Owners want to bring in food trucks

Text and Photo by Doug McDevitt

For many, sipping a fine ale with friends, revisiting past adventures or planning new ones and talking history or debating current events in a comfortable setting can be as good as it gets. What could make that even better? Perhaps a really good burger or even more exotic fare. Well, that’s the idea that’s brewing in the minds of Colin Coan and Randy and John Auclair, owners of the Norbrook Farm Brewery.

Norbrook, which celebrated its inaugural year on Sept. 26, is a beautiful farm situated in the wooded hills of Colebrook. Auclair and his team manage the brewery to ensure that all who come can not only experience some of the finest home-brewed ales and porters but also enjoy the experience of the outdoors, as well as the indoors, with a myriad of activities.

Norbrook boasts an 18-hole disc golf course that draws players from all over the tristate area, a seven-mile mountain bike trail (there are plans to add an additional three miles) and  a seven-and-a-half-mile hiking trail, both of which wind through the woodlands and past Phelps Pond. There is also a two-acre pond that is stocked with trout, plus many outdoor seating areas that are enjoyable even in the winter months.

Norbrook is also a working farm, growing hops, of course, and winter wheat. In August and September of this year the farm had its first harvest of hops, which can be sampled in their Wet Hop Ales. Inside the brewery one can sit at a beautiful copper bar and taste the creations of head brewer Colin Coan, enjoy other indoor activities such as playing darts, listening to music from local bands and musicians or just sitting in one of the other rooms enjoying time with family and friends—and maybe a little friendly board game competition.

As Auclair explained, Norbrook’s vision is to create a family-friendly atmosphere, and they have done exactly that. He said that for people in the area Norbrook has become a destination spot for family get-togethers. Many plan with the brewery for family functions on a regular basis. There are also several community and club organizations that have chosen the brewery for their meeting spot because of its congeniality and quietness. It is also a great place for individuals to spend time simply reading (there is a nice book nook) or working on their computers (wifi is available).

If you get hungry there are some simple snacks to enjoy, but Auclair and his team would like to improve Norbrook even more in that regard. He has plans to expand the brewery’s operation, but his more immediate goal is to provide interesting food for customers to enjoy by introducing food trucks, with one to two trucks available once or twice a week. Unfortunately, the brewery is located in a residential zone of Colebrook. Auclair has petitioned Colebrook to restructure their zoning requirements to allow for the brewery to offer the food trucks to the community. Although no specific objections have been raised, the wheels of government can grind slowly. Auclair doesn’t expect the town to have any public discussion on the matter until sometime after January, but he is optimistic that the results will be positive. He has seen considerable community support from those who have come to sample the brewery’s fare and activities.

The Norbrook Brewery is a welcome and tasteful (pun intended) addition to our region, and the introduction of delicious culinary delights could only enhance an already great venue.