The word “reverie” is defined as a fanciful idea or being lost in thought, so it is thoroughly appropriate that visitors to the newly opened Reverie Brewing Company at 57B Church Hill Road are greeted with a billboard-sized interior graphic that reads, “Don’t Quit Your Daydream.”

A fanciful idea — and a dream come true for brewer Frank Lockwood and the father-son team of Ryan and Mark Broderick — the combination brewery and pub celebrated its ceremonial opening just before noon on Saturday, March 2, with a ribbon cutting and the obligatory tipping of more than a few cold ones from Reverie’s tasty selection of suds.

While the owners unofficially opened their doors one weekend earlier, “to be sure all the taps were flowing and our registers and credit card machines were working,” Ryan Broderick told The Newtown Bee, last Saturday marked the point of no return as Newtown joined the swelling ranks of Connecticut towns to host its own brew pub.

The brewery’s launch, a first-of-its-kind for Newtown, may not have been noticed by many who drove swiftly past the simple wooden sign just east of the train trestle, but those who crave to be among the first to sample some of the newest brewing creations have been waiting for this opening for months, Mr Lockwood said.

During a pre-opening tour, Ryan Broderick pointed to the system that turns hops, yeast, and other key ingredients into kegs of brew that go by names like Runt, Double Dipper, High Seas, and Bar Nine. On opening day, Reverie was serving up more than ten of its own specialties, along with New England Cider Company’s fresh blend ($7 / 16 oz serving).

Cider By Fall

The brew pub is poised to develop its own cider, but the process of obtaining a separate wine making license required for producing ciders was delayed during the recent government shutdown — so the owners are looking toward fall for serving up their own recipe.

Ryan Broderick explained that the ingredients and varieties of hops tend to set the price of the brew that is produced from them, so while the 9.1 percent Double Dipper Citra IPA is $7 for a 10 ounce glass or $24 for a 64 ounce growler, several other less costly-to-brew varieties are priced starting a $5 for the 10 ounce serving, with graduating sizes from 13 to 64 ounces priced accordingly.

The brew pub also features a limited selection of wine sourced from North Stonington, non-alcoholic Sound Sparkling Tea, snacks from Newtown’s BD Provisions, and a selection of Righteous Felon beef jerky.

The owners welcome patrons bringing or ordering in their own food, or on weekends, visitors can partake of various offerings from a host of food trucks that will be operating outside on Friday through Sunday.

Ryan Broderick said all his food trucks have been chosen from an approved list of vendors from the Newtown Health District, one of the countless municipal agencies and local vendors who helped make the dream of opening a brew pub a reality.

“As we were getting established, it seemed like the whole town was being as helpful as possible,” he said. “From the chamber and economic development office to the fire marshal, building inspector, health and food officials, and so many others along the way. We wouldn’t be here opening today if it wasn’t for all their help.”

Besides the March 2 ribbon cutting, State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) and State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) were on hand to convey legislative proclamation welcoming Reverie to Newtown.

Meet The Guys

In a quiet moment, Ryan explained that he previously worked in the world of finance before following his dream of opening a craft brewery. He asked and received his dad’s valued support after Mark Broderick saw his successful run operating a sports bar and restaurant in neighboring Waterbury.

Mr Lockwood, on the other hand, said he started as a home brewer before transitioning through jobs and building experience at a number of well-established micro and craft breweries in Connecticut and New York, where he captured awards for a couple of his inspirations.

The owners, who developed the business in a former landscape construction company headquarters, are in the process of seeking an opportunity to expand a modest outdoor patio, which will be accessible through a wall-sized garage door that bears the massive “Don’t quit your daydream” graphic adjacent to the tasting room.

There are also plans to feature acoustic music and other entertainment, and parts of the facility can be rented out for private activities. Interested individuals can complete a rental inquiry on the brewing company’s website or fill out a separate form if requesting some type of philanthropic donation.

Other events are in the planning stages now, and depending on how busy it is, one of the owners may be available to lead visitors on a brief tour.

Reverie also has its own line of merch, including shirts and hats carrying their stubby keg blimp trademark.

The Taproom is closed Monday & Tuesday. Opening hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 3 to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 pm; an Sundays from noon to 6 pm. For information, visit www.reveriebrewing.com or call 203-872-2124