A gold rush in Jersey. A review of Hunterdon Brewing Company's Jersey Shore GoldApr 15 '03 (Updated May 31 '03) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Attractively priced at $6.00 a six-pack, Jersey Shore Gold is a good selection as a session beer.
Contract Brewing is the term used to refer to the situation where one brewer makes the beer product for another for a variety of reasons. Some breweries exist in name only, have a great beer recipe and need their product made for them. Other brewers have problems meeting capacity or lack funding for expansion of their bottling lines. Some brewers have too much capacity and would rather brew other products then have too much downtime. In all these cases, contract brewing arrangements can save the day, keep a company afloat, and deliver a new brew for beer lovers. A case in point is the Hunterdon Brewing Company of New Jersey, founded in 1996, and a brewer in name only. Hunterdon's main claim to fame is as a beer distributor and marketer. However, Hunterdon offers two beers under their brand name: Jersey Shore Gold and Jersey Harvest Ale. Their beers are currently brewed in Lambertville, NJ by River Horse Brewing Company. [ River Horse makes 5-6 high quality brews of their own (see www.riverhorse.com). River Horse products are distributed by the Hunterdon Brewing Company.] According to the labeling Jersey Shore Gold contains no additives, preservatives, etc., and a portion of all proceeds are donated to Jersey Shore preservation funding. The taste is described as crisp, clean and refreshing. The brew pours out to a golden color, with a bit of a fizzy head that quickly dissipates. The carbonation level seems a bit high. The taste is surprisingly crisp with a decent mix of malt sweetness and a dry overtone that lasts through the finish. There is something of a fruit texture to the ale with almost a kind of pineapple essence detected. The semi-tartness of the finish helps to balance out the sweet so it never becomes syrupy. It's a pretty well balanced brew but certainly not overpowering. It certainly could use a bit more oomph in the hops area. Try a Local Local breweries, even local contract brewers are worth supporting if their product is any good in my opinion. I will always give a local beera chance. Attractively priced at $6.00 a six-pack, Jersey Shore Gold is a good selection as a session beer. It is certainly not the most flavorful ale out there but would serve as a good introduction to micro-brew novices in my estimation. I've served this to my macro-loving friends and they've been happy with it. My micro loving friends have tried it as well. In short, it's a solid drinkable ale, and one that could be kept around the beer fridge for everyday drinking. The refreshing taste quality also makes it a good choice for warm weather drinking. I would rate it as a three star beer: solid if not overpowering, and highly drinkable though a bit underwhelming. May 2003 Update The beer packaging has recently been redesigned into a more attractive red and gold motif with a design that echoes the Barnegat lighthouse. The ale has been renamed Jersey Gold. The packaging no longer mentions that a portion of the proceeds are donated to shore preservation so that may no longer be the case. The packaging notes that the ale is hand crafted and brewed and sold exclusively in the Garden State. It also mentions that wheat malt is added to the brew. The brewing company was based in Califon but is now operating out of Phillipsburg.  |
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