The Alementary (Hackensack, NJ)

Stopped by this weekend for a quick flight and fill. Overall, I think the beers they have available are extremely well done, and my only problem was that I didn't find a lot of diversity in their offerings. I look forward to going back when they have some more stuff on tap.

 

I saw Hackensack Lager, A-Game IPA, and American Tradition APA at my local store. Unfortunately no singles so I didn't buy any. Has anyone had these?

 

A-Game is solid, but I wasn't as big a fan of the American Traditional IPA.

These are subtly-flavored, almost old school IPAs... nothing like the hazy orange juice things.

 

Had high hopes when they opened but I still find most beers here pretty mediocre. They've had a few good ones though

 

Hackensack lager is a really well made lager. Nothing more. I'm not that big on a game or American traditional but that's more to do with the style of IPA more than the quality. If you like porters there porter and me Stevens are really good. They make a lot of approachable/drinkable beers which I enjoy as a change of pace. If you get a chance I suggest you go to the brewery and check out what they have on tap. My personal opinion is all the beers are well made but if you're looking for juicy ipa this isn't the place for you.

 

American Tradition is a pale ale not an IPA. Asked about it the last time I was at the brewery and they said its dry-hopped with eureka hops. I really like that beer. Been seeing hackensack lager on shelves for $9.99 at a couple of my regular spots and it doesn't sit long at all. Very crushable beer and great price at $10 for a sixer. I like that they went with 12oz cans for their beers so far(except the double IPA). I live pretty close to the brewery so I get there at least once a month. They did some limited bottle offerings that were really good and there's a mysterious small rum barrel in the tasting room so I'm keeping my eye on that. I definitely think they improved very quickly after their first batches of beer. Remember not loving the ipa early on but from the 2nd batch on its been delicious. its a really well balanced IPA not a hazy gimmicky juice bomb(i like some of those as well). They just did a delicious altbier so I think we can expect some of the more drinkable and classic styles coming out of these guys. I kinda like that they're under the radar. More beer for me.

 

I haven't had a bad beer by Alementary. All of their beers are well made and technically sound. My biggest issue is that they have few beers with a ton of flavor, one's that blow your tastebuds away. Rather they focus on mild styles and nuanced flavors.

That being said, I really enjoyed Vindication (their black IPA), Hops and Dreams (their DIPA), and their Smoked Peach Kolsch (not for everyone - tasted like smoked kielbasa with peach chutney).

 

So far I have had a sixer of their lager and a sixer of their American Tradition.

As for the Lager. It's a Munich Hellles lager. Solid beer I must admit. Taste like a mini version of an Oktoberfest in terms of the malt profile. Hops are present but only to counter the malt with bitterness and a dryish finish. Clean slightly sweet and crushable. My biggest problem with this beer was with the carbonation. It was like soda pop. It did not last long at all an fizzed away quickly while at the same time being way to much and almost giving the beer a champagne like quality. Def forced carbonation.

As for their American Tradition: Sipping on one now. Excellent beer. Eureka and Amarillo dry hopped with a great malt body and better levels of carbonation. Hop profile is unique and different for a tradition Pale Ale.

At the end of the day I like what theses guys are doing. In a world of 16oz cans of hazy and Hopped up IPAs these guys are producing Tradition Lagers and Ales and I respect them for that.

 

"Rather they focus on mild styles and nuanced flavors." This exactly!

 

And exactly the reason I truly enjoy going to this brewery.

 

Has anyone had the latest batch of hops and dreams? Great double IPA. I had previous batches that were good but I wasn't blown away by. This last batch they absolutely nailed. Not a juice bomb but lightly bitter with some juicy hop qualities. To me it tasted like a better odub from carton.

 

I missed out on the release unfortunately. Would have loved to try it though.

 

Hey Alementary regulars and semi regulars, what are my chances of getting cans if I stop by this Saturday afternoon? I don't need the latest release, but was wondering if they tend to stock the others. I have seen the lager at Bottle King, but that's about it. Thanks.

 

They post at arpund three on Thusdays the unavailability of cans, so in a little more than an hour you'll know.

 

Just cans of Hackensack Lager right now. New beers in cans in a few weeks though for their anniversary.

 

Anniversary Can Release of Cuddly Whiskers and Porterico
April 21
Friday at 5 PM - 8 PM

Details

Our first two anniversary beers will be released at 5pm! Cuddly Whiskers, a Double IPA with Equinox and El Dorado, and Porterico, a Coconut/Coffee Porter, with both be available in 4-packs, 16 oz cans. Limited draft will be available in the tasting room. AND, our good friends at Good Food = Good Mood will be nearby so you can grab some eats. Quantities and cost details will be published as we get a little closer.

 

Alementary No Shade. Released this week .
A winner IMHO.

 

Stopped by this afternoon, had a quick taster of No Shade and Let's Begin. Cool tasting room, friendly staff, not crowded at all but a good number of people there. Enjoyed No Shade but i felt like the sea salt in Let's Begin wiped out the sour. Grabbed a 4-pk of No Shade, hope to return before too long.

 

Not much chatter about these guys but I tried the Show Your Work Pilsner and really enjoyed it. It's nice to see a local brewery making solid, well crafted lagers. I also think A-Game is very underrated on this site at 3.26.

 

I recently had their 2nd Session at Biddy O'Malley's - very fruity, vibrant, damn nice beer. It was a great option for that place, and I'll happily order one of their beers again the next time I see the tap handle.