By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Three area residents are taking their passion for beer to the next level. They are going to start brewing their own. But not just for personal consumption, for all the craft beer enthusiasts out there.
Former Tinton Falls mayor Mike Skudera along with Pete Artherholt, Tinton Falls and Red Bank resident Chris Hanigan are opening Jughandle Brewing Company, named after New Jersey’s famously unique traffic patterns, in Tinton Falls Centre Plaza on Asbury Avenue. It is located near Garden State Parkway exit 102 and just minutes from the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets.
“We will offer six craft beers on tap and plan on expanding to 14,” Artherholt said.
Artherholt is a former chemist with over 15 years brewing experience.
The entrepreneurs have an edge on other brewers due to the experience of Darlene Artherholt, Pete’s wife who has a master’s degree in microbiology.
Her knowledge and skills allow the Jughandle Brewery to have access to information that other breweries take years to acquire, according to Artherholt.
“Having a strong science background will help drive consistency and quality control in the craft beers that we sell,” he said.
“Our craft beers will be made using natural and high quality ingredients and we are looking to use local products when in season,” Hanigan said.
Artherholt said in addition to tours and beer tastings, visitors to the site will be able to take home bottles and cans and fill larger growlers, containers of 32 or 64 ounces.
The brewery will be occupy over 3000-square-feet and will be able to produce up to 4000 barrels annually.
Skudera said, “Chris and Pete have 15 years experience with homegrown. Last year I tried their beer and I fell in love with it.”
Skudera said Atherholt and Hanigan already have a wide pallet of beers including an IPA, Siason, Imperial Stout and Brown Ale. Beers will rotate with the seasons as well
The two beer makers asked Skudera if he would like to help them out and he welcomed the idea of joining the venture.
Skudera said the new business will create jobs such as tour guides and bartenders for beer tastings.
The brewery is now under construction and is set to open early next year.
“We are excited to be Tinton Falls’ first craft brewery and are looking forward to opening next spring” Skudera said.
