NJ – Craft Beer Explorer

Bolero Snort Brewery (Ridgefield Park, NJ)

I would like to think that over the last couple of years, as my craft beer “interest” has piqued into a full-blown “obsession”, while drinking more than 500 unique brews (thank you, Untappd) that I would have shed prejudice, and would no longer allow a beer’s name, logo, label, brewer, location, or even style to prevent me from trying something new. However, there are always involuntary preconceptions at work… even when shopping for beer.

Unfortunately, I allowed this sumptuous black beauty of a beer to sit on many a liquor store shelf for months before giving it a fair shake. It was most likely the “black lager” style that threw me off course. I’ve had other black lagers in the past, and I will admit they are far from my first choice when reaching for a cold one.

But I have never had a black lager like Blackhorn by Bolero Snort Brewery.

Blackhorn pours thick and dark, almost like some of my favorite imperial stouts. The nose is floral and pungent with aromas of citrus and pine like some of my favorite IPAs. Its finish is roasted, sweet, and bitter at the same time, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Style be damned, this black lager stands up to some of the best black IPAs I have ever drank. And as the head of this thick, hoppy monster of a beer clung to my glass with every sip, all I could do was curse myself for not buying an entire case.

Bolero Snort Brewery just celebrated their first anniversary and, after having the pleasure of experiencing Blackhorn, I am looking forward to many more successful years of them brewing great beer in New Jersey. Be sure to check them out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Untappd to stay up to date on events and new releases.

Also, don’t forget to like Craft Beer Explorer on Facebook! Cheers!

Bolero Snort Brewery Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Carton Brewing (Atlantic Highlands, NJ)

My name is Brian Russ, and I may be… a bit of a pumpkin addict. What can I say? I’m a sucker for fall. It gets me every time. Coffee, lattes, pies, pancakes, candles and obviously BEER.

Although, with the abundance of the pumpkin beer love that I partake in from September – November, it is far too often that I am left feeling slightly disappointed. Everyone tries, but so many fail to capture that perfect feeling of fall-in-a-glass.

Carton Brewing takes the pumpkin beer to a different level with Pumpkin Cream Ale. A 9% ABV cream ale, with the intention of actually featuring (gasp!) PUMPKIN as the primary flavor. What a novel idea.

Owner Augie Carton says of typical pumpkin beers, that they “end up just being beers that taste like the spices you flavor pumpkin pie with”. Augie and brewer Jesse Ferguson teamed up to create a beer to highlight pumpkin flavor as it is used in other culinary areas, not just pumpkin pie. Augie states that they pulled inspiration from flavors typically found in pumpkin soup for this recipe.

Pumpkin Cream Ale pours a rich golden color, with a thin white head, leaving a nice lacing on your glass. The high ABV is hidden well, there is no noticeable bite. Pink peppercorns, orange zest and ginger round out the flavor profile in this incredibly flavorful, warming beer.

Carton Pumpkin Cream Ale is a limited release, with only 30 barrels brewed this year. You can find Carton’s unique brews at the brewery, and at many restaurants, bars and liquor stores throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

For more information on Carton Brewing:

www.cartonbrewing.com

https://www.facebook.com/cartonbrewing

For more information on Pumpkin Cream Ale:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5WXEVzWxMw

Cheers!