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The Hunterdon County Beer Trail

Hunterdon County’s Beer Trail offers a unique and flavorful journey through the heart of New Jersey’s craft beer scene. With a variety of local breweries scattered across the scenic countryside, this self-guided tour invites beer lovers to explore small-batch brews, creative flavors, and inviting taprooms. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or a casual sipper, Hunterdon County’s Beer Trail promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates local craftsmanship, community, and, of course, great beer.

STOP 1
Odd Bird Brewing

Located near the Delaware and Raritan Canal Towpath, Odd Bird shares space with a service station, and oddly enough, the space is delightful. The tasting room was designed and built by hand by local owners/brewers Adam Juncosa and Karen Malzone. The tables and bar were constructed and finished by the pair from a single red oak tree, and the attention to detail and craftsmanship extends to their beer making.

Brews: Known for classic, clean styles of traditional beers.  On tap, you may find a Kolsch, Pilsner, assortment of Sours, or a draft from the hand-pulled cask.

Interesting Fact:  Spent grain goes to the neighbors at the Gorgeous Goat Creamery and Haxton Homestead to feed the animals.

STOP 2
Wild Fern Brewing

Julie and Derek, the owners of Wild Fern Brewing, have created a welcoming taproom nestled along the D&R Canal State Park Trail in the picturesque riverside town of Frenchtown, NJ. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Delaware River Valley and its rich flora and fauna, their brewery reflects the creative spirit of the community. It’s a place where everyone is invited to relax, enjoy great beer, and embrace the charm of this scenic corner of New Jersey.

Brews: You can expect to find a focused and refined draft list, all made by owner/brewer Julie. We focus on high quality ingredients and will aim to always have a style on each of our six draft lines to suit everyone’s palate.

Interesting Fact: The name “Wild Fern” was inspired by the native Ostrich ferns that grow near the owners’ home by the river, and our shared appreciation for plants and nature.

STOP 3
Lone Eagle Brewing

Lone Eagle Brewing and the historic Stangl Factory complex are two anchors of bustling Stangl Road – a lively street that is often the site of festivals and events. Art galleries, shops, and restaurants are all within walking distance. Spacious patio seating surrounds Lone Eagle. Inside the light and airy space includes a large tasting room and a private events space on the second floor. Owners Bob & Caroline and Todd & Diane are friendly hands-on owners who recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of the brewery.

Brews: Serving a variety of styles in both lager and ale varieties, as well as kettle sours, Kolsch, Porters, Stouts, and IPAs. Award winners include: Maiden Flight West Coast Style IPA and Station Lager (Vienna style lager).

Interesting Fact: Historic Flemington was the site of the infamous 1935 Lindbergh trial. Additionally, Charles Lindbergh, the first to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean, was known as the Lone Eagle, and hence the name Lone Eagle Brewing is a nod to local history.

STOP 4
Conclave Brewing

Conclave Brewing is owned by Hunterdon residents Carl Alfaro and Tim Bouton. Tucked into a nondescript industrial building, the picnic tables, hanging lights, and outdoor patio let you know there’s something special going on. Inside a sleek and spacious taproom serves up renowned craft brews, and on the weekends live music can be found indoors or outside on the large patio.

Brews:  Serving a well-rounded tap list, including customer favorite Gravitational Waves hazy IPA. The owner/brewer’s favorite is Clearly Pils Pilsner.

Interesting Fact:  The spacious taproom and brewery used to be an indoor basketball court.

STOP 5
Descendants Brewing Company

Joe and Ana David chose the name “Descendants” as a nod to their family history and the legacy of the Old Ship Inn, built-in 1879.  The site has been a tavern, a speakeasy, a bakery, and the site of New Jersey’s oldest craft brewery which opened in 1995.  Inside the pub retains its European charm with rich details including exposed beams and an original Victorian tin ceiling.  Additionally, Descendants Brewing is a brewpub with a full liquor license and food menu, and both food and drink selections artfully represent the history and flavors of the UK, Belgium, Germany, and the US.

Brews:  Serving a rich mix in different styles and traditions including “Flashback Series” – traditional British brews; “Descendants Ales” – inspired by Joe and Ana’s German, Belgium and American heritage; and “Hidden Nation” brews which highlight unexpected flavors from around the world. “August Toth’s Cocktail Menu,” named after the speakeasy’s proprietor, features specialty drinks crafted with fresh ingredients and homemade syrups.

Interesting Fact:  Descendants features an extensive collection of over 200 whiskeys from Scotland, Ireland, and the US. They offer whiskey flights and host a whiskey club and tasting events.

STOP 6
Sunken Silo Brew Works

A small craft brewery in the middle of Hunterdon County, Sunken Silo is on Route 22 West in Lebanon, NJ.  Inside, the brewery is clean and modern, with soaring ceilings and an open airy feel. The beer garden is under a big tent and is over 2,000 square feet.  It has wind protection and heaters make it a year-round destination. Local music compliments the scene, check the website for schedules.

Brews: Serving a broad selection of approachable beers in a variety of styles, the beer menu is conveniently organized into “Hop Forward,” “Not Hop Forward,” and “Jazzy, Spicy, Tart, Funky.”  Customer favorites include Bearded Flannel Cat, a New England style IPA, and Wystouti an American nitro stout. A brewer’s favorite is Deemed Essential, a pilsner.

Interesting Fact: The name Sunken Silo is a homage to the farming village that used to exist on the site of the Round Valley reservoir.  In the 1960s the state of NJ bought up properties to create reservoirs, and an underwater “ghost town” was created, the remains of which now sit 200 feet below the deepest reservoir in New Jersey.

STOP 7
Readington Brewery & Hop Farm

Founded in 2019, the Readington Hop Farm is one of the largest hop farms in the State of New Jersey. Owners Dan Aron and Braun Kiess opened the “Bine to Stein” ™ or “field to glass” brewery in 2021.  The family-friendly farm and brewery features a tasting room, large wrap-around porch, and stunning views of their farmland.

Brews:  By combining farm-fresh ingredients with both traditional and adventurous brewing styles the Readington Brewery creates “one-of-a-kind craft beers, with a relentless focus on quality and taste.”

Interesting Fact:  Readington Brewery & Hop Farm is the only farm in the Northeast growing Michigan Cooper™ a new varietal of hop developed by Great Lake Hops. The brewery produces exciting new brews that “embody the uniqueness of this hop and our terroir.”

All Hunterdon craft breweries allow guests to bring food, and takeout and delivery options are available from nearby restaurants. Descendants Brewing is a brewpub with a full liquor license and food menu.

Click here to learn more about the vineyards, cideries, farms, and foodie delights of Hunterdon County.

Visit hunterdonbeertrail.com for more info and to sign up for our monthly newsletter.  Cheers!

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