Spring Training: New Brews and Spirits Releasing in South Jersey
As the frost finally retreats from the Pine Barrens and the first signs of life emerge along the Cooper River, South Jersey’s craft beverage scene is waking up with a vengeance. But spring isn't just about baseball—it's about the Spring Training happening in the tanks and stills across the 856 and 609. From hyper-local collaborations to anniversary festivals that feel more like Woodstock than a taproom opening, 2026 is shaping up to be a legendary vintage for Garden State drinkers. Grab your sunglasses; here is what you should be sipping this season.
the Milestone: Tonewood’s Decade of Liquid Harmony
It is hard to believe, but Tonewood Brewing is officially hitting double digits. To celebrate their 10-year anniversary, they aren't just releasing a beer; they’re throwing a full-blown music festival: Tonewood 10: Island Jam at Veterans Island in Cooper River Park. This spring bash features a Brewers Alley showcasing exclusive anniversary small-batches, including the Island Jam IPA—a celebratory blend specifically brewed for the festival—and a 10th Anniversary Barrel-Aged Series that brings high-gravity heavy hitters out of the cellar to mark the milestone.
The Expansion: Death of the Fox Hits the High Grounds
The state’s first craft brewery-coffeehouse hybrid is pulling a double shot this spring. Death of the Fox Brewing Company is expanding to its third location in Carneys Point, dubbed the High Grounds Lounge, with an April 2026 debut. Their spring tap list is looking adventurous with the Hazy Crazy Diamond NEIPA, a 6.2% juice bomb, and a Blueberry Muffin Kolsch using Jersey-grown fruit. In a nod to the 2026 wellness trend, they are also rolling out mushroom coffee and holistic kombuchas for those training for a spring half-marathon.
Shore Favorites: Cape May Brewing’s 2026 Bracket
Down at the shore, Cape May Brewing Co. is leaning into the season with their 2026 Beer Bracket. While classics like Cape May White remain staples, the spring limited releases are stealing the spotlight. Strawbuoy, a Strawberry Lemon Sour Ale, is the ultimate porch pounder as we transition into beach weather, while the Mango Chili Lime Lager offers a zesty, spicy kick for outdoor taco nights. For those chillier spring evenings on the deck, the bold Signal Watch Double IPA remains a local favorite.
The Spirit Report: Farm-to-Glass Distilling
Beer isn't the only thing flowing; South Jersey’s distilleries are leaning into fresh, bold complexity for April. Colts Neck Stillhouse is highlighting the Perfect Pear, blending flagship vodka with spiced pear and ginger beer. Meanwhile, Stone Water is releasing Journey Bilberry Black Hearts, a gin that acts as a love letter to spring foraging. Not to be outdone, Nauti Spirits is making waves with Plundered Series No. 9—a masterful marriage of 4-year-old high-rye bourbon and 8-year-old straight rye that offers warm caramel notes perfect for a brisk Jersey Shore night. Even Independent Spirits is getting in on the action with a hyper-limited Rhubarb Infused Gin using locally sourced stalks.
2026 Trends: The Lager-issance and Beyond
If you’re heading out to the taprooms this month, you’ll notice a few major shifts. After years of hazy dominance, 2026 is the year of the clean, crisp lager. Expect to see more Czech-style Pilsners and Mexican-style Lagers taking up tap space. Furthermore, the N/A Wave has arrived; non-alcoholic craft options are no longer an afterthought, with high-quality seltzers and Near Beers that actually hold their hop profile. Above all, Hyper-Localism is the biggest story of the year, with labels proudly highlighting honey from Cape May or grain from the inner corridor.
The Final Sip
Spring in South Jersey is a fleeting, beautiful window. Before the humidity of July hits and the Parkway becomes a parking lot, take a Saturday to hit the South Jersey Craft Beverage Trail. Whether you’re vibing at Tonewood’s anniversary jam or grabbing a morning Fizzspresso at the new Carneys Point lounge, the 2026 spring season is proof that our local scene is only getting better with age.
DaySipper Tip: Always check the social media pages of smaller spots like Gusto, Bonesaw, or Eight & Sand—they often drop one-keg-only spring infusion series that never make it to the official distribution list!