I have been wanting to visit Flying Fish Brewing Co. for a long time. I remember enjoying their beers years ago. I had to buy them at Total Wine because they did not have a tasting room until more recently. It is one of New Jersey’s oldest operating craft breweries and they have made some award winning beers. On Wednesday, I finally got to visit their tasting room in Somerdale. They still make great beers and their tasting room has a small bar area with several seats at the bar and lots of tables and chairs with lots of room for live music in the tasting room. Live music was something that until several days ago was not permitted at breweries (same for food trucks). I hope these needed changes are not coming too late for breweries like Flying Fish. More on that later.
This was my experience here…
When I arrived, I was greeted by two staff (one of whom looked familiar). It turned out, the young man who looked familiar (Mike Feiser) had previously worked at two local wineries (Autumn Lake Winery and Coda Rossa). That’s why he looked familiar. Once we got talking he remembered me (even that I was a writer). Mike is a very personable and knowledgable guy, who is an enthusiastic supporter of New Jersey wine and beer.
The Brews
- Toasted Lager-a richer, darker lager with a little higher ABV than many (ABV=6%).
- Untold Riches IPA-A good American Style IPA; ABV=6.8%).
- Hopfish-A very good English style IPA; ABV=6.2%.
- Abbey Dubbel-a tasty, full-bodied version; ABV=7.2%.
- Salt and Sea-A nice, light “Sour”-I put sour in quotes because it seemed citrusy, without being sour. I am usually not a fan of sours, but this would be a refreshing summer brew.
- Fried Ice-Cream Stout-Wasn’t sure if Id like this one due to the unusual name, but is was a wonderful Imperial/Double with real vanilla ice cream; ABV=10.3%.
- Dirt Cake-Again, an unattractive name, but a delicious stout with chocolate notes; ABV=10.5%.
Before I left, Mike poured me an amazing combo of the two stouts described above and amounting to a delicious chocolate and vanilla milkshake, with a kick.
So, lots of great things going on here, but there is a potential sad ending to the brewery. Flying Fish Brewery recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. They will remain open for awhile, but the future is uncertain. We will all have to wait and see. In the meantime, I urge anyone within the area to come out and support an excellent local brewery and their staff, while enjoying yourself. I urge you to check out this brewery now. They are already capitalizing on the new law, allowing food trucks and live entertainment. Check out their website here to find out more about their brewery, their beers, and their upcoming events: flyingfish.com
Good Luck!!
My Takeaways
The unmarked can in the middle below is the Dirt Cake Stout. Glad I could take both of these home and share them with my wife.
My NJ Wine of the Week
This week I chose Autumn Lake 2022 Barrel Reserve Albarino as my NJ Wine of the Week. It is dry and delicious, with vanilla notes. A little richer and a little more body than their unoaked Albarino. But I really enjoy both. I kind of think of their Barrel Reserve version as my winter Albarino, and the unoaked version, as my warmer weather version.
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Just press the “Comment” button and type your comment(s). Like what you read and see on these pages? It couldn’t be easier to scroll down, hit the “Comment” button, add your comment(s), and get your weekly pour of NJ wine right in your inbox. No spills. No mess.
Coming Attractions
- Mudhen Brewing Company in Wildwood
- Another NJ Wine of the Week
Tried a New Jersey wine lately? Visited a NJ winery recently? Please share your experience here. Just press the “Comment” button and type your comment(s). 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.
I really liked their EXIT series of beers. The one involving the Piney woods had some wild stuff in it including, it think, goldenrod, pine needles and a lot more. Their EXIT one Oyster stout was also outstanding!
David, Thanks for your comment. They really have been making some interesting (and very good) beers for some time. I also really liked the EXIT series. They are one of our oldest craft breweries in the state. I hope they survive their economic difficulties. Glad that breweries can now have live music and food trucks. Cheers!