Man Skirt Brewing in Hackettstown: Review

June 13, 2016 newjerseyisntboring

In early June 2016 I ventured to Hackettstown and visited Man Skirt Brewing, situated in the downtown area. One of the most unique things about this brewery is that it used to be a bank! So when you’re walking down the street, that’s no bank, it’s a place to grab a beer.

I got the chance to meet owner and brewer Joe Fisher who started home brewing in 2008. By 2012 he realized his passion for brewing was more than a hobby, and started formulating his own beer with an 8 tap kegerator in his basement, and brewing on a home-built, 25-gallon, all electric brewing rig. With a recommendation from a friend, he started putting a plan in motion to start his own brewery.

I think by the photo above you know why the brewery is calling “Man Skirt Brewing”. Joe apparently hates pants and prefers to wear a “Utilikilt“, a modern, casual kilt. The brewery’s slogan is “No pants, just great beer”.

The first thing you notice when you walk in Man Skirt Brewery is that giant vault (I also noticed Bender, as a big Futurama fan). You’ll also notice how big and open the space is. Joe feels he has created a laid-back environment where people can talk to each other, enjoy some of the great food available in Hackettstown, all while tasting his beer. While we were there, we noticed a nice family who brought in a board game while the parents shared a flight. There is definitely a feeling of community at Man Skirt Brewery, which was Joe’s intention when he opened for business.

Another thing you’ll notice about the brewery is that you can come right up to the equipment and see what’s going on. There’s only a little knee wall separating it off (covered in stickers from breweries from all other the country, which is very cool), creating a space that customers can physically see the connection of where the beer they’re drinking comes from.

When we were there, they had 5 beers on tap so my husband and I shared a flight.

Beers on tap (from right to left):
– Gold Bar Blonde 4.5% ABV – American Blonde Ale
– Imperial Progress 8.2% ABV – Double IPA
– The Great Porter 5.5% ABV – Robust Porter
– Let There Be Rauch! 6% ABV – German Smoke Beer
– Barclay Perkins 6% ABV – English Brown Porter

The brewery’s core beers are a Porter, an American Blonde ale, and an English pub ale. They are also lower alcohol than most craft beers, with the porter being the highest at 5.5% ABV, making them very approachable and easy to drink. Joe says, “Even when I make my seasonals–a smoky Rauchbier that is reminiscent of bacon, or a big 8.2% ABV Imperial IPA–I strive for balance in my beers. The flavors should work together, not overwhelm. One thing I hear very often from my customers is, ‘I don’t generally like porters/IPAs/smoke beers, but I really love yours!’ It is the most gratifying thing.”

As the second brewery I’ve visited in Hackettstown, I can say that the area itself definitely has a cool vibe. There’s plenty of restaurants, currently two breweries right in the downtown area, and it’s nearby to route 80 and 46 making it very accessible to travel there. Plus, parking is free after 6pm and on Sundays!