October 2000

By Gary Monterosso

For the guys at Vineland, NJ's, Blue Collar Brewing Company, one can only marvel at the difference a year makes. Officially in operation since October of last year, the company has seen tremendous growth in all levels of operation. Starting strictly as a draft-only brewery, BCB has expanded to include a bottling run (more on that later), with many diverse locations throughout the southern part of New Jersey now carrying their selections.

Perhaps their newest introduction to their product line will gain them additional fans. BCB Light was introduced at the company's grand opening in late July and is a featured attraction at the Sandcastle, home of the minor-league Atlantic City Surf baseball team. Look for this beer eventually to be bottled.

Along those lines, Blue Collar's 16-oz amber crown caps are showing up in the stores. Among the varieties currently being bottled are their Hopalong Pale Ale, Boulevard Blonde, Coal Porter, Irish Red and Bavarian Lager. This assortment also can be found in the unique cobalt blue one-liters. And, according to brewer Steve Heck, "Four packs are just around the corner."

Also on the agenda for the upcoming weeks are the possibilities of a pumpkin ale and a Belgian-style tripel. Last fall's highly successful Scotch Ale looks as though it will be reintroduced in the latter part of November.

The owners of Blue Collar Brewing hint that an expansion could be occurring in the near future. They presently are exploring the probability of various additions, both to their equipment and in terms of location, although any move will not take them out of Vineland, NJ.

Blue Collar Brewing Company, Boulevard Business Park, 1200 S.W. Boulevard, Building 2, Suite B, Vineland, NJ 08360. Tours are available. Contact Blue Collar ahead of time.

Telephone number: 856-690-1950. Email address: bluecollarbrew@aol.com. Website: www.bluecollarbrewing.com

®Gary Monterosso. All Rights Reserved