Opening Day Nears For Bloomfield’s First Microbrewery

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — It’s officially on the map, Bloomfield: the opening day for Varitage Brew Works.

The craft beer microbrewery and taproom will be opening its doors at 58 Washington Street on Saturday, Oct. 28 from noon to 10 p.m. It will also be open on Sunday, Oct. 29 from noon to 6 p.m.

Co-owners Mark Costa and Neil Levine have been giving steady progress updates on social media, recently noting another big milestone: the “first beer to ever be proudly brewed in Bloomfield.”

According to Varitage, its “Nico” – a classic American Amber Ale – clocks in at a respectable 5.8 percent ABV. It’s an “easy drinking pleasant malt forward beer” with notes of caramel. Cascade hops round off the sip with a burst of zesty citrus flavor and aroma.

The beer’s name is dedicated to Costa’s son, who was born in the middle of building Bloomfield’s first and only craft brewery.

And yes, it will be on tap during the brewery’s opening weekend (article continues below).

The brewery’s website reveals some more details about what’s in store. As seen on the FAQ page:

What Styles Of Beer Will You Be Offering? – “Since we have a small brewhouse and footprint, we will be able to offer a wide variety of fresh beer. We plan on brewing traditional styles including a line of light lagers and ales that would quench the thirst of beer fans of any level. We also will have a rotating lineup of fresh NEIPAs, Sours and Experimental Pastry Stouts using unique ingredients from local vendors in our area. In addition to our craft beer options we will be offering a line of Hard Seltzers.”

Will You Be Serving Food? – “Unfortunately, we will not be serving food in our brewery. As per New Jersey State Law for Production Breweries, this is not allowed within our brewer's permit. We encourage you to bring some food to enjoy our beers with and more importantly support the local eateries by either ordering food from their establishments or taking some Varitage beers to go.”

Will You Be Kid-Friendly? – “Of course! We will however have specific hours designated for the little ones to hang at the brewery. We will post those hours once we inch closer to opening our doors.”

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