Flying Fish X New Jersey: Perfect Together

     Sometimes the simplest things are the best.  Or what we think is simple.  A nice, cold, pint of your favorite ale will always be appreciated after a long day, but there's a lot that goes into bringing that to your local watering hole.  A precise combination of nature, chemistry, physics, culinary skill, and imagination all go into bringing us these fantastic brews.  We have literally thousands of choices when it comes to beer and it's even better when you have one of the best craft brew makers in your backyard.   

Flying Fish Brewery has been in existence since 1996, located in Cherry Hill, about 7 miles east of Philadelphia.  It was the first microbrewery in South Jersey and is the largest craft brewery in the state.  They consistently brew 4 styles along with many seasonal varietals.  They also have their popular "Exit" series, which celebrates the Garden State by releasing one time batches of a beer that's crafted in tribute to specific exits of the New Jersey Turnpike.

   Their "Exit 4", a Belgian style Trippel, was so good that it won a Gold Medal in the world famous Great American Beer Festival in 2009 and also named best Belgian by Men's Journal magazine.  "Exit 4" is the only one in the series to be made year round and believe me, it's absolutely fantastic.  The golden color and citrus, hoppy flavor is very drinkable for an ale that is around 10% in alcohol content. There are no plans to brew some of the other exits at this time, although they just released some of their private supply of other exits to the public.  I managed to pick up "Exit 13" Chocolate Stout, "Exit 16" Wild Rice Double IPA, and the one that I definitely wanted, "Exit 9" Hoppy Scarlet Ale, in tribute to my Alma Mater, Rutgers University.  They're releasing a new exit this month, called  "Exit 8", Chestnut Brown Ale, which I'm sure will be tasty.
     They offer tours of the brewery on Saturdays, it's a great time.  You can sample all of their flavors, they explain the brew process from start to finish and they're more than friendly to answer any questions.  Very impressive when you think about how much really goes into making something we think as simple as beer.  They take pride in their craft and it's noticeable.  All of their beers are very drinkable and deliver great flavor.  They pair up very well with a variety of foods and they do have recommendations on their website.
     It's no surprise that they are moving to a bigger location very soon in Somerdale, New Jersey.  The new facility is three times bigger than the current one and will allow them to continue to grow and delivery fantastic products.  I look forward to tours in the new brewery and make sure you support your local brewers, especially ones like Flying Fish.
     Visit their website for more information on tour schedule, building moves,
and beer info:  http://www.flyingfish.com/.  They also have a Flying Fish Newsletter that's emailed monthly with their latest updates.
Click below for more great pictures of the brewery