Recently, my wife and I decided to check out a couple of breweries in Egg Harbor Township: Tuckahoe Brewery and Hidden Sands Brewery. We had known about Tuckahoe Brewery for awhile and at some point, over the past few years, I have had one or two of their beers. Hidden Sands was less well-known, but only a mile or two away so we decided to do a twofer.
Tuckahoe Brewing Company
Tuckahoe Brewing Company has a small, but attractive bar. There is a seating at the bar, as well as seating at tables around the room and a beer garden to enjoy your beer in the great outdoors.
Sample 1
- Steelman’s Porter-a smoked porter with a hint of vanilla. ABV=6.2%.
- New Brighton Coffee Stout-My favorite in the tasting. Nice, rich body; not overly sweet. ABV=9%.
- Winter Woods-Dark Lager. ABV=5.8%.
- Spring Training-An India Pale Lager (IPL) that is unique, with a floral aroma and pleasant citrusy taste. ABV=5%.
Sample 2
- Rain in the Summertime-A New England IPA (NEIPA) with 6.5% ABV.
- Surfing with Aliens-A Triple IPA. Lots of malt, but well-balanced resulting in a bit of sweetness (but not cloying). ABV=10%.
- Sunshine Park-A light and refreshing Blonde Ale. ABV=5%.
- Torrential Rain-New (and better) version of Rain in the Summertime, that is dry hopped. ABV=6.5%
We definitely enjoyed our flights and the ambience here. Many of their beers are available in local liquor stores. You can find out more about this brewery here: tuckahoebrewing.com
Hidden Sands Brewing Company
Hidden Sands is not hidden, though it is a little smaller than a lot of other breweries and their menu is a bit smaller, too. They had eight brews on tap when we visited, but that was fine (especially since we didn’t want to overdo it, having just visited Tuckahoe and sampled eight beers there).
Our shared flight
- Grapefruit IPA-ABV=7%
- Rum Barrel Aged Imperial Stout-Very tasty! Definitely my favorite in the flight. Unfortunately, it was not available in cans to go. ABV=10%
- Amber Sands-Belgian-A good, golden Belgian. ABV=6%
- First Drop Coffee Maple-Interesting combo. Tastes like breakfast! ABV=6%
A short, but sweet visit. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a stop. Check out their new outdoor beer garden when you visit. You can learn more about this venue here: hiddensands.com
My New Jersey Wine of the Week
It’s been a few weeks since I have highlighted my NJ wine of the week. With all of the other wines I have written about, I did not feel it necessary to add one more (or in any way detract from those I described elsewhere in the post). This week, as I am posting about a couple of breweries and a lot of beers, it seems a good spot to squeeze in a little love for a great New Jersey wine:
Hawk Haven Vineyard 2018 Syrah-While a little lighter in color and body than some, this Syrah is delightfully smooth with hints of blueberry and vanilla on the palate. In my opinion, Syrah is an underestimated wine, with so many styles available. While very food-friendly, this one is very good all by itself.
Coming Attractions
- Cedar Rose Vineyards Summer 2023
- A Visit with Orley Ashenfelter & Larry Coia (2 key growers in Vineland)
- Beneduce Vineyards Summer 2023
- Va La Vineyards
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Just scroll down, hit “Subscribe” and leave your comments. Like what you read and see on these pages? It couldn’t be easier to scroll down, hit the “Subscribe” button, and get your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess.
