On July 10, after 15 years, 11 months, and 1 week, New Jersey's own
Flying Fish Brewery officially shut down production at its Cherry Hill digs in preparation for their move into a new high tech brewery in Somerdale, Camden County. The relocation quadruples the brewery’s size and will allow them to meet demand, something they haven’t been able to do in Cherry Hill. Driving this demand are a number of specialty brews the company has become known for over the years, none moreso than their popular “
Exit Series” brews that are named for New Jersey Turnpike exits.
After announcing their move late last year, the brewery has been busy building out their new space, with efficiency and sustainability in mind. First off, according to he building is a great example of adaptive reuse. "It was built in the late 1960s and was originally a pressing plant for Motown records," explains owner Gene Muller. Plus, the building is outfitted with a solar panel farm on the roof that will supply a good portion of the structure's electric. Rain gardens have been installed on the grounds and will capture 15% of the storm water off the roof and funnel it to the garden, allow it to slowly seep into the water table instead of running into the nearby Cooper River. "Everything with the building has a focus on sustainability," Muller suggests.
Other site features include a state-of-the-art 50 barrel German-manufactured brewhouse, 150 barrel fermenters, and upgrades in virtually every aspect of the brewery. Comparatively, the Cherry Hill brewery only contained 25 barrels and 50 barrel fermenters.
Once Flying Fish is up and running, owners have indicated plans to reinstate their popular brewery tours. Muller isn't sure when the tours will start up again, but says "not before October" due to impending legislation regarding strict state laws limiting how companys like Flying Fish can sell alcohol. For example, laws, some of which have been on the books since Prohibition, state that New Jersey microbrewers are not allowed to offer product samples outside their brewery, something Flying Fish and other believe has to be amended.
Recently, the company has been active in getting these laws repealed, and supported a bill that just passed in the New Jersey state legislature. It now sits on Governor Christie’s desk, awaiting his approval. The way Flying Fish sees it, passing this bill will help small brewers improve tourism opportunities and cut needless red tape that hinders their ability to expand in the future. And perhaps more importantly, Muller indicates if the legislation passes, more jobs will be created too. "If it passes, we would hire staff so that we could be open to the public for tours several days a week."
Writer: Greg Meckstroth
Source: Gene Muller, Owner, Flying Fish Brewery