Ignite the party at the new Bucket Brigade Brewery! The spark was started by twin brothers Karl and Kurt Hughes, career firefighters from Cape May County who started as volunteers in Erma. The homebrewers were ready to take their experience to the next level, so they approached longtime friend Mark McPherson, Jr. to make their dream a reality. With Karl and Kurt’s passion and Mark’s experience as former head brewer at Cape May Brewing Company and Cold Spring Brewery, the three joined forces to create some of Cape May County’s hottest brews.
The new brewery is located in downtown Cape May Court House in the old H B Christman & Son Auto Parts building. After searching the county for the perfect home for their new brewery, Karl, Kurt and Mark decided on this eight-year vacant building due to its resemblance to a firehouse. Also, Karl and Kurt’s relation to the Christmans made the fit even better.
Renovations began in November 2016, and Bucket Brigade Brewery officially opened one year later in November 2017. The outside of the building is appropriately painted fire engine red with a beautiful mural of Benjamin Franklin. The brewery name and mural are a tribute to Ben Franklin’s co-founding of the first organized volunteer fire company in the colonies, Union Fire Co. in Philadelphia, also known as the “Bucket Brigade.”
The brand new tasting room is spacious yet cozy, with firehouse accents such as helmets and buckets. In the warmer months, two garage doors will roll up to expose views of Main Street and a summer breeze.
Aside from the firehouse theme, the renovated building holds many pieces of Cape May County history. The bar top is made of reclaimed wood from the MV Twin Capes, a retired ferry from the Cape May-Lewes terminal, the bar rail is from the old Buck Tavern, and other wood accents are from the original H B Christman & Son in Wildwood.
Bucket Brigade offers tours, tastings, apparel and accessories. Before enticing your palate with Bucket Brigade’s unique flavors, be sure to take the tour and learn all about the brewing process. Then, let the friendly staff members help you figure out what taste is for you. There are always at least eight beers on tap including one seasonal brew, all of which are constantly rotating to make room for new recipes. Mark explains that their goal is to attract those who are just getting into the craft beer scene with brews lower in hops. Therefore, at Bucket Brigade you’ll find beers a bit more mild and approachable compared to the bold and hoppy ones offered at other breweries. Grab a pint of your preferred beer, or get a flight of four tastings to discover your flavor. Once you find it, purchase a growler to bring your favorite beer home!
Come extinguish your thirst at Bucket Brigade Brewery, located at 205 N. Main St., Cape May Court House. The brewery is currently open Thursday through Saturday from 12 to 8 p.m., and Sunday 12 to 6 p.m. Bring your own food to pair with your cold brews, and bring Fido to enjoy the dog-friendly tasting room and biscuits made from leftover grains. Check Bucket Brigade’s Facebook page for updates at @bucketbrigadebrewery. For more information, call (609) 778-2641 or visit www.bucketbrigadebrewery.com.
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