Microbrews are popular because they offer unique and flavorful beers that are often locally sourced and produced in smaller batches, allowing beer enthusiasts to try something new and different from mass-produced beers. Additionally, microbreweries often focus on quality and craftsmanship, which can result in a superior drinking experience.
Mybergen.com has received a large volume of inquiries into where to find local microbreweries in the Bergen County area in 2024. This recent interest in craft beers and breweries piqued our curiosity and inspired us to learn more about where local brews are made and why they’re so popular.
Before we get into where to find local Bergen County craft beer microbreweries, here’s some quick background on the craft beer industry:
There are six distinctly different types of craft beer industry segments. This includes microbreweries, brewpubs, taprooms, regional, contract brewing companies, and alternating proprietors.
The US Brewers Association defines a craft brewer as a small and independent brewer.
Why are craft beers and local microbreweries growing in popularity?
Craft beer drinkers are passionate. A recent DSM Food Specialties survey suggests that craft beer drinkers care deeply about their beer and where it comes from.
People like a choice. The same survey revealed that nearly half of the respondents drink craft beer because they want to try something new and experiment with various beers.
It’s Personal. For many of the craft beer drinkers included in the DSM survey, beer drinking is personal! In other words, the beer they drink says a lot about who they are or how they see themselves. The craft brewer’s company story and mission may also influence the craft beer drinker’s preferred brand.
What are some other reasons craft beers are so popular these days?
The craft beer lifestyle. The fun and ever-changing menu of craft beer flavors, styles, and even packaging add a lively, entertaining, and serious dimension to the craft beer experience for many beer connoisseurs. Plus, the commitment to high-quality organic ingredients and unique flavors can’t be matched by most mass-produced beer companies.
It’s strong. Craft beers are always attractive for beer drinkers who prefer a brew that packs a punch! Craft beers typically have more alcohol than mass-produced beer, often ranging from 5-15% alcohol by volume.
Snob appeal. Many beer drinkers take their beverages seriously; some might suggest too seriously! Beer snobs want to be connected to the ‘latest and greatest’ or ‘exclusive’ beers that others may not have caught up with yet. Beer snobs can actually be very helpful in recommending brews that appeal to your particular tastes.
The local angle. At mybergen.com, we always encourage our audience to support local Bergen County businesses. What could be cooler than having your favorite craft beer brewed right here in Bergen County? Better yet, how lucky are we to have several microbreweries located here in Bergen?
Where are Bergen County’s craft beer microbreweries?
Bolero Snort Brewery, Carlstadt
Bolero Snort Brewery in Carlstadt features a fully functional facility with a 30-barrel brewhouse, increased fermentation capacity, in-house canning, comprehensive quality assurance systems, and a spacious and welcoming public tasting room. Between core beers, recurring beers, and seasonal brews, there’s always something new on tap at Bolero Snort.
- 316 20th Street, Carlstadt, New Jersey.
- For hours, beer selection, special events, and more visit bolerosnort.com.
Brix City Brewing, Little Ferry
Brix City Brewing in Little Ferry is built on a passion for full-flavored beers. While known for unique New England-style IPAs, Brix City also produces a wide variety of styles, ranging from experimental Sours to traditional Pilsners to Barrel-Aged Stouts and everything in between. Great taproom too!
- 4 Alsan Way, Little Ferry, New Jersey
- For hours, beer selection, special events and more, visit brixcitybrewing.com.
Five Dimes Brewery, Westwood
This local neighborhood craft brewery is located in the heart of Westwood, New Jersey, at the former site of the L.N. Grand 5 & 10 Cent Store, a local Westwood institution for over 60 years.
Five Dimes Brewery features regularly updated microbrews, a popular rooftop seating option, live entertainment, and more. Five Dime’s highly skilled brewmaster uses time-honored methods and top-quality ingredients to produce delicious beer. Five Dimes is a BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) location with various local restaurants to order from.
- 247 Westwood Ave, Westwood, New Jersey
- For hours, beer selection, special events and more, visit fivedimesbrewery.com.
Gearblock Brewing Company, Waldwick
The mission of Gearblock Brewing Company in Waldwick, New Jersey, is to provide high-quality beer to the local community. Brewed in small batches and using only the finest ingredients, the brewmasters at Gearblock provide their customers with the freshest, most flavorful beer. Gearblock produces several styles of high-quality ales, lagers, and stouts. They range from a pale ale and Vienna lager designed to introduce craft beer to exciting and diverse assortments of experimental and trendy styles of traditional favorites. Specialty, seasonal, sours, and fruit beers are also produced.
Customers at Gearblock Brewing Company can enjoy their beer in a unique and inviting tasting room or take it home via crowlers.
- 140 Franklin Turnpike Waldwick, New Jersey
- For hours, beer selection, special events and more, visit the Gearblock Brewing Company website.
Hackensack Brewing Company, Hackensack
Hackensack Brewing Company’s tagline says it all! Peace, Love, and Beer. This popular Hackensack spot features twelve rotating taps, an inside taproom, and an outdoor Biergarten. Curbside pickup and home delivery are also available at Hackensack Brewing Company. Follow them on social media for the latest news and updates.
- 78 Johnson Avenue, Hackensack, New Jersey
- Visit the Hackensack Brewing website for hours, beer selection, special events, and more.
More New Jersey Microbreweries
newjerseycraftbeer.com is an excellent resource if you’re searching for a more comprehensive list of New Jersey breweries, brewpubs, meaderies, cideries, distilleries, wineries, and startups beyond Bergen County. This website also features an updated special events calendar for craft beer lovers throughout New Jersey. If you’re interested in beer-related events, food truck festivals, or any occasion you can think of in Bergen County, visit the mybergen.com Events Calendar.
Please Drink Responsibly
Remember to drink responsibly! If you choose to drink, know your limits, never drink and drive and always stay safe! If you’re arrested for DUI in New Jersey (first offense), the penalties include driver’s license suspension of 3 to 12 months; fines and fees of approximately $750 to $1,000; up to 30 days in jail; up to 48 hours of driver instruction at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center and a $1,000 per year surcharge for three years. It’s not worth it.
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