NJ Senate Committee Approves Small Brewer Bill 5-0
After a lot of give and take between the Guild and representatives of the beer wholesalers, liquor stores, restaurant association and liquor distributors, an amended version of our legislation cleared the committee 5-0. One of the big reasons for the vote was that each committee member’s office received more than 200 phone calls/emails from NJ consumers promoting the bill. We thank you for all your help.
There are still several more steps to go: vote in the full Senate, hearing/vote in the Assembly Committee, vote in the full Assembly and signature by the Governor. We’ll be reaching out to you to make your opinion heard before each of these steps. We’re hopeful that sometime later this year New Jersey will become a lot more friendly to craft brewers–and craft beer consumers.
JJ Bitting Introduces Commemorative Abbey Ale
On March 10th, as JJ Bitting Brewing Company celebrates 15 years in business, they will be introducing their commemorative Abbey Ale. It is an Abbey Single style (6.5% abv) dry hopped with Hallertau and fermented with Bastogne yeast. It is blonde in color and light in body carrying notes of plum and spice. The day will include a ceremonial tapping of a firkin (gravity pour) of this special ale to kick off the celebration.
For St. Patrick’s day JJ Bitting will be serving the “O’Halloran’s Irish Red Ale” (a slightly maltier libation with a different hop profile) to temporarily replace the ever-so-popular “Avenel Amber”. The “Barley Legal Barleywine” is already available at the taps weighing in at a hefty 9.1% and featuring flavors of vanilla, pear and an assertive (American) hop character. Also there will be the “Vintage XX Stout” (6.8%). This one has been aged for 4 months on oak and carries a distinctive tartness complimented by complex flavors of bitter chocolate and dried fruit. It’s a great one for those vintage beer enthusiasts.
Babe’s E.S.B. on Deck at Krogh’s
Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub at 23 White Deer Plaza in Sparta will be introducing their latest Seasonal, Babe’s E.S.B. in the beginning of the month. They will be celebrating the “luck of the Irish” with their own Irish Stout for St. Patrick’s Day! Their Irish specials go well with their beer! And when April rolls around, Krogh’s has their “Best of Show” beer from the New Jersey State Fair — a maibok! Call them with questions or for reservations (973) 729-8428.