The Hunterdon Beer Trail is set to return for its fifth year this spring with new features, including two additional breweries, a commemorative beer glass, and its first-ever exclusive after-party.
Beginning Sunday, June 1, participants can pick up a Beer Trail passport at any of the eight participating breweries in Hunterdon County. To complete the trail, visitors must collect stamps from all eight breweries by Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Organized by the Hunterdon County Economic Development office, the passport program aims to spotlight the region’s craft beer offerings. This year’s trail includes returning participants—Odd Bird Brewing (Stockton), Lone Eagle Brewing (Flemington), Conclave Brewing (Raritan Township), Descendants Brewing Company (Milford), Sunken Silo Brew Works (Lebanon), and Readington Brewery & Hop Farm (Readington)—as well as two new additions: Esker Hart Artisan Ales (High Bridge) and Wild Fern Brewing (Frenchtown).
Marc Saluk, Hunterdon County’s economic development and tourism director, emphasized the program’s impact on regional tourism and the craft beer community. “With the launch of the trail and passport, many have discovered the high quality of our local breweries,” Saluk said. “While New Jersey’s beer industry is seeing some contraction, it continues to grow in Hunterdon, highlighting the quality of our local craft beer.”
The 2024 Beer Trail will officially launch at noon on June 1 at Descendants Brewing Company in Milford. Attendees can purchase beer from all participating breweries, collect passports, and meet many of the brewery owners. Food from Descendants Brewing Company will also be available for purchase. The event is expected to draw hundreds and will continue until supplies run out.
Promotional merchandise, including t-shirts, mugs, and keychains, will be distributed during the kickoff event. Participants who complete their passports by the December 31 deadline can redeem them at any of the eight breweries for a commemorative beer glass—reintroduced this year due to popular demand.
Last year, approximately 500 individuals completed the passport program. For the first time, successful participants will be invited to an exclusive celebration event in January, with further details to be announced later in the year.
Saluk noted the growing reputation of the initiative: “The Hunterdon Beer Trail is now recognized across the state. People love it—it’s as popular as the 579 Trail.”
You Might Be Interested In:
