Climax Brewing Company, Roselle Park

Dave Hoffmann's passion for home-brewing is the reason for Climax Brewing Company's existence. What started as a modest operation with an extra special bitter back in 1996 has blossomed into a full-blown beer-making operation headquartered in New Jersey. Dave, alongside his dad, Kurt, puts years of home-brewing experience to work to produce a catalogue of staple beers that includes an IPA, nut brown ale, cream ale, and, of course, and extra special bitter. Throughout the year, Climax Brewing Company's also released seasonal and limited-edition brews that beer nerds line up to collect and keep in a specially designed binder.

In the spring, the facilities expand to include an outdoor beer garden where folks can sip a cold one while enjoying barbecue, pizza, or anything else they choose to bring—the brewery is BYO-food. Guests can also arrange a tour of the facility to see how Dave and Kurt transform hops, malt, and barley into beer.