E-Malt.com News article: USA, CT: Witchdoctor Brewing Co. to launch in Southington in spring

Witchdoctor Brewing Co. plans to open a brewery and tap room in Factory Square on Center Street in Southington in spring, Meriden Record-Journal reported on September 8.

The brewing company owners say they’ve been looking for a suitable space in the area and chose the former factory for its location and aesthetics. Brewing tanks will be visible from the tap room through the glass in a partial brick wall.

“That’s what really sold us on the space,” said Joshua Norris, an owner and mechanical engineer. He owns the business along with his wife, Allison Norris, and friend Daryl Adamaitis, a brewmaster with commercial experience.

“We want the whole rustic brick look,” Allison Norris said.

Joshua Norris expects construction to begin within the month and take about four months. Acquiring state and federal liquor permits will take about six months.

The Norrises have been home brewing for nine years and serving their ale at brewfests. Witchdoctor Brewing cards list “TBA, CT” as the company’s location.

“Now we have a home, this is where we’re going to be,” Joshua Norris said.

Lou Perillo, the town’s economic development coordinator, is working to attract breweries and distilleries to the town’s former factory buildings.

The town applies a tax break to breweries and distilleries that locate in industrial buildings that have been vacant or more than half vacant for 10 years or more.

The program offers 100 percent abatement for the first three years, 75 percent in the fourth year and 50 percent in the final year.

“Witchdoctor Brewing may qualify for tax incentives depending on the building improvements they are planning,” Perillo said. “We’re happy to have people in these older buildings,” he added.

Adamaitis said there’s camaraderie among brewers, such as Firefly Hollow Brewing Co. in Bristol and Relic Brewing Co. in Plainville. “That’s something I love about the industry, everybody’s friends,” he added.

“Witchdoctor Brewing will offer its Third Eye rye pale ale, Pauper’s Porridge oatmeal amber ale and other beers in the tap room,” Joshua Norris said.


11 September, 2015