Southern Ocean Chamber Close-up is a brief introspective on why our members do what they do. This year, for our Chocolate Week Program, we are highlighting participating members to share their seasonal specials, promotions, events and professional stories. Our Chocolate Week Program will take place February 10th-17th and will encourage locals and visitors to visit and enjoy local businesses. For more information on this program, visit: https://bit.ly/2RfGovu.

Pinelands Brewing Company, located in Little Egg Harbor, is a homegrown nano-brewery offering specially crafted ales with historical character. The brewery opened in 2014, and was one of the first craft breweries on the Jersey Shore scene. Owner Michael Broderson finds inspiration in his surroundings to make the best beer possible, adding, “We explore new flavors on a constantly rotating basis. We enjoy trying new ingredients and styles in our brewing.  We spend most days brewing, cleaning and serving our customers and always request feedback so we can get better at what we do.”

Pinelands Brewing is a Southern Ocean Made accredited business and is part of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce’s award-winning Brew Trail program. The Brew Trail is an opportunity for enthusiasts 21 and older to explore our unique Jersey culture, meet local experts, try authentic products and take part in the LBI region like never before! In the last few years, microbreweries have grown in popularity throughout New Jersey. Broderson shared, “We’re not trying to take over the world, and we’re not trying to push anyone around. Just making great beer that people want to come back for again and again.”

In honor of Chocolate Week, Pinelands Brewing Company will be serving up their BATONA Trail Ale, which is a Winter Warmer with Chocolate, as well as some special Firkin’s featuring different beers infused with Chocolate and other flavors. “Our hours are the same year round, Mon-Tues 5-8 p.m., Thurs-Sat noon-8 p.m. and Sunday noon-6 p.m.,” Broderson shared. They will also be celebrating their 5 year anniversary on Saturday, March 2nd. “There will be a band and plenty of beer to try,” the owner added.

For more information on Pinelands Brewing Company, visit www.pinelandsbrewing.com or follow them on social media @pinelandsbrewco. Make sure to stop by and support local businesses for all of your Valentine’s Day celebrations! For a full list of participating businesses and to view specials and offerings, visit: https://visitlbiregion.com/chocolate-week-2019/.