E-Malt.com News article: USA, CT: NewSylum Brewing Company already open in Newtown

The summer-like humidity June 6 did nothing to wilt the excitement as curious, thirsty customers like Larry and Suzanne Schneider sat outside NewSylum Brewing Company washing down one of the microbrewery’s huge Bavarian pretzel with a couple of cold ones, The Newtown Bee reported.

After what seemed like an eternity during which a dusty and somewhat creepy abandoned state hospital building was transformed into a shiny new brewpub, the first commercial business at Fairfield Hills held its soft opening on June 6 and 7. Owners David Kingsley, Mark Tambascio, and Mark Lennon were joined by head brewer John Watson to celebrate their considerable accomplishment.

As busy staffers poured beverages and hustled pretzels and fresh pizzas from NewSylum’s own wood-fired oven to waiting patrons seated under pop-up canopies on the adjacent lawn, those looking to stockpile and share the hoppy offerings with their own friends and families drove up and loaded packages of cans and cases into waiting vehicles.

Taking a moment to chat with The Newtown Bee, Tambascio said he and his staff were quickly getting into the groove of serving customers outside — current safety precautions, for now, keep clientele from gathering inside under the cavernous vaulted ceilings — and this, after the brewery had already sold out of its first three takeout offerings earlier this spring.

Watson, who has been honing his brewmaster skills for 26 years under the Watson Farmhouse brand in neighboring Southbury, outdid himself as far as patrons seemed to be concerned. NewSylum’s “Flagpole” porter,” “Walkin’ The Dog” Czech-style pilsner, and “Counting The Days” IPA were all being consumed joyously alongside “Head Juice” from Watson Farmhouse Brewery and New England “Fresh” Cider straight from Wallingford.

And those who preferred wine were not disappointed as NewSylum also served up a choice of pinot grigio and pinot noir — on tap, of course.

“Our plan is to have something for everybody, so we’ll be adding two more wines in the coming weeks,” Tambascio said.

He said the current plan, weather permitting, is to continue outdoor service as long as it is required, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 2 to 8 pm.

“We just ask folks to call ahead (203-491-2038) to determine if reservations are needed,” he said.

As Tambascio trotted off to greet a new group of arriving customers, Watson pulled up.

In the course of more than a quarter-century of home and, more recently, commercial brewing, he said he has consulted with numerous microbreweries and food service establishments far and wide.

Although the heady beverages being served at NewSylum are in line with what he said most microbrewery customers prefer, his current passion is European farmhouse style beers. He plans to eventually introduce a Czech lager and Franconia-style German Pilsner of his own creation at NewSylum.

“I’ve got a real passion for lagers,” he explained, “so I’m really concentrating right now on making some really drinkable beers.”

Despite the new microbrewery’s name subtly evoking the idea of Fairfield Hills in its days as a bustling state hospital, the owners have previously explained why, in a letter to The Newtown Bee, their brand is an amalgam of the words “new” and “asylum.”

“As longtime residents and business people here in Newtown, we are very sensitive to the history of our hometown. We didn’t choose our name on a whim. We chose it partly because there is no denying the history of the place (the first thing any out-of-towner asks is ‘What was this place?’). But also because the true meaning of the word asylum is: a place of sanctuary, refuge, and safe harbor.

“As to the ‘New’ in our name, it is first of all a nod to our beloved hometown,” the note continued, “but it is also a nod to new beginnings at Fairfield Hills. As the first commercial enterprise on the Fairfield Hills campus, we aim to make all Newtowners proud of what we do there. We think when you get to know us and see what we’ve done with the building, you will be.”



18 June, 2020