Norfolk memories preserved in plain sight

By Colleen Gundlach

Norbrook Farm Brewery has long been noted for its welcoming atmosphere, specialty brews and unmatched outdoor amenities. But anyone who hasn’t been to Norbrook recently has a pleasant surprise in store. The brewery, located on the Norfolk/Colebrook town line, has expanded its footprint to include a second, cozy and inviting tasting room that subtly harkens back to its Norfolk roots.

The expansiveness of the welcoming new space is stunning upon entering. A plush conversation area surrounding a large stone fireplace holds the first of the many Norfolk mementos found at the brewery: a coffee table made from the Ken’s Pub sign that used to hang outside the now-defunct pub on Station Place. The sign-turned-tabletop has been polished to a high sheen and stands as a tribute to Norfolk purveyors of fine drink who have gone before. The method by which it was obtained goes back several decades and is a secret forever sealed.

The tables and chairs throughout the new tasting room have the same brilliant sheen as the coffee table. Norfolk native John Auclair, who owns the brewery with his wife, Debbie, and his brother Randy, said the tables were designed and crafted by Norfolk’s GB Green Co. using wood from Dale Smith’s sawmill in Southfield, Mass. “In fact,” said Auclair, “the entire addition was hand-crafted by Norfolk craftsmen Dan Green, Tom Green and Dave Torrant.”

Even the restroom boasts a mirror with a handcrafted wooden frame, built by GB Green from an apple tree taken from a Norfolk yard many years ago. In addition, the stall doors in the restrooms are all crafted from wood rescued from local barns.

The new tasting room has a bar, also built by GB Green, where the brewery eventually plans to offer spirits as well as beer. A distillery is currently being built in another new area of the business, where Brewmaster Colin Coan, well known for the beers he brews for Norbrook, will also be able to demonstrate his skill at distilling.

But that’s some months away. William Perotti & Sons, plumbers from Canaan, have been working for weeks on installing the steam lines to support the distillery. Auclair explained that as steam generated by the boiler “circulates through the jackets of the stills, it does the job of cooking, then allows the steam to condense back to water. It then circulates back to the boiler, making more steam to complete the distilling process.”

The brewery kitchen has been revamped as well, complete with a wood-burning brick pizza oven. The new menu offers a wide variety of sandwiches and burgers. Brick oven pizza with a choice of toppings, is available from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The Town of Colebrook originally prohibited the sale of food to patrons when the brewery opened in 2018. “Covid put an end to that, when the state said that establishments that served alcohol also had to serve food,”said Auclair. “It was a huge relief because it was very difficult with our customers outside hiking on the trails and biking, then coming in to have a beer. It is much better now that we are also able to serve food.”

Upstairs from the tasting room is more seating, overlooking the room below. Special acoustic panels have been installed in the ceiling to absorb noise from the tasting room. The upper room can seat up to 45 people and can be reserved in advance for parties or other small gatherings at no charge.

As these changes have been completed inside the brewery, there is yet another large project underway outside. A 50-by-100-foot pavilion is under construction at the far end of the existing parking lot. Auclair said its main purpose will be as a wedding venue, but that anyone is welcome to lease the space for large gatherings. The pavilion contains a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace on one wall and a bar on another with a warming kitchen and rest rooms in a separate room. For couples looking to be married outdoors, a garden area will be located next to the pavilion. It is expected to be available for rent this summer. A party tent located near the tasting room is available at no charge for smaller parties.

Besides eating and drinking, Norbrook provides opportunities for numerous outdoor activities on its 472 acres, including 9.5 miles of hiking trails. Those who would rather ride than hike can bring their own bicycle or rent an E-bike. There is an 18-hole, three-mile disc golf course. It is a par 55 course with brick and paver tees. Players are invited to bring their own discs or free disc rentals are also available. All trails and the disc golf course are open even when the tasting room is closed.

Norbrook has also made a commitment to outdoor types who have disabilities. “Norbrook has partnered with Summit Adaptive Sports, said Auclair. “Summit has plans to make Norbrook their summer base for adaptive bike riding, hiking and other outdoor activities.” And for respite from physical activity, Norbrook visitors can mingle with mini-goats, donkeys, sheep and, for the brave, maybe even a bull. This petting zoo is open, free of charge, to everyone. “We’re not here to make money,” joked Auclair. “We are here to make friends.” Norbrook Farm Brewery is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m