Black Dog Ale

New Jersey Brewpub Guide

ARTISAN’S – TOMS RIVER

Located in a freestanding gold Mediterranean stucco building at Toms River-based Seacourt Pavilion, Artisan’s Brewery & Italian Grill is owned by the Gregorakis family and began brewing operations 10 years ago. Its dimly lit piano bar, tranquil dining experience, and private cigar lounge provide casual intimacy.

On my latest stopover in June, I sat at the U-shaped, slate-topped central bar, eating delicious feta-stuffed lamb meatballs and cream of mushroom soup with five softly approachable beers and one robust Bavarian pils.

“I concentrate on making well-balanced beer,” brewer Dave Hoffmann claims as he tenders a newly brewed German Pilsner that retains a bold, hop-embittered aggression to counter its crisp rye graining and dainty citric wisp.

Hoffmann, whose separate Climax Brewing microbrewery started bottling in ‘96, doesn’t try to hit you over the head with outrageous hop bittering or obnoxious alcohol persistence, keeping beer profiles accessible to mainstream customers as well as obliging aficionados. Though his springtime weizenbock and maibock were gone by time I arrived, tart banana bubble-gummy Hefeweizen nicely sufficed.

Best selling standard fare includes grassy-hopped, yellow-fruited Artisan’s Lite Ale and subtle pine-needled, red-fruited West Coast IPA. Better still are nutty molasses chocolate-y Nut Brown Ale and caramel-toasted, coffee-roasted Artisan’s Red Ale.

BASIL T’S – RED BANK

An authentic Italian restaurant-brewery nearing Jersey’s shoreline, Basil T’s is 20 miles north of Toms River-based Artisan’s and 15 miles south of Woodbridge-based JJ Bitting in the seafaring borough of Red Bank. Owned by the Rallo family and operating since ‘97, Basil’s long-time brewer Gretchen Schmidhausler recently departed, replaced by ex-Pizzeria Uno brewmaster Mike Sella.

At Basil T’s, doors open directly to a snug green tile-floored rectangular bar across from the dining area (with fresh mozzarella cheeses displayed). Exquisite wood interior adds warmth and a plethora of Italian wines contrast fine homemade beers. Hundreds of personalized beer mugs hang from the bar.

Fabulous homemade pizza dishes are recommended alongside citric, dry-grained lightweight Ms. Lucys Weimaraner Wheat and dry, tea-like Scottish seasonal Iceboat Ale. Medium-bodied, best-selling fare includes piney, citric-spiced Rosie’s Tail Waggin Pale Ale and caramelized, red-fruited Basil’s Rocket Red. Recommended dark ales are bitterly coffee-burnt Big Vig’s Short Order Porter and black chocolate-roasted Maxwell’s Dry Stout.

The Wenchy Review of the Folio Weekly Beer Fest « Three Muses ...

Our plan was to start at one end and work our way around, so we went to the most logical table for a bunch of girls dressed like frauleins, the St. Pauli Girl’s table! After that we worked our way down to the craft beer section in the very center of the room to sample some of the delicious and hoppier brews. I went straight to the 2xIPA on our first stop at the Southern Tier table. I was quite happy with it and could have stuck around to sample every variety.

We got some stickers for our beer mug purses and took pics with the kegs. We were amazed at how easy it was to get beer! Since there were no lines, I actually had to pour some of mine out so I could sample more beer without having to slam them back. I am no good at doing shots. The other beer high on our list of favorites that night was Black Dog Ale. There were a few more that I tried for the first time, but once you get to the 2

Overall we had a great time. When we first arrive anywhere, people aren’t sure exactly what to think and we get some weird looks and a lot of what I can only refer to as “stink eye” from some of the less friendly girls. We are just out to have a good time and promo the costume shop. We are dressed up for a reason, and we are actually out there doing a job. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to have fun doing it. We are happy to take photos with people and are always nice to everyone we meet as long as you’re not acting like a jackass.

 So to the guy in the blue shirt: you’re an idiot and yes I did mean to trip you and Brema isn’t sorry about spilling beer down your back. We all hope it leaves a stain.

To the guys who asked us for tickets to Disney World: we weren’t sure if that was a really bad pick-up line, or if you’re just being stupid. We’ll go with both.

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