Chris Mattern
More than 38 years ago, owner/brewer Chris Mattern was encouraged to try home brewing (thanks Garry!).
Though he didn't like the IPA he brewed at first, after two cases he turned into a hophead and was hooked on home brewing. Fast forward to 2011, and Chris and then girlfriend Beth (now wife) enjoyed visiting new breweries around the state. Beth commented, “We could do this when we retire” and they both laughed about the idea and continued with their jobs. But… in 2013, Chris began to seriously consider the dream of opening a microbrewery. The process of finding the right town and community, and navigating the state licensing procedures took a few years, but in 2016 they opened their doors in Merchantville and have become a part of the local community.
Chris’ vision for his brewery is that you are in his living room drinking his homebrew. The building that houses Eclipse Brewing is the former EMS headquarters and resembles a Cape Cod house.
The tasting room is cozy and there are 18 taps behind the bar. One tap is for soda and the other 17 beers change week-to-week and can include light and dark beers, hoppy to honey, fruity to coconut beer. The outside area has plenty of seating at Adirondack chairs and at picnic tables. Drafts poured inside can be enjoyed outside, along with any food you bring. There are many local restaurants that will deliver food to the brewery. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable and ready to serve you.
There is something for everyone. Behind the tasting room is the production room, where Chris loves to give tours and talk about his passion, brewing beer and the process behind it. He is proud to be one of the smallest if not THE smallest brewery in New Jersey. He usually brews three times a week on a one and a half barrel system. That allows him to make many small batches and experiment with flavors and styles.