NJ Brewery Turns Christie's Beach Chair Meme Into A New Beer

LAKEWOOD, NJ — It was the photo that spawned a thousand memes. Now, the photo of Chris Christie has inspired the creation of a beer.

The creation by Icarus Brewing of Lakewood launched Sept. 1 and was so popular it sold out in four days, the microbrewery said.

It paid homage to that July Fourth weekend in 2017 when Christie closed the state's parks, including Island Beach State Park, and then was captured by NJ.com photographer Andy Mills sitting on the empty beach near the governor's summer home in the park.

Icarus, in launching the beer last week, said: "We know sometimes beach access is hard to come by. To ensure you're not completely shut out, we canned up a Brand New American Blonde Ale: Private Beach!"

The can has a caricature of the famous Christie-in-a-beach-chair photo on the front.

The microbrewery, which received approval from the Brick Township Planning Board in August to open a microbrewery at the former Shore Restaurant Supply building on Route 88 in Brick, describes Private Beach as a "American Blonde Ale brewed with American 2 Row Barley, lightly hopped with Citra then delicately Dry Hopped with New Zealand Motueka."

It is 4.1 percent alcohol by volume.

"Bringing all the easy drinking vibes you want from a Blonde with just a hint of citrus and lime notes, no one can prohibit your tastebuds from enjoying a Private Beach," the microbrewery said.

Icarus Brewing is currently located in the Lakewood Industrial Park and accepts orders through its website and makes deliveries to 14 of New Jersey's 21 counties.

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