By Jeremy Withnell
Photo by Clinton J. Sosna

Great Falls Brewing Company in North Canaan opened its doors only this past December, yet it has already become a vibrant community hub in addition to a place to down a pint.

Owner Chris Tripler says that has been his vision all along. Situated in the heart of Canaan village in the newly renovated historic train station, the brewery’s roomy and welcoming taproom has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike to get together. Many large tables that can seat sizable groups of people are available, as well as a long bar to belly up to. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. “It’s vital that our front-of-house staff are confident and well versed in beer making and styles,” states Tripler. “This brewery will be for many out-of-towners their introduction to Canaan, and it is important that we represent the town well.”

The welcome that Great Falls has received is evident, as the house is packed on most nights. The atmosphere is publike, as opposed to the industrial-chic aesthetic that some craft breweries tend to go for. Plenty of forest green wood trim and leather seating makes for a comforting, homey feel, which suits the brewery’s location in such an old building.

Tripler says that “making great beer” is the starting point, because nothing else will follow if the product is subpar. To please the widest range of tastes, the brewery has installed no fewer than 14 taps, one of which is a traditional hand-pumped cask engine brought over from England. Matt Bergfield, the head brewer, has been busy creating a myriad of different brews: Canaan Mountain Lager, La Luna Wheat, Lazy Hazy Housy New England IPA, just to name a few. If you order a Happy Camper S’more Stout, brewed with actual marshmallow fluff and graham crackers, spring for the marshmallow that is toasted by hand torch and placed on top of your pint right in front of your eyes.

Bergfield is purposefully brewing both traditional, easy-drinking styles as well as more out-there experimental options. “Our brown ale is currently our fourth-best-selling beer,” but that doesn’t stop him from challenging more adventurous drinkers with offerings such as Passionfruit Jelly Donut, described as being a kettle-soured ale brewed with wheat malt and lactose, lightened with house-made bourbon vanilla extract. Another highlight is their sours. A plain No Name Sour is available, but for those craving something fruity, there’s Apricot Fruit Snack, which is No Name with 2.5 pounds per gallon of pure apricot fruit puree dumped right into the mix.

Along with the beer, there is a limited choice of bar snacks available, but even these reflect attentiveness toward the locality. The Drunk Alpaca, a company based in Shelton, Conn., creates beer nuts made from Great Falls’ own beers. Erin Bergfield, taproom manager (and Matt’s wife), states that not trying to also be a restaurant was a purposeful decision. “First, it would be taking on too much to have a full kitchen, our efforts would be spread thin, and service would suffer. Also, it means we can support local business in the village center. People can bring their own food in from neighboring eateries.” Many patrons call ahead to food establishments in town and once they are at the brewery simply walk over to grab their food. Blackberry Bistro specifically has a working partnership with the brewery to facilitate food orders for hungry patrons.

When it comes to beckoning in the community, Great Falls has something planned nearly every night of the week. “We’ve begun various community-specific nights, where residents of a particular local town will get a discount all evening, or all first responders, or teachers,” Erin Bergfield explains. Additionally, there are open mic nights, trivia, darts competitions, live music, and they tap a new cask every Thursday. Special events will be taking place from time to time, such as the recent “Febrewfest,” a ticketed Oktoberfest-style meal with proceeds going to benefit local nonprofits, including Canaan Childcare and the Boy Scouts. Children are welcome in the taproom, and people of all generations can be found playing foosball, getting together with friends, or putting their heads together in an effort to win at trivia while they enjoy local libations.

Great Falls Brewing Company is open 5 to 10 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, 12 to 10 p.m. on Sunday and Wednesday, and 12 to 11 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.