Does anyone know of some good places to check out in central NJ? I'm in Lawrenceville/West Windsor area and would love to expand my options past Joe Canals... Looking for places that are at least in the know about new releases/rares and get shipments when the time is right. I've looked through tons of old threads in this forum, but most are dedicated to PA and NY. Thanks in advance!
Have you been to Cranbury BuyRite on Rt. 130, Super BuyRite in Pennington or the Canal's in Hamilton also on Rt. 130 (a different chain, with different ownership/management than Joe Canal's). I don't really pay attention to "rare" beer or chase "whales", and don't know about any insider deals or the employee knowledge at those retailers, but they're the stops I always make in that area. And it's not too far to drive down US 1, cross the Delaware, drive 3 or 4 miles and stop into Trenton Rd. Take Out in PA to find some brands not available in the Garden State. Be prepared for much higher prices than NJ, since it's a "bottle shop".
jesskidden pretty much covered all the big hitters. One thing you didn't ask about, but i'd be remiss if i didn't mention (as it's not a bottle shop), is the Pizzaria Uno in Hamilton (295 to Sloan Ave). That place normally has a solid craft tap list, but is currently participating in Philly Beer Week and has a stellar lineup. Met up with some friends for a Founder's takeover on Friday and got KBS and Backwoods Bastard on tap, among others. They do fill growlers, but i'm not sure of their policy on if it has to be an Uno growler.
Define Central Jersey I'd also add that the following two stores, in East Brunswick, are well liked and usually have some good stuff: Wine World (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/21453/?view=ratings) Marketplace Wine and Spirits (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/9434/?view=ratings) They get the rares, but usually in pretty limited quantities. Jeff at Wine World is DEFINITELY in the know, if that's what you're looking for
Yes, hit Uno for sure. We went Saturday. I saw the Founders list from the night before. Were they really selling an 8 oz pour of CBS for $35?? Ouch. @pjvie - I would agree that Trenton Road is a nice little find. Just went myself for the first time this past weekend. Nothing crazy but good selection of singles so you can mix and match. If you're out on Rt. 1 anyway, hit up Philly's Craft Beer which is just 5-10 minutes up the road from Trenton Rd TakeOut. Really nice bottle shop there.
Cranbury Buy-Rite on 130. Viking Liquors on Rt 1 in South Brunswick isn't bad. I think Cranbury Buy Rite is a good bet for timely releases. Ivan always keeps people up to date on Facebook whenever they are getting new stock in and you can make requests and he is pretty good about trying to fill them. Their growler station is pretty good too. Usually have some good locals on.
Viking Liquors on Rt 1 in South Brunswick isn't bad.[/QUOTE] Just make sure you check the dates on beer before you buy it; they are filled to the brim with old ipas.
It was handwritten on the Founders tap list that had already been printed. Wonder if anyone would pay this? (I would not).
Just make sure you check the dates on beer before you buy it; they are filled to the brim with old ipas.[/QUOTE] True. I've definitely grabbed some dusty older Flower Power unknowingly.
Must have only been on certain lists because I would've noticed that. Didn't hear any buzz in the room about it, so either it happened after I left.
considering that Blind Tiger - in MANHATTAN - was selling pours of CBS for 1/3 that price for an 8oz about a year ago, that's a pretty laughable price.
Petrock's in Hillsborough. If you see Frank tell him Jay sent you. He will be befuddled and angry and I will be overjoyed.
i'm with SPRichard on this one . . . didn't see/hear about any CBS in the house. KBS was tapped and it was delicious and was followed by a keg of BCBS. Also delicious.
I should have snapped a pic. I remember not even asking the guy if it was real or a joke since I wasn't paying for it anyway.
