Cape May Bottleshops

Discussion in 'New England' started by jwat, Jul 23, 2021.

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  1. jwat

    jwat Maven (1,278) Jan 19, 2012 Pennsylvania

    I'll be in Cape May next month for just a day trip, via the Lewes ferry. With my family in tow, I was wondering if there's a single bottleshop in the area that has the best selection - especially of top NJ breweries (Kane, Tonewood, Carton, et al) I can't get in DE or PA.

    Thanks for any recommendations!
     
  2. KingforaDay

    KingforaDay Pooh-Bah (2,445) Aug 5, 2010 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    You basically have 2 options. Joe Canal's is on the way into Cape May right over the bridge on Route 109. Colliers is downtown on Jackson Street. Canal's selection has gone down hill IMO over the last couple of years but you will still find some of what you are looking for. Colliers is more expensive but has the better selection and also sells singles so that is probably your best bet, especially if you do not have a car.
     
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  3. jwat

    jwat Maven (1,278) Jan 19, 2012 Pennsylvania

    Thank you for the guidance! I should have mentioned we will have a car, and will also be driving up to Cape May Brewing for a BYOF lunch. Colliers and Joe Canal's sounds like great options!
     
  4. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    I am uncertain of Collier's retail practices today but a few years ago I had to ask about Carton beers since they were nowhere to be seen within the retails area (they stored those beers in the back). They were willing to sell me two four-packs but it required me asking about them. Something for you to think about.

    Cheers!
     
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  5. jwat

    jwat Maven (1,278) Jan 19, 2012 Pennsylvania

    Thanks for the tip, Jack! I do love me some Boat and Regular Coffee, so I'll certainly ask the oft-repeated "What's in the back?" question if I have to.
     
  6. kinopio

    kinopio Savant (1,037) Apr 30, 2009 Massachusetts

    They had a few different Carton cans at Collier when I was there this summer. Also picked up some beers from Glasstown and Ludlam Island. Keep an eye out for Tonewood too and Gusto in Cape May is solid IMO.
     
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  7. BeastOfTheNortheast

    BeastOfTheNortheast Pooh-Bah (2,153) Dec 26, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Surprised nobody said Sunset Liquors, right in Cape May. Had Kane, Tonewood, and Glasstown last time I was there, which Colliers did not. Also felt that Colliers prices were unreasonably high for Cape May and Carton beers.
     
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  8. YamBag

    YamBag Initiate (0) Feb 2, 2007 Pennsylvania

    I'm in Cape May all the time and Canals selection keeps going down hill. The Canals location in Rio Grande is much better. I would recommend Sunset or Collier, but as mentioned already, Collier is overpriced. May want to also check Harry's out on Beach Ave
     
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  9. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Yes, the prices there tend to be more economical but the beer selection is not as broad. A compromise I suppose.

    Cheers!
     
  10. YamBag

    YamBag Initiate (0) Feb 2, 2007 Pennsylvania

    Have you been to Gusto's? Curious if it's worth checking out. Also, not sure what's going on with the CM Canals, the selection is worse than ever. I hate driving to Rio Grande for just beer, but when making Lowes runs, I'll always stop in to grab a few 4 packs of Head High and Sneak Box, which is an incredible pale ale
     
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  11. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Short answer is no. Longer answer is the only brewery I have visited in Cape May is Cape May Brewing.

    Cheers!
     
  12. kinopio

    kinopio Savant (1,037) Apr 30, 2009 Massachusetts

    I’ve been to Gusto a couple times for crowlers. Everything I’ve had has been good. I like that they release imperial stouts even during warmer months(they have one available right now).
     
  13. Kadonny

    Kadonny Pooh-Bah (2,616) Sep 5, 2007 Florida
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Gusto is great IMO. Never had a bad beer there and they do more than just IPAs…but some of their IPAs are stellar. Worth the stop. Also don’t sleep on Mudhen if you get in Wildwood. Their beer game has improved greatly. Love their Bakers Double IPA (on nitro too, fantastic) and their pils is real good. The brewery scene in south Jersey is getting way better. As far as bottle shops, I like Canals in Rio Grande.
     
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  14. YamBag

    YamBag Initiate (0) Feb 2, 2007 Pennsylvania

    I like Mudhen, great atmosphere and I agree their Pils is nice. There's a new brewery going in across from Church's nursery, but don't know anything about it
     
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  15. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Cape May Brewing is celebrating their 10th Anniversary this year. They even brewed a special beer to celebrate: Anniversary Ale 10. Has any of you tried this beer yet?

    The beer scene in South Jersey (including the shore) has really improved in the past 10 years.

    Congratulations to 10 years of Cape May Brewing!!!!

    @brianhink
     
  16. Kadonny

    Kadonny Pooh-Bah (2,616) Sep 5, 2007 Florida
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    The new brewery is Behr Brewing. Not open yet, but I read their Facebook page said August. I’ll Check it out next time I go by if its open.
     
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  17. DrStiffington

    DrStiffington Grand Pooh-Bah (3,740) Oct 27, 2010 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah

    I had it. Like all Cape May beers, I enjoyed it. Worth the purchase.
     
  18. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    What did it taste like?

    Cheers!
     
  19. DrStiffington

    DrStiffington Grand Pooh-Bah (3,740) Oct 27, 2010 New Jersey
    Society Pooh-Bah

    Typical NE style DIPA. I honestly don’t remember any specific tasting notes and unfortunately I didn’t review it. A lot of their rotating IPAs taste similar to me but I enjoy their overall profile, much the same way Lagunitas hoppy beers taste similar but enjoyable to me.
     
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  20. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,375) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Society Pooh-Bah

    And that is the case for other breweries for me as well.

    There is a four letter acronym for this 'trend' in the beer industry: SBDL (Same Beer Different Label).

    Cheers!
     
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