Vanessa Baumann 
The beer industry has been expanding over the years to include microbreweries that elevate the beer experience to another level. These breweries teach us about the complexity of beer and the numerous variations available worldwide. New Jersey, not always known for small breweries, is slowly becoming a destination to visit and experience beautifully crafted beers and the welcoming culture that accompanies them. Pallet Brewing Company, located at 30 Newark Way in Maplewood, is quickly making a name for itself, and people are coming from far and wide to try the brewery’s IPAs. Read more about Pallet Brewing and Eric and Jesse McGowan, the owners.
Behind Pallet Brewing Company
Pallet Brewing Company is located at 30 Newark Way in Maplewood. The owners, Eric and Jesse McGowan, serve over seven crafted beers that are made in-house. The space is in a unique industrial setting that is modern, colorful, and full of life.
The couple looked to Maplewood, where Eric was born, when they were ready to leave their home in Washington, D.C., and move to New Jersey to be closer to their parents, raise their daughter in a small suburb, and open the brewery they had been working towards and dreaming about.
Read More: The Best Breweries in Montclair + Northern New Jersey
Eric first stumbled upon the brewing industry after college while volunteering for a home repair nonprofit organization in West Virginia, where he also learned about home-brewing beer. His interest was immediately piqued, and he knew brewing beer was exactly what he wanted to do.
For the next few years, Eric worked for both small and large brewing companies, starting at the front of the house and eventually moving to the back, where he gained a deep understanding of the brewing process and has been professionally brewing beer for ten years.
As Eric began to put together the plans for brewing his beer, Jesse took the reins, helping to organize the business side of running a brewery, navigating government systems, and obtaining grants available for new businesses in New Jersey. They are part of the New Jersey Brewers Guild and take pride in being part of this growing industry, which supports one another.
Eric and Jesse’s vision for Pallet is to be a regional destination for beer connoisseurs and anyone who enjoys Pale Ales or would like to learn more about different kinds of beer. The spirit of community is their inspiration, and the establishment is family-friendly, providing high chairs, a changing table, and games suitable for both adults and children.
Pallet Brewery’s beers are organized by color, which corresponds to each type of beer, creating a cohesive look with the vibrant colors on the walls and merchandise. The Hazy Session IPAs are color-coded with the color mist. IPAs are marked with denim labels, Porters have pewter labels, the shade of a mantis distinguishes Pale Ales, Lagers feature a canary color, Saison beers are scarlet, and Zwicklebiers have dune-colored labels.
The alcohol levels, the size of the pour, and the price are marked for each beer. If customers are not sure what they would like, or are hoping to try something new, Eric and the Pallet Brewery family are happy to find the right beer for every palate. Pallet beer is also available for purchase in cans to-go. An outdoor patio is also set to open soon.
Hours
Pallet Brewing is open Wednesday through Friday from 4PM-10PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 12PM-10PM.
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The brewery also hosts weekly events, including Thursday Night Trivia, live music, and rotating food vendors. Follow on Instagram here to stay up-to-date.
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