Enjoy Sweet And Tart Cranberry Beers This Season At These New Jersey Breweries

Jersey's favorite son may be Bruce Springsteen, however Jersey's favorite son when it comes to fruit may be the cranberry. While it's not the type of sweet treat picked off the vine, bush, or tree, the tart cranberry plentiful here. Furthermore,  it's applications are wider than you may think. From jellied cranberry sauce, to hot sauce and salsa. From cranberry breads and muffins, to candy, cookies and even pies. If you look hard enough, you can find this superfood, that is a boost to your immune system and your digestive tract, without leaving you feeling "bogged down".

Cranberries in brewing.

It's post Halloween now, and eyes begin to turn toward Thanksgiving. That means with all apologies to pumpkin pie, it's cranberry season! That means cranberry beer. According to a 2021 article by the Chicago Tribune, while no one knows if cranberries were eaten at the first Thanksgiving, the fruit has become a staple at Thanksgiving dinners and, increasingly, in beers that roll out around this time every year. Furthermore, the article states that while there is no shortage of breweries incorporating cranberries this time of year, many of those beers aren’t very good. They’re too astringent or too sweet as it can be difficult to find the right balance. However, some brewers have found ways to highlight the flavor of the berries without making a beer that’s too tart or overly sweetened.

Cranberry beer brewing at the Jersey Shore. 

As is the case across the country this time of year, some local Jersey breweries are doing their own take on incorporating cranberries into their beer. Much like pumpkin beers, each cranberry ale, gose, or lager, has it's own distinct flavor. Some highlight the cranberry as the star of the show. Meanwhile, others brew their beer with the intent to have the cranberry as a subtle note in the background.

Here are some great Cranberry Beers from around the country: https://mybartender.com/beers/best-cranberry-beers/

The story goes that they were working on a cranberry wheat beer, added jusssst a little too much cranberry, and so they added some lemonade. Viola! The Bog was born. Like the can says, "Sweet, Tart, & Full Of Cranberry Goodness".

Cranito is a cranberry gose ale featuring pureed cranberry and Atlantic sea salt. Light, refreshing and tart, this beer was made for the bountiful feasts ahead. Brewed in collaboration with the Turkinator, from Hoagitos hoagie shop who's newest location will be opening in Point soon. 

Beach Bee's classic Thanksgiving treat is back. A tart start of cran, with a smooth finish of cin. They also are currently offering a Cranberry Lime Cask Cider

Tons of cranberries are added to the award winning River Horse Tripel Horse Ale base make this a perfect high ABV to sip by the fire.

Pilsner Malt, Red Wheat, and White Wheat to make this full-bodied ale. Cranberry notes lend to a mild tartness and refreshing taste.