TCNJ

37 WINTER 2020 w E'RE INTRODUCING four alumni breweries, all with extensive lists of cleverly named beers to choose from — here's to many hops-filled pilgrimages. But let's tease you first: Twin Elephant and Two Ton Brewing get high marks for the fruity American Pale Ale Lil Shimmy Ye ("great nose") and the stout Field Artillery ("flash of milk chocolate and dark, dried fruit"), respectively. Newtown Brewing Company is catching attention for its "crisp and flavorful" Lemon Basil Saison and Devils Backbone's Vienna Lager, described by Beer Connoisseur as "a chestnut-colored lager with a subtle toasty sweetness," scored a 96 on their scale of 100. How does Beer Connoisseur translate that score? "You need this beer in your life." TWO TON BREWING COMPANY Kenilworth, New Jersey Jim Barbiere '01 (near right) says he "discovered" beer while spending half his junior year studying in Germany. (Talk about a productive semester!) As he traveled the country he was captivated to learn how brewers in every village and every city employed the same basic ingredients — water, yeast, barley, and hops — yet somehow created notably distinct styles of the ancient brew. When Barbiere returned home, his girlfriend (and future wife) bought him a stovetop beer kit, and they brewed their first batch while living in the Townhouses. (Note to authorities: Yes, they were both 21.) The results were, well, memorable. To clarify, "It was awful," Barbiere says. "But it was such a fun hobby." Barbiere and his girlfriend brewed their first batch in the Townhouses. Two decades later, Barbiere's brewing talents have improved considerably, and his fun hobby has evolved into a family business: Two Ton Brewing Co., founded in 2014 by Barbiere and his father, two brothers, and his wife, Mairin Barbiere '00. (Motto: "In our brothers we trust.") In October, Two Ton celebrated the one-year anniversary of its own 3,000-square-foot space. "It's been an odyssey," Barbiere says. He's talking about the evolution of the company — Two Ton started as a contract or "gypsy" brewer, which meant renting equipment from other breweries — but The Barbiere family: Mike, Matt, Dad Mario, and Jim '01

• Cover