ distro

 

I enjoyed visits to their taproom in NJ. It had it's own vibe that was unlike any other brewery I've been to. I have to admit, though, the industrial warehouse location never really seemed to match what they were trying to achieve. The new farm seems like it will suit them better. Sad to see them go but I hope the move is successful. New location just means I'll have to take a road trip!

 

A longer drive for me, but they’re hands down one of my favorite projects on the East Coast... heavy hitters included. This setting makes much, much more sense for them than the concrete warehouse they were situated in before. As sad as I’m sure NJ is to see them go, it’s a big gain for PA and I hope they retain much of their fan base.

 

Much closer for me, and an easier drive.

 

A far drive but seems like they are really trying to make the farm a destination. There is NOTHING else out there though.

 

Saucony Creek is in Kutztown.

And if youre coming from Jersey there are a number of breweries in Emmaus and Allentown/Bethlehem

 

what else would be on the way? I would be from the northern NJ morristown area? I always appreciate recommendations

 

Bonn Place for prime English ales, and wouldn’t be surprised if their one of Referend’s guest taps

 

On the NJ side you have Sunken Silo in Lebanon, Highrail in High Bridge, and Invertase in Phillipsburg.

In PA:
Two Rivers, Weyerbacher, and Separatist all in Easton. Bonn Place in Bethlehem. Fegley's Brew Works in Allentown and Bethlehem. Funk in Emmaus.

Plus a whole bunch of newer breweries that I have no idea about in Allentown and Bethlehem. You can definitely make a day out of it.

 

You guys talk like Kutztown is a stones throw from Allentown and Bethlehem. You're looking at a solid 35-40 minute drive between Kutztown and Bonn Place, for example. The general area may have some options, but they aren't that close together unfortunately.

 

OP is looking for places en-route, which tightens that “35-40 minute” window considerably

 

Right along I-78 in PA:
(names are hyper links to the BA entry)

Easton:
Two Rivers-brewpub in the downtown, their space has traditional pub feel of lots of dark wood, etc. Beer is decent, you'll get a wide lineup of traditional styles. good burgers
Weyerbacher - I know they aren't trendy anymore but I still have a soft spot for them. They re-did their space so while they are still in a sort of industrial location, they have big garage doors and outdoor seating. they have a food stand outside too
Separatist - the renamed Sole after their fall from grace. Beer can be overrated, in my opinion the vibe was sterile and pretentious. No food when I was there.
Boser Geist - never been - seems like beer reviews aren't good, but they are in the historic Easton Mill building

Hellertown:
Lost Tavern - when they first opened it was more traditional styles of beer. Was just there again last week and now about half their taplist is leaning to lactose sours and similar trendy stuff I have no interest in. But beers I've drank have been solid to very good. No kitchen, but they typically have food trucks (current COVID rules require food for onsite drinking) and some outdoor seating.

Allentown/Bethlehem:
Bonn Place - good beer, tiny space. as mentioned, they do some English style beers in addition to modern IPAs. no food, so I assume during COVID its curbside only?
Fegleys - full brewpub, but never been. Had a few of their bottled beers over the years as they've been around for a long time.
Seven Sirens - new place, never been
Hijinx - as of a few years ago, their beer was nothing special. But they share a space with Colony Meadery and County Seat Spirits so a good option if you have non-beer drinkers with you.
Bru Daddy's - never been
McCall Collective - never been
Hop Hill - never been

Coopersburg
Sage Alley Brewery & Grille - in a converted house, with outdoor area and tent in the back . beer was decent and wide variety, they have a permanent food truck thing and food was pretty good

Emmaus
Funk - solid place, mostly hazy IPAs. Citrus is their "flagship" beer. some of their contract brewed cans have been mixed quality. no kitchen, but food trucks
Yergey Brewing - a few blocks from Funk. Generally beer isn't as good as Funk, but more variety of classic styles. no kitchen, but food trucks. Sort of shares space with Triple Sun Spirits

Kutztown
Saucony Creek - their beers range from okay to good. space is an old car dealership, but the outdoor space is key no with COVID. full kitchen, food is pretty good - gastropub type menu

 

this is amazing

thank you

 

Just another reason for you not to meet @zekeman17 and me somewhere.

 

Oh man, if I could get Bonn and Referend under the same roof (on the same farm?) I might never leave.

 

Any PA brewery can serve any other PA produced beer, cider, wine, spirits as long as 50% of the alcohol they sell is their own.