Lower Forge Brewery in Medford, New Jersey, is more than just a place to grab a beer—it’s a true community hub with a story woven deep into local history. Housed in a charming historic building that’s seen life as a piano shop, post office, and even a home where horses were once stabled inside (yes, really—the tasting room beams once separated the horse from the living quarters), the space radiates warmth, character, and a genuine neighborhood feel.

Family owned and operated, the team behind Lower Forge set out with a clear mission: to create a space that feels just as comfortable as your own living room. That vision comes through in every detail, from the friendly service to the cozy layout, and the creative vision of local veteran artist Joy Keldson, whose work adorns the walls and adds to the brewery’s welcoming vibe. Her Elm Gallery pieces connect the brewery to the broader Medford arts scene, making each visit feel like a little cultural outing.

The brewery gets its name from a Revolutionary War-era village in the Pine Barrens, where weapons were crafted for the cause—a fitting name for a place that still brings people together, just with pints instead of powder. Today, the team dreams even bigger, with future plans that include a rooftop beer garden to soak up the Jersey sunshine with a fresh pour in hand.

Lower Forge offers an impressive range of beers, balancing creativity with drinkability. Their flagship, “Healthy, Healthy and Weizen,” is a smooth, easygoing wheat beer that captures the brewery’s signature approach: familiar, but full of personality. Fans of both dark and light styles are well served here, with darker brews available year-round (not just in winter), as well as crisp, light-tasting options for warm days. They also feature seltzers and a rotating pair of IPAs—never more than two at a time, staying true to their balanced approach.

It’s the little quirks that make this place special—like the hidden stairs that once led to a neighboring department store, or the deep history of the building itself, with ties stretching back to the 1880s. And just around the corner sits Braddock’s Tavern, a Medford landmark since the 1700s, still serving guests after centuries.

Whether you’re a local stopping in for a Shanty or a visitor seeking a memorable pint in a space rich with history and heart, Lower Forge Brewery delivers a craft beer experience with soul.

CHEERS!