Upon entering the new Twin Lakes tasting room on Friday, Sept. 8, during it’s grand opening, I was greeted by a sweet black puppy. “Don’t mind him—he’s just the guard dog,” jokes J. Burke Morrison, a partner in the business.
This isn’t Greenville, where the brewery had once been housed. The company has since moved to Newport, opening its brewery and tasting room in a warehouse that is three times the size of its previous location.
Nevertheless, the tasting room is modestly decorated with picnic tables, a few sofas and high-top tables, and a nice-sized U-shaped bar. It is neither pretentious nor dingy—the owners put just the right amount of effort into the design and décor to attract beer lovers of all kinds.
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The new Twin Lakes tasting room in Newport.//Photo by Danielle Bouchat-Friedman |
And the beer itself is still great. The brewery offers four year-round brews—Caesar Rodney Golden Ale, Blue Water Pilsner, Greenville Pale Ale and Tweeds Tavern Stout—for $5 a pour, plus a rotating seasonal list. Currently on tap are the Winterthur Wheat, Oktoberfest and Jubilicious—each $6 a pint. Get a flight (four 5-ounce pours) for only $5. Or, take home a growler—year-round brews are $15; seasonal brews are $18.
While some visitors claimed the beer tasted different than “the original,” co-owner Matt Day says the only change to the recipe that’s been made is the water source. “We are now using well water from a farm eight miles away,” he says.
The cans have also been redesigned to reflect the move. Flood Creative, a boutique design company based in New York, upgraded the artwork on the four year-round cans.
When asked whether they might release a flavor to celebrate their new Newport digs, Day says, “We’ve thought about it. We’ve thought about coming out with a Newport Nectar.”
More information:
405 E. Marsh Lane, Suite #7, Newport • 299-233
Hours: Wednesday–Friday, 4–8 p.m.; Saturday, noon–8 p.m.; Sunday, noon–4 p.m.
Tours are available—enquire at twinlakesbrewery.com/tours.
The brewery is currently partnering with other local beer and food trucks, and plans to offer cable service in the near future.
