USA, NJ: Ashton Brewing Company hoping to launch in Middlesex by March 2020

Ever since late March when Demented Brewing Company shut its Middlesex doors for the last time, the tasting room and brewing facilities at 600 Lincoln Blvd. have been closed, MyCentralJersey.com reported on October 31.

However, by March 2020, a new brewery plans to call the space home.

Ashton Brewing Company, owned by husband-and-wife team and Long Valley residents Steve and Donna Ashton, is currently renovating as they plan for a brewery focused on “flavorful, balanced and drinkable beers,” said Steve Ashton, who is also head brewer.

So far, Ashton Brewing Company has opened up boarded-up windows in the tasting room and removed the false wall which held Demented Brewing Company’s distinctive mural.

“We are putting more windows in, so it will be lighter and brighter,” said Ashton. “They did a good job of making it feel like Demented Brewing, but it won’t be like that anymore.”

Ashton said he does fear people will associate Ashton Brewing Company with Demented Brewing Company at first, but since the outside has been redone, the new logo is up and the ambiance is “100 percent different,” he said, he thinks the change will be obvious.

The renovated space inside the 1890s brick building will house a solid wood bar, wood tables and 30 seats for a brewery with a rustic feel, described Ashton. There also will be a separate to-go area where six-packs and growlers will be sold.

“Our focus on beers that are balanced and fall below a 6 percent ABV will give people the ability to try a wider variety of styles of beers and not have to worry,” said Ashton. “I tend to look for beers where I can have a couple and not be incapacitated.”

Ashton Brewing Company will have 12 taps and offer at least eight beers that are below a 6 percent ABV, with styles including witbier, saison, lager, Belgian single and German altbier. They also will have some New England IPAs for IPA lovers, but with a twist.

“I have developed my own type of IPA that is a drier, slightly bitter, but aromatic IPA which I find it to be more drinkable and more broadly appealing,” said Ashton.

Ashton, who has been homebrewing for 30 years, said that he has always had an interest in opening a brewery, and when he was able to take early retirement from his job working in finance at an insurance company, he decided it was time.

“I think the rules in New Jersey have made it more possible to open a brewery,” said Ashton, who is also on the board at his local home brewing club and is a certified Master Beer Judge. “It’s always been in my head and I’ve always been interested in doing it.”

02 November, 2019