The Woodbridge Homebrewers Ale and Lager Enthusiast Society
The WHALES is an AHA registered homebrewing club based out of Central New Jersey. The club aquired its 60th member in October 2009 which marks the largest membership in its 13 year history. Despite the beer-centric name, the club is also equally involved in the production of mead (fermented honey), ciders and wines. The club promotes an ongoing education of various brewing techniques through brewer presentations (both peer members and professional brewers alike). Membership is also encouraged to develop their palettes through regular tastings of home brewed and commercial examples of all the BJCP recognized styles. Many of the members regularly achieve at least bronze medals in regular brewing competitions and a WHALES cider project even took a gold medal at the 2009 NHC. While most of the activities are geared towards promoting and growing the home brewing hobby, it remains a great social network for folks who share at least one passion; taking a hands-on approach to the beverages we love.
JJ Bittings brewpub (Main Street) in Woodbridge, NJ h
as been the WHALES home base and meeting location for about 10 years. We are grateful to have such generous hosts. Regular club meetings occur the 3rd Tuesday night of every month at 8pm. Depending on the agenda and the number tastings we do, most members filter out by 10:30pm. Official business usually takes an hour or so.
The club also meets for club projects at various members’ homes and has been known to move a meeting or two to a surrounding brewpub for a temporary change of scenery and an excuse to drink more beer.
Membership consists of people from all walks of life, all ages (21+ of course), and many areas of professional expertise. We’re happy to say that we also have two BJCP certified judges in our midst.
NOTE: As the club grows in size, it's especially important for new visitors to introduce yourselves to someone so that you're not lost in the shuffle. It would really help to show up at about 7:45 before the bulk of the membership arrives.
The WHALES encourage you to please enjoy homebrew responsibly. For more information about alcohol consumption, please visit the CDC website.
If you'd like more info about the club, don't hesitate to contact us.