It’s been a rather tough time for the past couple of months (between a couple of medical issues and a major plumbing ordeal). So instead of just visiting one purveyor of alcohol on Thursday, we spent some time at two. In the early afternoon (soon after opening), we visited Lower Forge Brewery in Medford. We heard about Lower Forge Brewery about the same time we got to visit Stokelan Winery (also in Medford). I wrote about that wonderful winery here: https://wp.me/p74VSa-dpJ
Lower Forge Brewery is located right on Main Street, across the street from Braddock’s Tavern. The brewery has been open a little more than six years. They offer inside seating, outside service on their heated porch, and curbside pick-up. There are currently several different styles of brew, as well as a couple of hard seltzer’s. We stuck with the beers. I tried a sampler of five beers (the owner was very accommodating, as they usually only do four).
My tastings included:
- Healthy Wealthy and Weizen-A tasty wheat beer; ABV=5.4%. This is their flagship wheat beer with malts from Rabbit Hill Farms.
- Piney Punch-Fruit beer with a pineapple leading the way; ABV=4.1%
- A Hop in the Dark-A Black IPA, with a bit of smokiness; ABV=6.8%
- Jabberhoppy-An Imperial IPA with a nice balance of hops; ABV=7.9%
- Troubadour-An easy drinking Porter style (though a bit less full-bodied and lower ABV than many I have tried). They use local NJ malts from Rabbit Hill Farms; ABV=4.6%
My wife had a glass of the Hop in the Dark. She enjoyed it (as did I). My other favorites were the Weizen and the Imperial IPA.
This is a nice little brewery that offers some good beer, a cool vibe, and a great way to take a break from your shopping in this old, but beautiful town. Lower Forge Brewery offers snacks like pistachios and pretzels, but no sandwiches or something more substantial. The folks there are quite nice and I wish them continued success. They are open 12-8 Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and Sunday from 12-5.
Autumn Lake Winery
Later, my wife said, “Can we go somewhere that has music and I won’t need to cook?” While she did not request that they have wine, I thought of Autumn Lake Winery. Music, a great food truck, and wine! Okay, things are starting to look up (at least for the evening).
The Food
Top Shelf Mobile Cuisine (one of our favorites) provided us with skewers of steak and large shrimp, flavored with soy sauce and seasonings, with a huge side of sweet potato fries (so big, my wife and I couldn’t quite finish).
The Music
Music was provided by T. J. Fry, a very good singer (mostly country and pop) and guitar player. He played my favorite Allman Brothers tune as we were arriving (“Melissa”) and later, one of my faves originally done by Peter Gabriel and more recently, Jeffrey Gaines (“In Your Eyes”).
The Wine
We chose a bottle of the 2021 Chardonnay and a bottle of the 2020 Pinot Noir.
- 2021 Chardonnay-Great to see the Chard back and still a very good one, with apple notes and nice acidity.
- 2020 Pinot Noir-A light, but delicious Pinot Noir with a hint of black cherry. It would pair with almost anything.
I just love the view from the porch, where you can see and hear the performer in one direction and turn your head just a bit and look out onto the lake and the ducks and geese that swim and fly nearby. Another enjoyable evening at Autumn Lake.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- Angelico Winery
- An interview with a prominent wine professional
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