Obscura Brewing Company: Next Generation Brewing
Recent subscribers may be surprised to know that in this issue, we feature the 12th craft brewery, distillery, or winery in Cape May County since the origin of this column. It’s also likely that many are not surprised at all given the explosive growth of these enjoyable diversions. Fortunately, the Jersey Shore is a natural location for artisanal brewing and winemaking to flourish and adorn our relaxing scene. And today, we focus on a new entrant that can be authentically called a “next generation” brewery, but also a place where novelty and tradition coexist. Come with me to Obscura Brewing to find out how and why!
Located in Cape May Courthouse just 12 miles north of Cape May, Obscura is the sole business in a comfortable stand-alone brick building which used to be an old NAPA auto parts store, and which will be recognizable to most locals and regular visitors to the Shore as the former Bucket Brigade Brewery. The ambience and motif at Obscura, however, are completely new and quite distinct from its predecessor.
Obscura’s tap room, toned primarily in yellow-green, teal, and black, presents a simple and inviting scene. The atmosphere is fashioned from a combination of design and conceptual elements that, while abstract, is not random. The result is one where patrons can form their own interpretation of the brewery’s thematic expression. This also allows Obscura, intentionally, to not have to adhere, as so many breweries do, to the constraint of presenting an overt theme.
The name is, naturally, the tip off to a sense of brand. The Latin phrase camera obscura can refer to a dark room itself or a box through which an inverted image of the outside world is projected onto a surface. The brewery’s logo is also a deliberate invitation to interpret. Is it a camera shutter? An eye? The sun and moon? A combination? Or something else altogether. Well, it is intended to be whatever you connect with most. The mystery, you see, is the attraction.
Founded in 2024, Obscura is managed by a small, energetic team led by Karlson Hughes as owner and head brewmaster. Still in his 20s, Hughes is at the forefront of what he hopes will be a youth movement in craft brewing. He told me “I just knew I needed to create a brand that could be a beacon to other young beer enthusiasts. I wanted something fresher on the beer scene to represent us.” He was quick to add, “While I wanted to attract young customers, I also wanted to leave room for every age of beer enthusiast. I envisioned a melting pot of people gathering around beer.”
When asked about brewing philosophy, he said that “Some beers just need to be crazy, and we let them be crazy.” And for the brews that are more traditional, he said, “We do everything in our power to keep them alive too. Here, you could walk in and find something off-the-wall like a Bloody Mary lager, but you could also order an authentic Czech lager.”
On the day of my visit, I was astonished by the number (14) and variety of beers on tap. While preparing my tasting flight, Hughes noted that it’s crucial to do more than master the process of brewing and selling beer. And to do more, he said, requires the team to possess a genuine and deep curiosity about what new can be brewed. And about just how they can infuse creativity and imagination into the process. The result are styles that are among the most unique—and tasty—to be experienced.
My tasting options included: a Czech lager, a Japanese Rice lager, an IPA, two Double IPAs, a Triple IPA, a Belgian White Ale, a Pumpkin Ale, a Blonde Stout, a Milk Stout, a Lemon Meringue inspired Sour Ale, a Milk Stout, a Blood Orange Creamsicle Ale, and a Banana Pudding Ale.
This day, my inner beer muse, with guidance from Karlson, called for a flight of the Belgian White Ale, the Hazy Pale Ale, the Banana Pudding Ale and the India Pale Ale. Flight notes:
The Zest Appeal – Belgian White, ABV 5.3% – a White Ale, light and evanescent, notes of ginger, orange peel, and lemongrass
The Am I In Your Mind? – Hazy Pale Ale, ABV 7% – a New England style IPA made with Motueka and Nelson Sauvin hop. Notes of white grape, lime zest, citrus, and pine.
The Puddin’ – Banana Pudding Ale, ABV 5.8% – a 2024 US Beer Open Gold Medalist for Specialty Pale Ale, a dessert-like beer, light and simple, tasting of vanilla wafers and of course, bananas.
The Fractured Light – India Pale Ale, 7% – a New England Hazy, with a light, easy body. Tasting notes of pineapple, tangerine, and pine. Good for the ‘entry level’ IPA drinker and connoisseurs.
Like most local breweries, Obscura is already involved in the community. They are big supporters of local bands, hosting many in their beer garden out back. They also attend local farmers’ markets like the famous West Cape May Farmers’ Market, and Rea’s Farm Market. They donate gift baskets at multiple community events. Being from Lower Township, Karlson emphasized that the community matters, stating, “we love being here and will do just about anything for anyone.” He invites everyone to share ideas whether it be a beer concept or a community collaboration.
Today’s craft establishments present us with a wide spectrum of experience. Obscura occupies a unique space within this scene. Brimming with youth and vitality, the Obscura team infuses their process with energy and novelty while respecting the old school. As Karlson said, “we lean into both sides of brewing. We put out fun, experimental beers and we can also dial in a perfect traditional brew. The balance between playful and traditional is something we try to make our hallmark.” This must be tested with a visit. Make a note to do so. The next generation of brewing is here.
Obscura Brewing is located at 205 N. Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ. obscurabrewingco.com
