In 2006, the Brewers Association organized the first American Craft Beer Week (ACBW), a weeklong celebration of craft beer just before the busy summer begins. Now, for the 8th time, the country celebrates once again, and New Jersey is no exception. So, beer lovers, if you're looking for an excuse to head to your local bar from May 13-19th, American Craft Beer Week is it. Here are some of the events happening throughout the state. The list will be updated occasionally as more events are added.

Carton Brewing (Atlantic Highlands)

To kick off American Craft Beer Week, Carton will be releasing their newest beer, Intermezzo, a Green Apple Wasabi Sour, which Augie Carton calls "a cleansing course" between dark winter beers and light summer beers. Intermezzo will be available at Carton's tasting room beginning Sunday, May 12th, and will be available at select places throughout May. Intermezzo is a small batch project, so it won't last long! For more on the beer, check out the video.

Uno Chicago Grill (Hamilton)

On Monday, May 13th from 7-10pm, Uno will host a Stone Beer Dinner.



Biagio's (Paramus)

On May 14th at 7pm, Biagio's will host a Goose Island Tap Takeover. Taps will feature Matilda, Sofie, Naughty Goose, 312, Honkers Ale, IPA, Summertime, and Bourbon County Stout.



Onieals (Hoboken)

Also on the 14th, join Onieals in Hoboken for a Dogfish Head Beer Dinner. For $50/each, this four course dinner will include Positive Contact, 61 Minute, 90 Minute, and Palo Santo Marron.



High Street Grill (Mount Holly)

On Wednesday, May 15th, High Street Grill will host a Beer Wars Dinner: Carton vs. Heavy Seas. Each course of this four course dinner ($50/each, with $10 to go toward Pints for Prostates) will have a blind pairing, one Carton beer and one Heavy Seas beer, with you voting on which pairs best.



Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe (New Brunswick)

Harvest Moon will celebrate ACBW with two separate events. On Thursday, May 16th, Harvest Moon patrons will join in on the nationwide toast at 8pm EST. To celebrate, a cask of Mole Stout (stout with cinnamon, chocolate and chili peppers) will be tapped between 7:30 and 7:45pm, and everyone present will receive a free 8oz pour to toast with. Any beer remaining will be available for purchase after the toast.

And on Satuday, May 18th at noon, Harvest Moon will re-tap their Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout, Bourbaon Barrel-aged Barleywine, and double dry-hopped Sturgis Pop's Double IPA.



Copper Mine Pub (North Arlington)

On May 16th, from 4-7pm, the Copper Mine Pub will host an Epic Brewing night, featuring 11 different styles on tap.



Rocco's Town House (Hammonton)

Also on the 16th, join Girls' Pint Out at Rocco's Town house for an Oskar Blues Night from 6-8pm.



Gusto Grill (East Brunswick)

On Friday, May 17th, from 6-9pm, join Gusto Grill for a Brooklyn Brewery tap takeover. Taps will feature the Irish Stout, Monster, East India Pale Ale, and Sorachi Ace.



Tap Room at Somerset Hills Hotel (Warren)

Also on the 17th, the Tap Room will host a Sierra Nevada tap takeover from 6-9pm. For $10 per ticket, you'll get a pint glass, discounted beers and prizes. Beers will include Bigfoot, Ovila Quad with Plum, Hoptimum, and Belgian blonde.



The Shannon Rose Irish Pub (Clifton, Woodbridge, Ramsey)

From May 16-19th, the Shannon Rose Irish Pubs will be hosting a Sam Adams tap takeover. What a better way to celebrate ACBW than with one of the first American craft breweries? Throughout the four-day event, eight limited release Sam Adams beers will be available: Double Agent IPL, Third Voyage Double IPA, New World Tripel, Chocolate Bock, Grumpy Monk, Blueberry Lager, Porch Rocker, and Backwoods Porter.

Thursday the 16th will also host a tapping of New World Imperial White from the Barrel Series Collection. On Friday, celebrate Hoppy Hour from 3-7pm with Sam Adams flights and food specials. On the 18th, head down for Pair and Sample Saturday, an all-day paired menu with tap samplings. And on Sunday, the pubs will host Brews & Brunch from 11am-2pm, where you can pair the Shannon Rose "Hangover" brunch with Sam Adams brews.

The Sam Adams beers, which will be available in addition to other selections, are limited releases, and are available in limited quantities. Once they're gone, they're gone. Be sure to enter the "Patriot Payoff" contest (in person at the pubs or online at TheShannonRose.com) for a chance to win a free trip for two to Boston with a VIP Sam Adams Tour, a shopping spree at the gift store, dinner in Boston and hotel accommodations.



The HAT Tavern, Grand Summit Hotel

All week long, the HAT Tavern will offer build-your-own craft beer flights. Choose 3 of the 14 craft beers on tap for $8. Om Friday, May 17th, that list will include Lagunitas IPA, with WTF, Little Sumpin' Sumpin', and Maximus IPA in bottles. The HAT will also be doing growler fills all week.



Hailey's Harp & Pub (Metuchen)

Hailey's will celebrate ACBW with local craft breweries throughout the week. The taps will feature Carton, Climax, Cricket Hill, Beach Haus, Flying Fish, Kane and River Horse.



Jersey Shore Beerfest (The Headliner, Neptune)

May 18th, 2-6pm. Click here for more information.



Willie McBrides, Battle of the Brews (Hoboken)

Also on the 18th, Willie McBrides will host Battle of the Brews from 3 - 6:30pm. For $25, be a part of the battle as 15 homebrewers compete for the popular vote and the votes from a panel of local judges.



Do you own or work at a bar? Will you be hosting an event to celebrate American Craft Beer Week? Email me to let me know. This list will be updated as more events are added.

It should also be noted that most, if not all, of these bars and restaurants offer discounts to New Jersey Craft Beer members (such as $1 off all pints, 10% off the entire bill, and more!) If you're not a member, what are you waiting for?

Cheers!