Chapter 1: Discovering the Craft Brewing Scene

In the summer of 2016, my wife and I embraced the burgeoning craft beer movement, becoming early enthusiasts of this vibrant scene.

As we pulled off the New Jersey highway, we found ourselves in Flemington, a town that would soon introduce us to a world of flavors. A bright red step ladder loomed behind my wife, while an electric fan circulated the muggy air. The garage was lined with metal shelves filled with glassware and growlers, and numerous burlap sacks of grains peeked out from beneath a gray tarp, waiting for their moment.

Suddenly, the skies opened up, pouring down rain reminiscent of a tropical storm. In search of shelter, we stumbled upon a card table surrounded by metal chairs, where a nearly empty bowl of pretzels awaited us. It felt as though we had been swept into a spontaneous neighborhood gathering, abruptly moved indoors due to the summer deluge.

I savored the last drops of an extraordinary beer called Mexican Morning—a devilishly rich milk stout that left a lasting impression on my palate. The flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa nibs danced together, but there was also an intriguing earthy essence.

"We incorporate a dried red chile de Arbol," the brewer proudly shared, donning a Conclave Brewery t-shirt. He rinsed glasses while taking a moment to enjoy a shot of pale ale. Behind him, the glistening steel tanks hummed quietly, creating an atmosphere that felt almost clandestine—like a speakeasy from the 1920s, filled with the spirit of homemade, artisanal brewing. This charm is a hallmark of New Jersey's growing nano and microbreweries, which had expanded from 58 production breweries in 2016 to 134 by 2021.

Our discovery of Conclave came about as we searched for brewpubs nearby to salvage our rainy day. "It has five stars," my wife remarked as Google Maps guided us through an unassuming industrial area. An empty parking lot hinted we had arrived at our destination.

Inside, beer enthusiasts of all ages mingled—young and old, bearded and tattooed, or dressed in business attire. The owner, who seemed to wear many hats, guided us through a brief tour of the brewing process.

We joined a small group by the conical fermenters, listening attentively before ordering a flight of three light IPAs, followed later by three dark brews in 4-ounce servings. This shared experience of tasting beer wasn't about inebriation; it was about appreciating the complexity and artistry behind each brew.

New friendships blossomed effortlessly as conversations flowed. An Italian couple shared parenting stories with a young Indian couple expecting their first child, while another woman waved goodbye to everyone as she packed up her cooler, wishing everyone a good day.

Would such interactions be found in a typical chain restaurant?

At these microbreweries, we connected with strangers over discussions about beers, family, and travel. We traded recommendations via Beer Advocate and Untappd, debating over different brews, from Imperial Stouts to IPAs. The lively debates included whether oysters belong in brewing, with one patron firmly opposing the idea.

We even played cornhole in the brewpub's backyard, surrounded by newfound acquaintances who quickly became friends over the course of an hour. It’s a unique atmosphere that few typical bars can replicate—a flavor no mass-produced beer can emulate. While big corporations may market their products as “American,” the real essence of America is found when you search for "brewpubs near me," leading not only to great beer but also to support for local businesses.

"What was your favorite beer?" I asked my wife as we sat in the car, still damp from the rain. She immediately mentioned that intriguing Mexican stout, and I wholeheartedly agreed.

With the equivalent of just one drink in my system, I felt confident driving home to our daughters, the rain only adding to my good spirits. That brief outing felt like a distant memory, but now, I find myself brewing my own ales at home. My first creation? A Murphy Brown—named in honor of my wife. Cheers!

Chapter 2: The Expansion of Craft Brewing

Thank you for reading. For more of my insights on craft brewing, check out: