Quick Background: I have always been into craft beer...meaning that I would walk into the "craft beer" section and pick out a couple 6ers/bombers, pretty much whatever caught my attention at the time. I moved to Hawaii and ever since have fallen out of the game. Recently I have been getting back into it, researching brews, joined BA, researched some more and more, and have realized that HI doesnt have squat when it comes to real craft beer.(I know I can get some good ones, but I am looking at the large spectrum) Mission: At the end of May / beginning of June, I will be visiting home (New Jersey) and I would like to take full advantage of what the "mainland" has to offer. I am seeking anybody's help (well whoever read this' help) on what beers I MUST grab and ship back to Hawaii. It can be anything but I will say that I am a hophead and love RIS's, but it really can be anything. I appreciate everyones help. PS: This is my first thread and I am pretty stoked about it!
Then you are in luck. Kane for one: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/26676 Ramstein: http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/607 with more to follow I am sure.
Obligatory Kane (Ocean Twp) and Carton (Atlantic Highlands) mention. Kane has a couple bottled beers, Carton is draft only - visit both of the breweries if you have time.
If you're near central NJ check out these stores: -Oak Tree Wines and Spirits (South Plainfield) -Super Saver (Somerville) -Marketplace Wines and Spirits (East Brunswick)
and if you are in North Jersey Wine and Beverage Depot (Totawa) Cable Beverage (Bardonia, NY), ~10 min over the border from what I remember in South Jersey, I believe there is a couple good Joe Canals down there, Spirits Unlimited as well, but they are more hit and miss. Buy anything from Maine Brewing Co that you can.
There is a place called Total Wine and More in Cherry Hill Nj I have never been there but i have checked their web page out and they have a very large selection
Hawaii's list on seekabrew makes me Are you interested in drinking some draft as well? Beginning of June is Philly Beer Week if you're able to make the trek there. Nugget Nectar, Palate Wrecker, and Sucks are getting out of season, but if you see some fresh definitely grab those. I also really enjoy Flying Dog Citra IIPA which is just getting sent around now (it looks like FD actually does distribute to HI, but not sure if that includes Citra). Basically any IPA from Stone is full of hoppy goodness.
To iron out some wrinkles: I am seeking beers (from anywhere not just Jersey), not breweries or shops in Jersey. Sorry about that. Like I mentioned, I havent been paying attention to the great beers that are available and I just want to know which ones are a must grab. Thank you richardmnixon
FYI: I feel like it was a successful trip! Victory: Hop Wallop Dogfish Head: 60, 90, 120, burton, palo, black & blue, my antonia (the italian one), 2011 immort ale Brooklyn: black chocolate Sixpoint: diesel, resin Maine: king titus, peeper, zoe Lagunitas: maximus, undercover, Green Flash: palate wrecker 21st Amend: back in black Great Lakes: commodore perry Founders: cenntenial Terrapin: hopsecutioner Stone: oaked arrogant, oak smoked barley, vertical epic '11 & '12, espresson ris Left Hand: 400 lb monkey Mikkeller: beer geek breakfast Goose Island: night stalker Great Divide: chocolate, espress, oak yeti Firestone: 2 x parabola, sucaba, 16th I think i got everything
