Small Brewery Sunday 2020: Where To Grab A Pint Near Manchester

After several days of turkey, pumpkin pie and holiday shopping, save room this Thanksgiving to grab a pint or growler at your favorite Manchester area brewery or taproom.

This year, the second annual Small Brewery Sunday will be held Nov. 29. Organized by the Brewers Association, a nonprofit group that works with small and independent American craft brewers, the goal of the unofficial holiday is to encourage Americans to patronize and support local breweries “now and through the holiday season,” according to a release.

Here’s a look at the breweries closest to Manchester that are participating in Small Brewery Sunday.

• Icarus Brewing Company, 1790 Swarthmore Ave., Lakewood
• Backward Flag Brewing, 699 Challenger Way, Suite D5, Forked River
• Toms River Brewing, 1540 Route 37 West, Toms River
• Battle River Brewing, 69 Main St., Toms River
• Artisan's Restaurant & Brewery, 1171 Hooper Ave., Toms River

The coronavirus pandemic has had a lasting negative impact on small businesses such as breweries. Amid the pandemic, breweries have reported a 22 percent decrease in revenue during the third quarter of 2020, according to a recent survey of Brewers Association members.

The survey also reported that approximately two-thirds of in-house sales during the third quarter of 2020 took place outdoors, indicating that winter will be the “make or break” season for small brewers.

“This has been a devastating year for craft brewers, as they’ve faced shutdowns, decreased sales, layoffs and an aluminum can shortage,” Bob Pease, president and CEO of the Brewers Association, said in a release. “Six packs, gift cards, merchandise — all make great gifts, and every little bit helps.”

The full list of participating breweries is available online.