NJ Beer: three ways to drink beer for a good cause in New Jersey

This is what we call a win-win scenario: there are a trifecta of upcoming events across New Jersey that give you the opportunity to sample great beer for a good cause.

That's right, we're letting you know about opportunities to knock a few back while giving back.

Here's everything you need to know.

Backward Flag Brewing Co. for Police Unity Tour

Backward Flag Brewing Co. in Forked River hosts the Back the Blue Food and Brews Police Unity Tour Fundraiser 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 29.

For more than 20 years, the Florham Park-based Police Unity Tour has worked to raise awarness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, according to the organization's website.

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Backward Flag Brewing Co. owner Torie Fisher is a U.S. Army veteran who served two tours of duty in Iraq, head brewer Melinda Gulsever serves in the Army National Guard.

Last November, Fisher told the Asbury Park Press that the brewery's staff is largely made up of veterans, firemen and police officers.

“You definitely get an understanding that goes back and forth across the bar," said Fisher. "A lot of our customers are also cops, firemen, veterans, so when they come in there’s always at least one person behind the bar that they can talk to that’s kind of walked in their shoes, seen the things that they’ve seen and can talk to them on an equal level.

"That’s a fantastic thing because for a lot of people like us that’s what you’re looking for when you go some place, somebody you can connect with.”

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Admission to the March 29 event, $30, includes a t-shirt, a beer token and a mug, and there will be food and live music on site.

Backward Flag Brewing Co., 699 Challenger Way, Forked River, 609-622-8911, www.backwardflagbrewing.com.

Ales for Whales in Brielle

The Brielle Ale House Sports Bar and Grille on Union Avenue will host Ales for Whales II to support the Brigantine-based Marine Mammal Stranding Center on Saturday, March 24.

Over the last 40 years, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center has responded to marine mammals and sea turtles in distress in New Jersey and worked to rehabilitate them for release into the wild when possible or secure placement in care facilities.

Sponsored in part by the Woman's Club of Manasquan, Ales for Whales II will feature live music by Jenny Barnes & The Great Unknown and the Pete Morris Ensemble as well as a gift auction and an opportunity to meet Marine Mammal Stranding Center staff.

If Ale House patrons show the Facebook event post (search Ales for Whales II on Facebook) or the event flyer between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., the bar will donate 10 percent of the food sales to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

Brielle Ale House Sports Bar and Grille, 601 Union Ave., Brielle, 732-722-8825, www.njalehouse.com.

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Big Brew Beer Festival for Morris Rugby

The Big Brew Beer Festival is back at the Morristown Armory for sessions at noon and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3.

There will be 80 breweries offering more than 200 beers for the big day. More than 25 New Jersey-based breweries are expected to attend, including Ship Bottom Brewery (Beach Haven), Icarus Brewing Co. (Lakewood) and Twin Elephant Brewing Co. (Chatham).

A portion of the proceeds from Saturday's event will support Morris Rugby, a Morristown-based corporation working to promote the growth and development of the game of rugby.

The event will also feature limited release beers, such as 2017 Bourbon County Stout, in addition to food offerings and live music by Sick Star Nation in the afternoon and Stereo Junkies in the evening.

Tickets, $70, include unlimited tastings and a souvenier glass.

Big Brew Beer Festival, noon and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, The Morristown Armory, 430 Western Ave., Morristown, $70, http://bigbrewnj.com/morristown.