Heritage Radio Network, Sip and See, Flounder and Bellemara

On Thursday, September 29th, a live taping of Heritage Radio Network’s Beer Sessions was held at Flounder Brewing that included a discussion led by famed publican Jimmy Carbone, with panel guests Jeremy Lees from Flounder Brewing, Camden Winkelstein from Bellemara Distillery, and Somerset County Commissioner Deputy Director, Melonie Marano.

Flounder Brewing, Sip and See
Thursday 29 September 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

Bhavna and I sat and listened to Jeremy and Camden tell their story, looking at each other as we remembered how we first met Jeremy and Camden. Melonie gave the audience an overview of all that Somerset County has to offer, including Burnt Mills Cider in Bedminster, Jersey Cyclone Brewing in Somerset, and Village Brewing in Somerville.

Flounder Brewing, Sip and See
Thursday 29 September 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · 16-55 mm f/2.8
Flounder Brewing, Sip and See
Thursday 29 September 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · 16-55 mm f/2.8
Flounder Brewing, Sip and See
Thursday 29 September 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · 16-55 mm f/2.8

After the show, Bhavna and I joined the crew for cocktails at Bellemara.

Bellemara Distillery, Sip and See
Thursday 29 September 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · 16-55 mm f/2.8
Bellemara Distillery, Sip and See
Thursday 29 September 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · 16-55 mm f/2.8
Bellemara Distillery, Sip and See
Thursday 29 September 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · 16-55 mm f/2.8

Oktoberfest

On 1st October, Bhavna, Shaan, and I celebrated New Jersey-style Oktoberfest with our friends at Flounder Brewing. Head brewer Doug Duschl Jr and founder Jeremy "Flounder" Lees are keen on building a local community around their brewery. The brewery was packed with people. The entire Flounder Brewing taproom crew were happily at work pouring ale.

Oktoberfest at Flounder Brewing
Saturday 1 October 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

We are about keeping it simple. It’s about hanging out with good friends, awesome family and even the cool neighbors that you don’t really know. It’s about just enjoying good company, good conversation, and great beer. Remembering a great time with great people and a great beer, is the best way to experience your beer™, and here at Flounder, it is all about the experience.

Oktoberfest at Flounder Brewing
Saturday 1 October 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

When the brewery was at the small garage space at the industrial park, Bhavna and I had a routine; drop Shaan and Kiran off at the tae-kwon do academy in Hillsborough and hop over to Flounder for a pint. Sitting at the one long table, Bhavna and I would strike up conversations with strangers, many of whom were also parents. This is one of the reasons we became fans of the brewery.

Oktoberfest at Flounder Brewing
Saturday 1 October 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

In Munich, specific Biergarten tables are used inside the Oktoberfest tents. These tables have narrow table tops and benches, most likely to fit as many tables as possible inside the tent. This arrangement also fosters conversation between fest-goers, most of whom are strangers. The benches at Oktoberfest are usually placed right next to the bench of the adjacent table.

Oktoberfest at Flounder Brewing
Saturday 1 October 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

The original planned layout for the tables at the 250-year-old barn used Munich-style long tables. Because of COVID, the brewery couldn’t open the way that Jeremy wanted, so they used their budget to buy tables that could seat two to four people and set them far apart to meet COVID guidelines. Post-COVID, they are stuck with those tables, but for Oktoberfest, the tables were all pushed together.

Of course, I ordered the festbier, Last Train to Munich, in a commemorative Oktoberfest half-litre "Maßkrug" style beer mug.

Oktoberfest Maßkrug
Saturday 1 October 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

Attending The Sourland Conservancy Presents "Seeing the Sourlands"

Attending The Sourland Conservancy Presents: Seeing the Sourlands

Thursday, March 5, 2020
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Brimming with gorgeous photography and rich stories on the tales of nature within the Sourlands, this new book by beloved naturalist and photographer, Jim Amon, illustrates how much we have to learn from nature and all its inspiration. Each section- plants, animals, and principles- engages and encourages readers to observe the mystery and beauty of the natural world around them, with the potential to learn a fun fact or three! Whether you are an avid naturalist yourself or new to enjoying the beauty of the natural world, you'll find endless inspiration and enjoyment in Seeing the Sourlands. Presentation, Q&A, and opportunity to purchase the book (all sales benefit the Sourland Conservancy).

28 February, 2020 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR | ISO 400