Cape May Brewing Co. Is Now ‘Jersey Fresh’

31 Dec 2014 --- Is there such a thing as Jersey Fresh beer? There is now that Cape May Brewing Co. is officially the first brewery to carry the “Made with Jersey Fresh” label for its Honey Porter beer. The beer is described as roasted with dark crystal malts that shine through in a smooth and light-bodied porter that is balanced by a hint of sweetness thanks to the local Jersey Fresh honey. The brewery gets its honey from a local South Jersey supplier and will use different varieties depending on the season including blueberry, butterbean, clover, and wildflower honey. “Each variety has its own subtle nuances, so it’s nice that the flavor profile can change with the seasons,” remarked Chris Henke, co-owner.

To make a batch of Honey Porter, the brewery goes through a lot of honey. Usually a pound of honey for every five gallons and they typically make 500 gallons at a time. Using local honey is not the most affordable option, but using fresh, local ingredients is important to the brewery. “We are a part of the fabric of our community and using local ingredients represents our commitment to New Jersey. Using South Jersey honey is exciting because it tells a story about the beer and about who we are as brewers,” said Ryan Krill, co-owner. In addition to using local ingredients, they also give their spent grain to local farmers.