After we told the head brewer at Flounder Brewing about our negative experience at Burnt Mills Cider Company, he said, "Why didn't you just go to Oakflower?". As it happens, Oakflower Brewing Company is a 20-minute drive from Burnt Mills Cider Company. But we didn't know that at the time. As we packed up to head home from our most recent visit to Mills Cider Company, Bhavna remembered that conversation, and we made new plans.
We had no expectations, but we were happy we made the trip. Oakflower is located in Millington across from the Millington Station. Based on what I read online, Millington is a small, charming community within Long Hill Township in Morris County.
Millington Station is a commuter rail stop on NJ Transit's Gladstone Branch of the Morris & Essex Lines. It provides residents with convenient access to New York City and surrounding areas.
We found free parking on the street just outside the brewery. The tap room at Oakflower is small, with a tiny bar area. Four-person1 Tables and chairs are placed throughout the tap room. It was cosy and comfortable, with the late afternoon sun providing warmth through the large glass windows. The tap list is small, with about ten beers.
We chatted briefly with the friendly tap server before ordering two flights. Our server explained that flights were limited to two 3 oz pours so patrons could enjoy the beer cold. I like that. Bhavna had a flight of two New England pale ales (Ring 6 and Borrowed Time), while I had a flight that included a Kellerbier called Breeze and a Kölsch called Station.
We finished that flight and ordered a second flight. Bhavna ordered a flight of two IPAs, the Ringboiz: Internet Cicerone and Double Ring. I sampled some of her beers. They are as good as some Troon and Root + Branch NEIPA I have tried. Ringboiz: Internet Cicerone is a collaboration with Hazeboiz. I had the First Cup for my second flight, an Oatmeal stout conditioned on Burundian coffee from Barrister Coffee House and Lammy, a Munich-style Helles lager. Barrister Coffee House is a cafe and roastery in Basking Ridge.
Shaan didn't have any beer of her own. She chose to sample what we had.
This first visit was a positive experience. I want to go back.
