New Hunterdon County Beer Trail Passport season has begun

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – The Hunterdon Beer Trail has kicked off its newest Brewery Passport season, much to the delight of craft brew lovers throughout the region.

“People absolutely love these passports. The fun of participating in the passport program helps draw new folks every year to discover the quality of the craft beer industry in Hunterdon County and the good time that can be found at each establishment,” said Lone Eagle Brewing owner Bob King.

The Brewery Passport initiative encourages guests to visit each of the six existing craft breweries along the Hunterdon Beer Trail, plus new comers Esker Hart Artisan Ales in High Bridge (opening soon) and Wild Fern Brewing opening in Frenchtown, later in 2024.

Customers are encouraged to get their passports stamped over a few weeks at each location and are rewarded with a commemorative item after turning in a completed passport booklet. This year’s prize is a Hunterdon County Beer Trail bottle opener. Previous prizes have included commemorative caps and beer mugs.

The passports are not just practical guides; they’re also packed with information about each brewery, as well as dining and entertainment options nearby each location.

“People engage with the passports in different ways,” said Adam Juncosa, Odd Bird Brewing owner. “Some are avid collectors, while others turn it into a social event, gathering friends or colleagues to explore a new brewery each week. And then there are the serious craft beer enthusiasts who come armed with questions and a thirst for sampling – we love meeting them all!”

The Hunterdon Beer Trail, sponsored and run by the Hunterdon County Department of Economic Development & Tourism, is a collaborative effort between local brewers. It was established in 2021 as an online guide to the county’s burgeoning craft beer scene, complete with maps, tap lists, and special events.

Comprising Odd Bird Brewing (Stockton), Lone Eagle Brewing in Flemington, Conclave Brewing in Raritan Township, Descendants Brewing Company at the Old Ship Inn in Milford, Sunken Silo Brew Works in Lebanon and Readington Brewery & Hop Farm in Readington, along with the two pending new comers this year, the Hunterdon Beer Trail is a testament to the region’s rich brewing tradition.

Hunterdon County Commissioner Susan Soloway emphasized how the Brewery Passport program aligns with the county’s broader tourism initiative.

“Passports encourage exploration not only of our breweries but also of our scenic countryside, vineyards, farms, and historic towns,” Soloway said.

Key details of the Spring/Summer 2024 Brewery Passport program include:

• Passports are available for pickup at participating Hunterdon County craft breweries during regular business hours.
• Passports will be distributed through September 2024 or while supplies last.
• To complete the passport and claim the prize, participants must visit each of the breweries and obtain stamps.
• Completed passports can be redeemed for the commemorative bottle opener in any of the participating breweries by September 30, 2024.

Bob King hinted at additional forthcoming programs and events from the breweries in 2024, urging customers to stay tuned for updates.

For news and updates from the Hunterdon Beer Trail, sign up for the monthly email newsletter on hunterdonbeertrail.com.

Other Hunterdon County tourism initiatives include ExploreHunterdonNJ.com, Hunterdon579Trail.com, HunterdonMainStreets.com, and BikeHunterdon.org.