Freckled Jawn Brewing & More

My wife and I recently got a chance to visit the newest brewery in New Jersey-Freckled Jawn Brewing in Woodbury. It is at the former location of Eight & Sands Brewing. While I was disappointed when I learned that Eight & Sands had closed, I am glad we have a promising replacement. Freckled Jawn Brewing is an interesting choice for the name. The new brewery is owned by John Wagner and his wife Colleen Gibson. The name was shaped by Colleen’s freckles and her Jersey pronunciation of her husband’s first name, John. Thus “Freckled Jawn.”

Their Grand Opening was on Friday, October 9th, and on Sunday, October 11th they opened at 9:00 AM with live coverage of the Eagles game from England! Pretty big week. Many would say, you missed both events? To which I reply, “I’m not big on crowds, but I am big on good service and comfort (not SRO or 90 plus decibels). Anyway the two days worked out well for the brewery. They were well attended and the word definitely got out. It worked out well for my wife and I who appreciated the great service and a chance to relax and just enjoy the beers, while taking in the ambiance. I couldn’t get a great photo, but the tasting room is large, bright, and fun, with large screen TVs broadcasting sporting events.

The Beers

We enjoyed two flights that overlapped quite a bit. After 52 plus years of marriage, we share very similar tastes (truthfully that has always been true). We both love stouts, so when we found out they had three stouts on the menu, we both had to try all three of them. Neither of us enjoy “Sours” so we passed on them and instead tried their NEIPA and their Octoberfest.

• Krooked Crown (New England IPA or NEIPA)-A hazy, very citrusy version. 6.7 % ABV
• Frectoberfest (Octoberfest)-A nice amber colored lager with a touch of honey adding a bit of sweetness. 5.6% ABV
• Jawn Stout-Smooth and dry with medium body. 5.6% ABV
• Irish Goodbye (Cocoanut Stout)-Also smooth and dry, though I could not smell or taste the cocoanut. 5.6% ABV
• PuraVida Coffee Stout-A third, smooth and dry stout, with just a hint of coffee. My favorite of their stouts. 5.6% ABV

For those into alternatives to beer, they offer many, from hard seltzers to Craft Sodas, and even a couple of NA (nonalcoholic) beers.

I’d love to see an Imperial Stout, another IPA or perhaps a Double IPA, or a Belgian. They may have offered other brews at their two big openings and run out of one or two. They have also only been open for a very short time. Their space allows for growth, but they are off to a very good start. Cheers!

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My wife and I enjoyed our visit and plan to visit again in the spring, when we can enjoy the great outdoors with our beer.

My New Jersey Wines of the Week

Turdo Vineyard Luca’s Blanc de Noir-A wonderful conversion of their Pinot Noir grape into an excellent white wine, utilizing immediate pressing, pressing gently and quickly, without crushing or macerating the grapes with their red skins. The result is a delicious white wine with green apple, pear, and bright acidity. It is a very limited production and I’m not sure if Luca (Sal and Sara’s son) will be making another one, but we can hope.

Unionville Vineyards 2022 Hunterdon Mistral Rouge-An excellent medium-bodied red blend of Syrah, Counoise, and Viognier. It is velvety smooth with a hint of plums on the palate. We enjoyed this great bottle with barbecued chicken and vegetables.

Coming Attractions

• Beneduce Vineyards Fall ’26
• Laurita Winery Fall ’26
• Amalthea Cellars Fall ’26

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