Brewery Review: Climax Brewing Company in Roselle Park

June 15, 2015 newjerseyisntboring

I recently got to visit Climax Brewing Company, the oldest microbrewery in NJ! They have a small location in Roselle Park.

When we got there we paid for our tour and tasting which was $10 a person. With that $10 you get 6, 4oz samplers which is actually a decent amount of beer. You can even get your first beer filled while you’re waiting for the tour to begin!

When I saw tour, I use the term lightly. You don’t move too much while you are learning about the beer making process and history of the microbrewery. Having said that, you do learn a lot. Our tour was conducted by the owner, who was obviously knowledgeable about what he was talking about. I definitely learned more about making beer from this tour than I had on other brewery tours in the past. Plus, he was entertaining.

The brewery has two small stations where you can get beer, but be prepared to stand and drink. The area is small, and you’re surrounded by equipment and boxes…but there is a nice little outdoor area if the weather is nice.

One of the kegs was tapped soon after we got there, so I tried the following beers in this order:
– Helles; ABV 4.7%
– Golden Ale
– ESB (Extra Bitter Pale Ale); ABV 5.5%
– IPA; ABV 6%
– Cherry Snow Plow Winter Ale (Seasonal)

I will say this, I have nothing negative to say about the beer. Everything we tried was fantastic, including the IPA and I regularly dislike IPAs (it wasn’t too hoppy). I highly recommend their beer, and if you can visit, directly from the brewery.

Their hours are limited so if you want to visit, visit during 5:30 – 8:30pm. The tour was roughly 45 minutes so they really only have time to do 2-3 tours each evening. I’d recommend calling ahead.

Also, as an FYI, they do not sell growlers BUT you can get them filled. So if you want to bring home some beer, BYOGrowler. If you’re like me, you have plenty.