Here's why: When state lawmakers were persuaded to update the craft brewing regulations, to make them more business friendly, part of the argument was that craft beer creates entrepreneurs and draws consumers; its popularity and widening audience make that a good bet.

Two years after the rule updates, there's been the steady tide of brewery launches, with the past 12 months being the busiest ever for licensing. A lot of the new breweries are small, but they still fulfill expectations, essentially becoming local attractions with their tours and tastings.

In short, it’s been good for host towns.

Ten months before Spellbound's licensing, Village Idiot Brewing was making that point as Mount Holly's first craft beer maker.

The tiny brewery has helped goose the flagging retail district along the downtown’s main drag. When it opens to the public, Spellbound will undoubtedly turbocharge things: two breweries with tours and tastings located just a mile apart (Spellbound is just off the downtown).

That's sure to make Mount Holly an enticing stop for beer enthusiasts. It also stands to make Mount Holly a reference for mayors and councils looking to attract business and industry to their towns.

An exciting time
The potential for beer tourism looks rather promising statewide. But in particular, there's a run of breweries and brewpubs, from Milford down to Millville, plus others in Pennsylvania, just over the bridges, that would make a beer tourist's day. That’s pretty much mirrored on the east side of the state, from Middletown/Atlantic Highlands down to Cape May.

"I think a trail, where you can go through and hit different spots in one day ... now that you're seeing more pop up, that gives you the opportunity to do that," John says.

Within 30 minutes of Spellbound there will be five breweries.

"We have Third State opening in Burlington City, hopefully soon. Then right across the bridge, you have Neshaminy Creek (Croydon) and Broken Goblet (Bristol). Twenty years ago, you could hit a couple and that's it ... now it's a lot different," John says. "It's actually going to be difficult to figure out what your path is going to be. In the next couple of years, (breweries are) going to be dotted all over the state.”

Brewers still have to do their part: offer beer drinkers variety and innovation. Craft beer drinkers are always in the hunt for new flavors, something that encourages brewers to be fearless and experiment, continue to push the boundaries of styles.

"Our biggest worry right now is making sure we have quality liquid ... the newest generation drinking beer is all about trying new things," John says.

Elsewhere
Kane Brewing’s third anniversary party drew what was probably the Ocean Township brewery’s largest tasting room crowd yet. The event featured special anniversary 750’s, and Deep Rooted, the imperial pale ale (not imperial IPA) brewed entirely with fresh Jersey-grown hops.