Our N.J.'s best showdowns have no equal in terms of scope, comprehensiveness, fairness and fun.

We've done best bar, best burger, best diner, best Italian restaurant, best ice cream and best sub/hoagie shop.

Now it's time for the biggest challenge of all -- a search for N.J.'s best craft brewery.

Wonder how many people will volunteer to help me on this one?

Forget March Madness, it's time for Malt (and Water, Hops, Yeast, etc.) Madness, as we pick the best of the state's craft brewers.

Craft beer is booming; while still a small percentage of the overall Bud/Miller/Coors-dominated market, craft breweries -- defined by the Brewers Association as any brewery producing six million barrels a year or less -- are popping up faster than convenience stores around the country. There are five thousand breweries of all sizes in the U.S. And there are 81 craft breweries and brew pubs in New Jersey, according to newjerseycraftbeer.com.

In addition, 22 breweries are in the soon-to-open stage, with another 11 in early stages of development, according to the web site.

As with previous N.J.'s best missions, we start with your nominations -- tell us about your favorite craft brewery, and what makes it special, in the comments section below. Don't just give us a name, go into detail, especially what separates your place from the pack and what beers we should order if we visit.

Nominations can be made until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 12. Starting Monday, March 13, you'll be able to vote for your favorite craft brewery. The polls close 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 19.

Our 16 semifinalists will be announced Tuesday, March 21. I will visit all 16 semifinalists from Wednesday, March 22 through Sunday, March 26 -- timed to the NCAA men's basketball tournament regional semis and finals.

We'll then narrow the field down to the Final Four. We will visit the Final Four -- two breweries each day -- on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1. As with our previous NJ's best showdowns, there will be a live reveal on NJ.com of our best brewery winner.

But that's getting ahead of the game. Right now, we need your nominations. Why should your favorite craft brewery or brew pub be among our Sweet Sixteen?

Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @PeteGenovese or via The Munchmobile @NJ_Munchmobile. Find the Munchmobile on Facebook and Instagram.