Inspired By Hurricane Irene, 2 Friends Open New Somerset Brewery

SOMERSET, NJ — Two longtime friends and homebrewers have turned a hobby and passion into a business when they opened Jersey Cyclone Brewing Company in Somerset.

The passion for homebrewing began in 2011 when Hurricane Irene hit and impacted Jan Chwiedosiuk of Stirling and Brian Teel of Belle Mead. Chwiedosiuk’s family’s business, the European Deli in Manville, and Teel’s backyard were both affected from devastating floods.

Weathering the storm and the aftermath inspired the friends to start homebrewing.

Using only a small stovetop in Teel’s apartment the friends began brewing small batches and experimenting. As they got better over time and more friends and family shared their appreciation, the two then decided to pursue their dream of opening their own brewery.

Chwiedosiuk and Teel were both familiar with business ownership. Chwiedosiuk had experience from his background in his family's business as his role as Director of Distribution at Middlesex Water Company. Teel had it from his accounting background and serving as president of Investment Title.

"I recalled being a child and helping at the store, I’ve been exposed to running a business for a long time," Chwiedosiuk said. "The work ethic has been built into me."

Chwiedosiuk and Teel began planning in 2015 and in May 2019 they were able to open at 14 Worlds Fair Dr., Unit J in Somerset.

The 5,000 square foot space is split in half between a manufacturing side and tasting room. They offer a variety of beers from a light kosher Pilsner to a dark stout that has a 10 percent alcohol content.

Currently the pair is going through recipes they had homebrewed, which allows them to change the tap list week by week keeping several core recipes.

"I'd say for us it is the experience that has been our main focus — to give customers a great experience by seeing beer being brewed and offering an unforgettable and comfortable experience in our tasting room," Chwiedosiuk said.

Jersey Cyclone brews are served at several local restaurants or you can grab a growler at the brewery to take some home.

"We are absolutely growing day by day and getting more accounts. People are traveling from other states to visit based on our reputation and product," Chwiedosiuk said.

The tasting room is open Wednesday 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., Friday 3 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday noon to 10 p.m.

You can also check them out at the Men of Charity's 11th annual NJ Microbrew night on Saturday, Nov. 2 in Basking Ridge. (See Related: 9 Brewers Confirmed For NJ Microbrew Night In Basking Ridge)

For more information on Jersey Cyclone Brewing Company visit jerseycyclone.com or facebook.com/JerseyCycloneBrewing or instagram.com/jerseycyclonebrewing.

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