No idea why I hadn't visited Climax Brewing Co. earlier! They are the oldest microbrewery in NJ, and they are conveniently located right off Exit 137 of the parkway. Dave, the owner, is just so well versed in the brew process. His tour is by far the best you will ever hear. His father was German, and the two of them started the brewery together. The beers at this brewery have a time-honored taste to them and are not as experimental as a lot of other craft beer can be. The tasting room itself is just in a garage with the brewing equipment. The facility was never meant to hold a tasting room because the law has only changed relatively recently. It is open only Friday evenings, but it's well worth going. You get a lot of beer in your flight, and you order each smaller cup with tickets. read more

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Bought a Groupon coupon for $22 for 4 people or $12 for 2. The deal gave 6 samples to try out (or you could trade a 3-4 tickets for one pint of a beer you like). The place is a bit off the beaten track. You have to go around back and it looks like you're just in a very large garage. It's not well decorated or anything but whatever, it's fun. The whole town is practically there! The brewery is open only Fridays from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm and there are only two tours per night. We were aiming to be there at 7:30 pm but the second tour had already begun. The tour seems to be just in the open room. So, you could attempt to listen in or you know what, just enjoy the great tasting beer, which we recommend! If you're a little late, you're going to miss it. If you're hungry, you can order pizza or bring in food. Many snacks are around and fellow neighbors even are willing to share. Such a friendly atmosphere from amazing staff to friendly neighbours! read more

I get it - they're the oldest microbrewery in NJ. I know this because during my ten minute visit it was repeated to me approximately 8497 times. I can deal with that. I can deal with the guy in charge behaving in kind of a sketchy obnoxious manner, I can deal with him bad mouthing other breweries in front of customers, I can even deal with him using language that a business owner should really leave for when he is NOT at his place of business... But at the end of the day, what really matters is the beer and the atmosphere. Both were kind of misses for me here. It's basically a glorified garage: which is neat because it's a throw back to the early days of brewing, but it's also not terribly welcoming. It's the kind of place where you really want to get in, try a beer, and get back out. As for the beer...I consider them all 'sufficient'. They're all good examples of their styles, but all unremarkable. There's nothing that makes any of them stand out that would make the place worthy of a revisit. If you're new to the craft beer game and want to know what a basic *insert style here* tastes like, this is a great place to get started...but really once you've been to other breweries and tasted what other more creative recipes can do, Climax starts to fall behind pretty badly. I think they're helped tremendously in the fact that another brewery is around the corner in Cranford and potentially the worst brewery in the state. I get it guys - you're old school. You're not going to be making fruity beers, or messing with lactose or weird oats or unheard of hops...and there's something to be said for that. But to really succeed as a microbrewery, you need to appeal to that customer too in my opinion. The places that are doing the BEST seem to have found a good balance. Oh, and they have owners that don't act like jackasses. read more

One sentence summary: Good craft beers in an unpretentious garage with knowledgeable staff. Longer version: Our friend had been here before and wanted to take us because he knows we like a good craft beer. He also warned us how the place is in a garage and not fancy so we'd know what to expect. We showed up on Friday around 7:30 and entered through the back. Luckily there was a guy outside who warned us the door doesn't open all the way so I didn't smack it into my face. Upon entering, it was exactly what I was expecting... some customers at the tables and bars and a handful of workers pouring growlers and beers. One gruff looking Climax guy was wearing an entire bleach tye-dye outfit and spoke to himself the whole time. It was definitely an interesting cast of characters! I think it being in a garage adds to the charm and authentic feel of the place. We did the flight which isn't really what you think of when you order a flight. You get 6 tickets - one sample for each ticket. The beers on tap were: cream ale (really it's a golden ale), an IPA, an ESB, Snow Plow winter ale, Cherry Snow Plow, and Tuxedo Imperial Stout. I tried them all and liked the Snow Plow the best. All were good though but the cherry Snow Plow was a little too much cherry for me. As we drank our samples, Dave's brother in law told us all about Climax's history and the beers. A family friend was next to him pouring too and they both were so enthusiastic to the point where they were talking over each other. We learned a lot and it was a lot of fun! Towards the end of the night another employee was eager to leave and get us out of there so we felt a little rushed but to be fair it was after 8:30. The guys we were talking to were so friendly though and told us not to rush. On our way out we ended up talking to Dave, the brew master, and heard more about the beers. It's a very chill, unpretentious experience and atmosphere with good craft beers. We had a good time there and we will definitely be back! read more

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Great experience! I haven't been on any brewery tours, so if you've been to bigger beer companies like Sam Adams or Coors you may be surprised at how small this place is but I imagine you get to see everything more up close here. Very unassuming place with a small parking lot behind the building. The places opens at 530. We got there at 545 and we got a spot but there's like 6 spots. Carpool if you can. Everyone was super friendly. You walk in, get your 6 tasting tickets. They tell you what they've got - their oktoberfest is out now and it's great - and you can start your tasting before the tour even starts if you want. They specialize is German beer. Their tasting cup is a good size, bigger than a shot glass. And if you like what you taste you can buy a glass, like a bar. Or a growler, 6 pack, case, etc. like a liquor store. They do have inside and outside tables. You can bring your own food / snacks and stay there for hours just hanging out eating and drinking. I think they had cookies on the tables as well. Really relaxed environment. The actual tour starts at 615 and and lasts about 40 mins. The owner talks of his start with his father opening the first microbrewery. Lost of detail about process and costs. After the tour is over he'll still hang out and answer any questions. They have a list of all the restaurants their beer is on tap so you can ask for it. The beer is really good. The I forget the real names but the light wheat one was great and so was the octoberfest. They have a raspberry one and an IPA as well. A few different kinds.  They also talked a lot about what they do during the month, they have bingo, art, music, and other events but I didn't see a calendar in the bar. I'm sure they're having a Halloween party. I imagine they list their events on FB. I highly recommend the tour, bring a group - the more the merrier. read more

Climax Brewing Co - Breweries Near Me - Roselle Park, New Jersey

If you are looking for a fancy brewery with seating, food, and trendy decor... This is not it. In fact, this is the opposite of that. The brewery is located at a rundown looking garage with parking behind the Building. It is a warehouse with lots of brew tanks, a bar stand, and a few long folding tables and chairs. My husband, me, and our toddler was driving through the area and wanted to stop at a local brewery after lunch on a Wednesday afternoon. When we first pulled in, we weren't sure if it was open as the entrance was in the back of the Building. There were no other patrons there, just us, the brewer and his friend. The brewer was a very nice guy and offered us samples of 3 beers they had on tap: ESB, IPA, and Pumpkin ale. They are all solid beers, the pumpkin was our favorite and the ESB had a nice barley flavor, not bitter at all. I usually don't care for IPA, but this one was not bad. They also offered us a taste of the Oktoberfest beer that was still in tank, I bet it'll taste pretty good once they filter and add carbonation. So a quick stop turned into 90 min of hanging out with these nice folks. My daughter took liking of the friend and he was coloring with her and playing. It felt like we were chilling at a friend's brew lab, no frills, just good beer. The owner showed up a little later and was also super nice. We bought a 6 pack to go and wished we could get a growler of that pumpkin, but they didn't had enough to spare. In Summary, if you love to try beer and don't care about presentation, then def check out this place. read more

Climax Brewing Co - Breweries Near Me - Roselle Park, New Jersey

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Tours and tastings every Friday, but as soon as you have had one tour, you're in. Beers are reasonably priced and delicious. It's sad that they only have open hours on Fridays, but it makes it all the more special to come out the one day they're open. You can also get beers to go in the form of growlers, bottles, or kegs. I got a keg of the Hefeweizen for a birthday party and it was easy to come in and pick it up. Just as easy to drop off when the party was over (as long as the gate is open, someone's there!) . read more

If you want to taste what true craft beer tastes like come to Climax Brewing Company. I came here early in the Tasting game and did not know what to expect: THIS is what I judge other beers by. I have been around the country tasting different beers and ales. I am so glad that I can come back to the best, and not watery flavorless offerings. If you are looking for quality in your beer, Climax Brewing is the place! TIP: Make sure you get a growler or bottles to go since Fridays only come once a week. read more

Follow the sound of the low gravel-y voice and you'll find Dave Hoffmann explaining how he makes his Climax beers with local water, plenty of malt and absolutely no rice! Dave has employees but still he's the owner, brewmaster, delivery guy, sales guy and also tour guide. Don't let the grim storefront put you off, soon it will be remodeled into a proper tap room -- until then just walk around to the back. And bring a growler for a fresh fill! Four 4-ounce samples are just $4, we tried Dave's golden ale, nut brown ale, IPA and pumpkin ale. All were very good and the pumpkin was delightful, even tho I don't like flavored beers, this was very nice. We learned about how pumpkin was used way back when if a brewer ran out of malt, the pumpkin carbs ferment just fine! And Dave's crew even tapped a fresh keg of Oktoberfest, the deep color and mild carbonation made it a treat. Open Friday evenings, a visit here is a trip back to times when a local business welcomed people into their shop to explain how everything works, and didn't rope off every last thing nor fuss about some water on the floor. I am starting to like drinking in badly lit warehouses :) read more

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This is the oldest active brewery in NJ, and it def feels like it when you are here. Most of their beers are more German style, sticking to the roots of beer, and abiding by the European beer laws of really only using Grains, Water, Yeast, and Hops. All their beers are extremely well executed styles, but are a little boring. Everything about this brewery is old school. from the copper kettles, to plastic cups, even the characters that work here and the owner. Very interesting experience, and I would recommend anyone that is a craft beer fan, and hasn't been here to stop by. read more

There's no one in the business better than Dave. The desire to stay true to the history beer should be something that all breweries aspire to ... enough with the grapefruit tasting 'it tastes like a blueberry pop tart' IPAs. Coming here it's like visiting a friend. read more

The owner Dave is fantastic but his bartender is a huge jerk. Dude just gets drunk and doesn't even know the price of the drinks. Dude started cursing at us cause we accidentally left the door open. Would no go here if you're a POC. read more

I almost passed this place by because it looked like an abandoned machine shop! But this is not another one of these new breweries popping up all over the place and having 15 beers that taste similar. This guy has been doing this a long time and has some all-star beers to prove it. They are tasty and different. The seasonal Cherry Snowplow is my favorite. David, the owner, is passionate about his beers and is more than willing to share his experience and help the homebrewer. read more

Well folks this is where it all began. Climax Brewing is New Jersey's oldest microbrewery and odds are you probably haven't heard of them. If you don't live in the immediate area, it can be difficult to find their bottles or beer on tap. Thankfully, I don't live too far away so one Friday, a buddy and I took the ride here to check them out. If you were to look up these guys on Google Maps, you will be scratching your head as to where the brewery is. Even as you pull up, it is nothing more than a garage whose neighbors are residential houses and a convenience store, but don't let the appearance fool you. This is a pretty small operation with limited hours (Friday nights only) but the beer packs a nice punch. Walk around back and into the garage. Purchase 4 samples, take the tour, chat with the staff and enjoy some freshly brewed home brew. We came at the very end of August so we just missed the Oktoberfest tapping but did enjoy their IPA, Golden, and especially their Hefeweizen, which I found to be very true to the style. This place is as laid back as it gets and doesn't get as much recognition as some of the bigger craft breweries in the state but what they do, they do well. After all, who doesn't enjoy drinking beer in a garage turned brewery? read more

I am a home brewer and have lately developed a palate for good beer. I have had many beers and the beer produced at Climax Brewery is among the best. This gem of a brewery is located in Roselle Park and run by a brewmaster who is incredible in his knowledge and execution of brewing. Call and ask for a tour, you'll learn a lot about the craft of brewing and get a chance to try some excellent beers. He produces a Maibock that is just out o this world. read more

Dave Hoffman is a damn good brewer who focuses on classic examples of traditional beers. His ESB is the perfect example of the style, and I urge you to check out his brewery in Roselle Park on Friday nights. Great value for the money. read more

Used a groupon. Enjoyed it. Cant be compared to a huge brewery like sam adams but for what it is its good. You get 6 tickets w the groupon to taste the beer which was good. Its a brewery so not going to talk about cleanliness. Parking is street and u have to use a gps or u will drive by. My dad and i found the workers and volunteers ro be nice and knowledgable. The owner and his son who also owns it were great. The tour is in the same room as tasting its someone who tells u about the process and answers questions. Prices are good. Groupon has a good deal. Bathroom looks gross for girls but squat and dont complain u will be fine. I loved it here and so did my dad. We had raspberry , ipa, apricot and another beer. They have out door seating. You can come grab drinks.. Fill growlers... Tour and taste... Its a nice little place doing big things! Thanks guys! read more

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Brewmaster Dave sums it up by saying "it's all about da beer." He (and his late father) have been brewing great classic beers for years. Hefewiezen, IPA, Oktoberfest (Marzen), etc. I'm drinking the Oktoberfest now, and it's got a great balance of hops, bitterness, and drinkability. Their shop is spare and to the point, with lots of space dedicated to brewing with some seating interspersed. Talking to the crew, they are very down to earth and very enthusiastic about the beer. It's really a great place. read more

This is some of the best beer I have ever had! We discovered this microbrew because they sell the beer at the shop rite liquids in Westfield. With a little googling we realized it's literally in our back yard (Roselle park) the place is open on Friday nights for tastings and tours and it's a blast! The beers are amazing and the owner is on site sharing his knowledge and love of the beers he makes. It's not a fancy bar or am elegant affair it's the place you go to drink and have fun. It's truly a paradise for beer lovers! You can also purchase growlers to go on Friday nights. The beer is fresh and so natural. It's literally right from the keg it's made in. I love the heffe and Oktoberfest the best!! read more

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Good guys who make some great beer. Open house Friday's on the back deck during the warmer months are pretty kool too.

1 Star???? Nasty beer??? If you don't know beer and breweries please don't review them!! These reviews are GROSSLY unfair to the brewery. I've been to this brewery a couple times as I live in TN and just get here occasionally. First off, I have probably been to 150-175 different breweries as I'm a home brewer and distiller. Always trying to learn and the owner here answered all of my questions with great patience. Probably not a deeper Brewmaster around. Just guessing. I have had most every beer the owner makes and they are ALL excellent and true to style. All served at the correct temperature as well. The IPA is hop forward but with perfect malt balance. PERFECT!! The Maibock was a true tasting Maibock with what I assume is style specific yeast. The ESB is one of the best I've had hands down. Pumpkin beers are usually not my thing but this one was toned down on the spice and up on the malt. Favorite beer was his Barleywine. Seasonal of course but if you can get it, I highly recommend. I would agree that there are bigger and nicer facilities out there, but if you're here for the beer...you're at the right place. This guy knows his beer. And if he tries to educate some of these new breweries opening up I salute him for that. Some of them need the education...or would you rather these breweries just stroke each other and let them keep producing overly hopped, under carbonated or over carbonated, unrecognizable beers, some with 15 different hops?!?! Climax! Keep up the excellent beers. I will stop here every time I'm in town. read more

As a follow up from my prior review, below please find the comment I received from the owner of the brewery. As another reviewer stated, if you want to be insulted, called a liar and be treated rudely overall, this is your spot. "You are completely incorrect. You did not book a tour till the last week the coupon was valid . By then I had 400 reservations . We return every call the next day. You also did not read the instructions on the coupon at all. Every thing you wrote is complete garbage and out of spite because you didn't get your jug of beer. . Our cups are 14 oz for $4 and our samples are 4oz for $1. Based on bar prices these prices are cheap. Perhaps if you follow instructions things would turn out as they should. People were asked to quiet down because the group that already had their tour were talking so loud the second tour group could not hear properly and was not rude at all. Perhaps you should not participate in deals like this as you are one of those people that no one can make happy. Dave (the owner)" read more

Worst beer in NJ! Went here for a tasting. Most beers were undrinkable swill. Those that weren't tasted like amateurish home brewed beer. No idea how other people could have rated so highly. Luckily, there are some descent breweries in NJ because this place gives NJ beer a bad name! By the way. Starting to think Yelp is fake as I had to re-post this on 7/15 read more

Great place, great beer... every Friday they have an open house here with free beer tasting. Dave is the main man here , great guy. I recommend this place read more

Called up again, very politely and respectfully tried to set up another tour, and was still met with the same rude attitudes. These guys are a joke. They need to enroll in charm school and learn how to talk to customers. read more

Let me just say this is definitely a MICRO brewery, it is very small. But don't let the size fool you, they have a great selection of different beers. I did the tour and tasting and was able to try six of their beers which were all great. The people who work there were all great and friendly and passionate about what they do. I highly recommend stopping by Climax brewery if you're in the area. read more

Great fresh beers, always more than one to try on tap. I recommend this place to anyone who loves quality beer! Come check it out.

what a shame i'll never taste any Climax beers as the owner would rather call potential customers "c*nts" and calls beer from fellow brewers "garbage". maybe if the owner spent more time paying attention to consumer trends and less trolling on social media he could make beers people want to drink. read more

I agree with the other reviews. I will never try their beer because the owner is disrespectful and doesn't know how to treat customers.

I like to support local businesses when I can. I am a fan of The Pumpkin Ale at Climax. Once you try Climax beer it's hard to go back to a boring big brand name. Micro breweries are very trendy but I hear this place is the oldest micro brewer in New Jersey. Nothing better than being an "original". read more

This place is great. The negative reviews about this place are wrong and by a few people who bought a LivingSocial coupon and obviously don't appreciate a good brewery. Went there Friday evening and sampled all the current brews on tap. Then had a few pints of the wheat. Very inexpensive, great quality. Dave and the other staff really take pride in their brews, and it shows. Not typically a wheat beer fan but their German style wheat beer was great. Seems to get locals from the area who are cool and add to the nice atmosphere of the place. The brewery tour itself is free, and without a doubt the most detailed and informative brewery beer making tour I've ever had. Dave really knows his stuff, and goes into the science and how it all comes together. I would give it 5 stars if I thought this review wouldn't get filtered out, but I've learned this site seems to go after those. Again, great place. Highly recommend going and doing their brewery tour. read more

Had a living social coupon.The owner talks like a cartoon character with a raspy deep voice. He was very nice and seemed pretty knowledgeable. Out of the 6 beers i tried none of them really memorable although, I do remember the brown ale tasting a bit like nail polish remover. EWWW! Don't think I would recommend. read more

Climax makes the best examples of real beers, true to their intended styles (without the add-ins that attract attention but get tiring quickly). Visit the brewery, pick up a growler or enjoy in your pub. Never disappointing. read more