Third State Brewing

was a craft brewery located in the historic downtown of Burlington, New Jersey, just two blocks from the Delaware River. The brewery was founded by homebrewers Jay Mahoney, John O’Brien, and Bill Pozniak, who met through the Barley Legal homebrewing club. Third State Brewing opened in June 2015 inside a former Farmers & Mechanics Bank building, transforming the historic space into a brewery with a high-ceilinged tasting room and on-site brewing area. Its name pays tribute to New Jersey being the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Third State Brewing developed a diverse lineup covering lagers, IPAs, saisons, stouts, porters, and other rotating styles. Among its notable beers was Boris the Younger, a black rye IPA with a distinctive combination of roasted malt and rye character. Other releases included Pour Visibility, a New England IPA brewed with Mosaic and Amarillo hops, along with a Russian Imperial Stout and Yorkshire Tenth porter. The brewery’s varied selection reflected the founders’ homebrewing backgrounds and willingness to experiment.

Third State Brewing became part of Burlington’s revitalization and local craft-beer culture. In early 2025, Swedesboro Brewing acquired the brewery and took over its Burlington location, making Third State primarily a piece of New Jersey brewing history today.