Axe & Arrow Brewery is a new brewery in Glassboro, NJ. They opened their doors on April 6th. Judging from the crowd last Friday night, they are clearly off to a great start. They are located in the hip and ever-changing landscape of Rowan Boulevard and High Street (near the Barnes and Noble Store). Their address is 105 West High Street. My wife and I met each other a short walk away more years ago than I care to share right now. However, we both agreed that we could almost get lost now, in an area that we once knew like the back of our hands. We also agreed that most of the changes are for the better and add some panache to a town that has a pretty rich history, but has benefitted from a bit of updating.
The owners are South Jersey natives. Greg Fletcher (Head Brewer) and Josh Lockman (Operations Manager) are long-time friends, who attended Clearview High School together. Josh’s wife, Krystal, is the third owner. Their last names provide the creative use of their heritage in the Brewery’s name. Lockman is Scottish for Executioner (traditionally wielding an axe), while Fletcher is Scottish for arrow maker.
At Axe & Arrow, they have chosen to use an interesting new technique for their brewing. Its called the BIAC system (made by Brewha). All four steps of brewing are performed in the same vessel (a funnel-shaped stainless steel container): Mash, Lauter, Boil and Ferment. The advantages of this system are savings in time and effort (normally spent in transferring the liquid and cleaning the other vessels). They are one of the few breweries locally who use this system, though I’m guessing this may be changing.
There are presently eight brews offered in their regular line-up and two more in their experimental options. They plan to increase the number of offerings in the near future. I love that they are doing these small batch experimental brews. It allows them to think (and brew) outside of the box, while offering customers some unique brews, that might not otherwise get off the drawing board.
Their present tasting menu includes:
- The Axe-Double IPA; ABV=7.9%; light in color, with a generous bittering
- The Arrow-American IPA (West Coast IPA) ABV=7.0%
- The Squeaky Wheel-Hefeweizen ABV=5.5%
- Corky Beans-American Coffee Stout; ABV=6.8% – A delicious coffee stout. You can smell the coffee from a foot away from the glass, yet it does not overpower the taste of the malt
- Main Street-California Lager ABV=5.1%
- That’s Right-Helles Lager ABV=5.6%
- Caber Toss-Scottish Wee Heavy ABV=7.0%
- Jersey Pond Water-American Pale Ale ABV=5.7% (probably my least favorite in my tasting)
- Rhapsody-Bohemian Pilsener ABV=5.5% (my second favorite)
- EZ Peezy-American Blonde-Very mild; a little sour.
One of the two experimental brews presently available: #002 (Double Dry Hopped New England IPA; ABV=5.5%). The second I did not taste and neglected to gather the info on it. I did like the NE IPA. It was tasty with a nice citrusy finish.
Axe & Arrow Brewery is a great addition to the area, which already boasts a few good restaurants (I highly recommend LA Scala Fire, around the corner from Axe & Arrow). I wish the owners luck and continued success. I am sure I will be back. Thanks to Kevin, our knowledgeable and amiable server and to Greg Fletcher for taking the time to explain his complex brewing procedures in an understandable manner.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- On the Sweeter Side
- New Jersey Blaufrankisch
- New Jersey’s Newest Winery
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