From Beer To Mead: Monmouth County Promotes Local Producers

RED BANK, NJ – Monmouth County wants to spread the word about local breweries, distilleries and wineries, and make them hubs for tourism in their locales. And don't forget the mead.

The "Brewed & Distilled in Monmouth” initiative was unveiled at Red Tank Brewing Company here Wednesday by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.

The program will help promote the businesses with a website that offers residents and visitors information about all of the breweries, distilleries and wineries in Monmouth County, as well as the local restaurants and businesses surrounding them, according to a news release from the county.

The website, www.BrewedandDistilledinMonmouth.com is now active for those who would like to visit the site to learn more.

For example, there are 18 breweries, three wineries and seven distilleries in the county, as well as the Beach Bee Meadery in Long Branch. Among the distilleries listed is the historic Laird & Company in Colts Neck, birthplace of the area's iconic applejack.

On the website, there are maps and search filters and contact information for the producers.

“The idea of having all of the establishments in one place allows residents and visitors to plan a day of enjoying the local products made in these facilities," said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone.

Red Tank was pleased to be the site of the announcement:

"We are really excited about this initiative and thankful to the Board of County Commissioners for setting it up,” said John Arcara, owner of Red Tank Brewing Company.

“This program is really going to help the tourism here for breweries, distilleries and wineries. I am hopeful this will help kick up business and I am so proud to have Red Tank Brewery be the launching point for this initiative,” he added.

Arnone also announced that Monmouth County has received two Destination Marketing Organization Grants through the New Jersey Department of Travel & Tourism.

The first grant is for 2023 in the amount of $246,000 and the second is a three-year Destination Marketing Organization American Rescue Plan grant totaling $315,000,” he said.

The funds will assist municipalities, businesses and tourism partners to bring visitors to Monmouth County. Visit the county website for more information and other links to the launch event.