What was once a craft beer wasteland has now turned into a craft beer destination thanks to Cape May Brewing Company.  Since opening their doors just five years ago, this brewery is not just the first of its kind in Cape May county, but it’s also one of the Jersey Shore’s best.

Opened by the “unlikeliest” of friends, owners Ryan, Chris, and Bob (father of Ryan and who’s house this all began in), Cape May Brewing Company has gone from a hobby to one of the largest breweries in the state. With a small loan from Bob, Ryan and Chris set out to live their American dream, leaving their finance and engineering careers behind.

Looking to answer the question, “where’s all the craft beer down here?” and thinking in terms of “what’s the worst that could happen?” Ryan and Chris began pursuing their hoppy dream, delivering their first keg of Cape May IPA to Cabanas Beach Bar and Grill. Since then, they’ve expanded to 50 employees, with over 100 varieties that are distributed to over 300 bars throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania (you can try a brew at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten).

Cape May Brewing Company

One trip to Cape May Brewing Company and you’ll find yourself in craft beer heaven. Featuring the most interactive and most accessible tasting room in the state, the brewery is open to visitors everyday from 11am to 9pm for tours, tastings, and of course, filling up those growlers! Up to 20 beers can be found on tap everyday, including both flagship brews such as Cape May IPA (their flagship India Pale Ale), Devil’s Reach (their Belgian Golden Strong Ale), and Coastal Evacuation Double IPA as well as seasonal brews (try the Sea Mistress this summer!)

Visitors are encouraged to take part of their newly installed interactive self guided tour, the first of it’s kind in New Jersey. The tour begins in the hallway where thirsty tasters will find shore inspired artwork explaining how beer is made. And it’s not just all pictures – you’ll be able to interact with a number of “exhibits” including smelling those hoppy hops.

With their newly expanded biergarten and upcoming expansion that will include fire pits, oh yes, it’s no wonder Cape May Brewing Company has become a must visit for craft beer lovers. Attached to the tasting room is their new “brewtique,” where you can fill up your growlers from a dedicated piece of Austrian equipment that reduces the amount of oxygen – aka better tasting beer that lasts longer.

Dedication to high quality beers and visitor experience doesn’t stop here. Ryan is also the President of the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild. Recently reelected to another two-year term, Ryan focuses on making the lives and businesses of craft brewers in New Jersey simpler and easier. Focusing on reducing state regulations that prohibit growth while staying in touch with craft brewers all over the Garden State.

With their dedication, interactive tasting room, and let’s face it, tasty beer, it’s no wonder that Cape May Brewing Company has expanded so quickly. We can’t think of a better way to start or end our day than a trip to this brewery and when we can’t visit, there’s always the 300 plus bars that will be happy to pour you a frosty glass of Cape May IPA.