Long Valley Brew Pub: Review

May 27, 2016 newjerseyisntboring

I recently had the chance the visit The Long Valley Brew Pub in Long Valley, which has been around since 1995. They were the first brew pub to receive a license in the state of New Jersey. Nestled in the beautiful landscape of Long Valley, NJ; this brew pub has been been in business for over 20 years due to award winning beers and pub favorites.

The first thing you’ll notice at the brew pub is the structure. Constructed in 1771, this building was originally a farm and remained a working dairy farm until the 1940s. In 1995, in began it’s transformation into the brew pub you see today. The building still retains it’s stone walls, original window opening, and hand-hewn beams.

When you walk inside, you will notice a windowed brewing room which allows guests to observe the beer making process. Brewmaster Joe Saia has been there since the opening of Long Valley Brew Pub (becoming head brewmaster in 1996) and is responsible for creating the award winning beer you can purchase at the brewery. On the first Saturday of every month, he can guide you through his process ($10, and includes beer). Currently, Long Valley ranks as the most award winning brewpub in the state capturing gold, silver, and bronze wins at festivals like the Great American Beer Festival, North American Beer Awards, and World Beer Cup.

Their four flag ship beers are the Hookerman’s Light, German Valley Amber, American Pale Ale, and the Lazy Jake Porter. Additionally, they also have 2 seasonal beers on taps for a total of 6 beers to try. You can sample these in a flight (like I did) or order them in pints. They also sell growlers to go!

Hookerman’s Light is their lightest beer with the Lazy Jake Porter being their darkest. Both the German Valley Amber and the American Pale Ale are on the hoppier side, but the Amber also had notes of sweetness to it (it was my favorite). I liked that all of their beers tie into the history of the area, including a tall-tale about the “Hookerman’s Light”, named after the local legend of the Hookerman who is said to have died after losing his arm in a long-ago rail accident. It is said that the Hookerman can be seen late at night wandering the abandoned tracks with a lantern looking for his lost arm. I wonder if Long Valley does ghost tours? Hmmm.

Their two seasonal beers that day were the Smoked Maple Porter and the Alpha Dog IPA. The Smoked Maple Porter was REALLY interesting because you definitely tasted the maple, but the smokiness kicks in later.

Their beer also pairs well with their food, for example the Hookerman’s light will go well with seafood or pasta where as the German Valley Amber would pair well hot and spicy foods. They have a vast food menu ranging from classic pub fare to more classier dishes, Italian specialties, steaks, and entrees that pertain to Long Valley’s German history like the Sauerbraten (a German pot roast) and the “Best of the Wurst” which is a platter of Schaller & Webbers Finest Grilled Knockwurst, Bratwurst & Weisswurst, Sauerkraut, German Potato Salad & Whole Grain Mustard.

Overall, the Long Valley Brew Pub is a perfect location to drink and dine. They have plenty of indoor seating, as well as a charming outdoor bar and patio.