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Walk into a typical brewery at 10:00 AM and you’ll likely find a dark, silent room smelling faintly of spent grain and floor cleaner. It’s a bit depressing, honestly. But Death of the Fox Brewing Company isn't your typical brewery. Located in Clarksboro, New Jersey, this place solves the "I want a cool vibe but it's too early for a double IPA" problem by functioning as the state's first and only authentic craft brewery and coffee house distillery hybrid. It’s a mouthful. It’s also genius.
East Greenwich Township isn't exactly a global tourism hub. Yet, people flock here. Why? Because Chuck Garrity, the founder, realized something most business owners miss. People don't just want a drink; they want a "third space." That's the sociological term for a place that isn't home and isn't work. It’s where you actually live your life.
The Weird, Wonderful Blend of Coffee and Beer
Most "coffee beers" are just stouts with some cold brew dumped in at the end. At Death of the Fox Brewing Company, the relationship is way deeper. They roast their own beans on-site. We’re talking gourmet, small-batch beans sourced from places like Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia. You can literally watch the roasting process while sipping a pilsner. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.
They have 16 taps. That’s a lot for a local spot. Usually, you’d expect a few hits and a bunch of fillers, but they cycle through styles like crazy. You’ll see everything from traditional English Bitters—a nod to the "Fox" in the name—to hazy New England IPAs that look like orange juice.
The coffee side is just as serious. They aren't serving burnt gas station sludge. It’s high-end espresso, pour-overs, and seasonal lattes. They use a high-tech brewing system that ensures the coffee extraction is as precise as the mash temp in their beer kettles. It’s that level of geeky obsession that makes the place work.
What's in a Name?
The name "Death of the Fox" sounds a bit intense, doesn't it? It’s not about animal cruelty. Relax. It’s a historical deep cut. The brewery sits near the site of the old Death of the Fox Inn, a Revolutionary War-era tavern. Back in the day, that inn was a social headquarters. George Washington didn’t sleep there (as far as we know), but the local militia certainly used it as a meeting point.
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Choosing this name was a deliberate move by Garrity to anchor the business in New Jersey history. It gives the place a sense of permanence. In a world where strip-mall businesses come and go in six months, Death of the Fox feels like it’s been there for a century, even though it opened its doors in 2017.
The Layout and the Vibe
You won't find rows of sterile stainless steel tanks blocking the view. The production area is visible, sure, but the focus is on the lounge. It feels like a mix between a rustic British pub and a modern Seattle coffee shop.
- Seating: A mix of high-tops, cozy couches, and bar stools.
- The Bar: Huge, wooden, and usually crowded with a mix of cyclists in spandex and locals in flannel.
- Outdoor Area: They’ve got a solid patio setup which became a literal lifesaver during the 2020-2021 madness.
Why the Hybrid Model Actually Works
Running one business is hard. Running two simultaneously in the same building? That’s bordering on masochism. However, from a business perspective, Death of the Fox Brewing Company is a masterclass in maximizing "up-time."
Think about it. A standard brewery makes 90% of its money between Thursday night and Sunday afternoon. On a Tuesday morning, that expensive real estate is just sitting there. By adding a coffee house, Garrity ensured that the doors are swinging open at 7:00 AM.
The overhead stays relatively flat while the revenue streams double. Plus, there’s the "crossover" effect. The guy who comes in for a morning latte sees a sign for a new Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout release and comes back at 6:00 PM with his friends. It’s a self-sustaining ecosystem of caffeine and alcohol.
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Dealing with New Jersey's Infamous Liquor Laws
Let’s be real: New Jersey has some of the most backwards, confusing, and frustrating liquor laws in the United States. For years, craft breweries in the Garden State fought against "limited brewery" licenses that restricted how many events they could hold or whether they could serve food.
Death of the Fox Brewing Company has navigated this minefield remarkably well. Because they don't have a kitchen (NJ law largely prohibits breweries from having full-service kitchens unless they have a much more expensive retail liquor license), they’ve leaned heavily into the "BYO Food" culture.
You’ll often see a food truck parked outside, or people unboxing pizzas from local Clarksboro shops. It creates this communal, potluck-style atmosphere that you just don't get at a chain restaurant. It’s gritty. It’s authentic. It’s very New Jersey.
Notable Brews to Look For
If you’re heading there for the first time, don't just grab whatever is at the top of the list. Look for these:
- The Martha's Coffee Porter: Using their own house-roasted beans, this isn't just "coffee flavored." It’s a rich, silken beer that tastes like a cold brew but kicks like a 6% ABV ale.
- Fox Tail Shandy: Perfect for those humid Jersey summers. It’s light, crisp, and dangerously drinkable.
- Experimental Sours: They often play around with local Jersey produce—think blueberries or peaches.
The Community Factor
The brewery isn't just a place to get buzzed. It’s a community center. They host "Vinyl Nights" where people bring in their own records. There are run clubs that start and end at the taproom. They do "Yoga and Beer" sessions because, apparently, downward dog is better after a pint.
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It’s this "hyper-local" focus that has allowed them to survive when bigger craft brands are struggling. They aren't trying to take over the world. They’re just trying to be the best spot in Gloucester County. Honestly, more businesses should try that.
Addressing the Skeptics
Some people hate the hybrid idea. They think a coffee shop should be quiet and a brewery should be loud. They think the smells of espresso and hops clash.
They’re wrong.
The aromas actually complement each other. Both coffee beans and hops contain complex oils and terpenes. There’s a reason "citrusy" and "earthy" are descriptors used for both products. When you walk in, the smell is intoxicating—and I don't mean that in the legal sense.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to Death of the Fox Brewing Company, don't just wing it.
- Check the Tap List Online: They rotate quickly. If you see something you like on their social media, go that day. It might be gone by tomorrow.
- Bring Food: Don't show up hungry expecting a burger menu. Grab a sub from a nearby deli or order a pizza to the taproom. They totally encourage it.
- Try a Flight: Especially if you're a coffee nerd. Doing a side-by-side comparison of a coffee-infused beer and the actual coffee used to make it is a fun "science experiment" for your palate.
- Buy the Beans: If you like the coffee, buy a bag of the beans to take home. They roast in small batches, so the freshness is significantly better than what you’ll find at a supermarket.
- Watch the Events Calendar: From live music to trivia, there is almost always something happening. If you prefer a quiet experience, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.
Death of the Fox Brewing Company represents a shift in how we consume craft beverages. It’s less about the "bar scene" and more about the "craft scene." It’s a place where you can be productive on your laptop in the morning and then close that same laptop and reward yourself with a local ale in the afternoon. That’s a lifestyle move that a lot of people are getting behind lately.
Whether you're there for the history, the caffeine, or the ABV, it’s one of those rare spots that actually lives up to the hype. Just remember to pace yourself; that "breakfast" coffee can lead to an "afternoon" nap if you aren't careful.