The Independent Artisan Culture of Cape May: A Focus on Gusto Brewing Company
Cape May County has happily participated in the recent nationwide trend of exponential growth in the number of independent artisans in the crafts of brewing, winemaking, and distilling. Recently, on one of those cool and squally days that our beloved Jersey Cape is known for in winter, I sought warmth and comfort in a local craft beer experience. This day saw my fancy inclining toward the off-beat and innovative; a brewpub where variety is their hallmark, and that led me to Gusto Brewing Company in North Cape May.
A Vision Born of Experience
Gusto Brewing is the result of an early “life goal epiphany” of the young husband-and-wife team of Zachary and Adriana Pashley, both born and raised in Cape May County. Following Zack’s graduation from basic training at the nearby U.S. Coast Guard Base Cape May in 2010, they became enamored with the budding, vibrant craft brewpub scene. Soon, the Pashleys knew that when his tour of duty was over, brewing was going to be their future.
Upon leaving the Coast Guard in 2015, the couple returned to Cape May. Zack reunited via a home-brewing club with an old pal, Dan Petela, and in short order, both were working at the then-recently founded and highly regarded Cape May Brewing Company. It was here that they served a multi-year “apprenticeship,” ranging from mopping floors to bartending and eventually, brewing. Committed to their entrepreneurial dream, the Pashleys sold their home to free the capital for the founding of Gusto in late 2018.
The Atmosphere and Philosophy
As with so many craft breweries, Gusto is situated in a rather mundane location on the southern corner of the North Cape May shopping center on Bayshore Road. Despite the prosaic environment, Gusto has made the most of their facility. The 2,000-square-foot taproom has a minimalist but cozy feel that evokes a youthful, eclectic ambiance. The space is open with an angular bar, several tables, and several large silver brewing tanks visible in the back.
Their foundational brewing philosophy centers foremost on the freshness of the beer. Zack says, “It’s entirely about the liquid around here. Small batches allow us to keep our ever-rotating menu moving and the X-factor that fresh beer offers our customers is always on tap at Gusto.” On the day I visited the Gusto taproom there were no fewer than 14 widely diverse styles on tap. These include:
- A Cherrywood smoked brown ale
- A Strawberry Shortcake IPA
- A Belgian Witbier
- An English-style bitter
- A Schwarzbier Dark Lager
- An Imperial Milk Stout
Recognition and Community Impact
On the quality front, the tiny Gusto even medaled at the Great American Beer Fest held in Denver, Colorado in 2023 for a quirky English Ordinary Bitter. Beyond the brewing tanks, the Pashleys’ dedication for the South Jersey community is shown in the more than 15 charity fundraisers they have hosted, including Habitat for Humanity, which have raised over $50,000.
Signature Brews and Samples
Below is a summary of specific offerings available for sampling at the brewery:
| Beer Name | Style Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Humanoid Pale Ale | Features flaked oats and white wheat. |
| Follow the Weather Altbier | Brewed with a medley of English and German malts. |
| Genny with a G | A Belgian Witbier crafted in support of NEXTGEN30 charity. |
Local Heritage and Surroundings
The region is also home to other long-standing traditions. For instance, George’s Place CMCH is a lively neighborhood spot offering a variety of daily specials in addition to Greek-inspired favorites, representing a family tradition since 1968. For those interested in the darker side of local history, one can uncover the eerie secrets of Cape May with a ghost tour, where history and hauntings intertwine under the moonlight as you wander through the city’s most haunted and historic sites like Congress Hall and the Inn of Cape May.