I visited one of the most unique breweries I've ever seen

It changes the meaning of a trip to the farm completely

The Flounder Brewery Company is actually located on a farm. In a converted barn. It’s located in the beautiful countryside of Somerset County New Jersey, in Hillsborough. And even before I arrived, I decided I was going to like this field trip as I drove past a canal and along wooded and farmland lined country roads. I thought, had I not locked this brewery into my GPS, it was scenery I might never have had the opportunity to experience.

The destination didn’t disappoint. Offering a wide range of crafted beers. The staff was friendly and helpful and truly appreciative of first time customers. Family-owned, the brewery opened in 2013 in the restored 250-year-old barn. There’s patio seating and even seating in a loft. The restoration maintain the rural charm of the setting. And the beers that I sampled lived up to the recommendations I received.

That they had entertainment was no surprise. That it was, tonight, a bluegrass act, was. And a pleasant surprise at that. The band’s called the Highridge Runners and all of the musicians are from Central Jersey. Next week I’m told the brewery’s going to feature an very popular Beatles cover band that has a standing-room-only fan base.

One of the things that makes this location so special is that, also on the farm is the Belle Mara Distillery. It’s mere steps away, across a patio, from the Flounder Brewery Company. The two establishments are under different ownership but I’m told the relationship is friendly and that many people feel the two establishments compliment one another. Both the brewery and the distillery are serviced by food trucks but you have to check the distillery’s website to learn the schedule if you’re interested in eating during your visit.

Told you it was on a farm!

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All photos copyright Gary Baumgarten