Looking for a day away from sunshine and sandy beaches? Or perhaps a night out with friends or a significant other? Maybe you’re looking for something to do on a gray day at the shore? We’ve got the perfect answer: experience Cape May County’s local hops, grapes and spirits! The Jersey Cape’s local breweries, wineries and distilleries each have their own unique flare, making for a one-of-a-kind experience at each. Tour the facilities and talk to the experts to learn how beer, wine, rum and vodka are made. Send your palate on a journey with tastings, and bring your favorite flavor home in a growler or bottle!
In early 2014, the Historic Cold Spring Village Foundation Board of Trustees voted unanimously to pursue the development of a small brewery on the Village grounds with the name Cold Spring Brewery. Keeping Historic Cold Spring Village’s mission of historic preservation, history education and heritage tourism, the brewery was built within an 1804 three bay English-style Cape May County barn from Upper Township. Board by board, the barn was restored and reconstructed on the Village property into the beautiful, rustic building which houses the brewery today. Although the barn/brewery is located outside the Village fencing, it remains part of the 30 acres that are located between Seashore Road and Route 9 in Cape May, containing 27 restored historic structures. Funding for the project was secured through HCSV Foundation’s fundraising events, donations, memberships, retail sales, corporate sponsorships for programs and gate revenue. Its purpose is to stabilize the museum for future generations to enjoy.
Brewmaster Mark creates brews unique to the craft beer industry. He has developed a product for the majority, keeping firm to the “high drinkability with lower alcohol percentage” concept. Mark has authored the recipes, developed the process and brewed the beers, helping to create New Jersey’s first ever nonprofit brewery from conception to first sip. Additionally, Mark makes all of the beer at Cold Spring Brewery using the spring water from the Cold Spring property.
At Cold Spring Brewery, you’ll find a relaxing atmosphere and one-of-a-kind beers on tap. Four staple brews are always available – Cresse American Wheat, Hildreth German Wheat, Cold Spring Red and Dennisville Inn Porter – while limited editions often make appearances. Limited edition beers on tap now include Cold Spring Cream Ale and Ishamel Pale Ale. Sample all four with a flight, then choose from three growler sizes to take home your favorite taste of history!
As Cold Spring Brewery’s way of giving back, every Thursday (excluding July, August and September) is dedicated to raising proceeds for a local nonprofit organization. A few of the past organizations Cold Spring Brewery has supported include Cape May Film Society, East Lynne Theater Company, Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum and many others.
Cold Spring Brewery is family friendly, with handcrafted soda for the kids and water for the pups. Bring the entire family out for a good time with great beer for a great cause!
Cold Spring Brewery is open seven days a week from 12 to 8 p.m. during July and August.