Torrington residents to found farm brewery in the city

Doug Henry speaks to the Torrington Planning and Zoning Commission about creating a brewery. Doug Henry speaks to the Torrington Planning and Zoning Commission about creating a brewery. Photo: Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media Photo: Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Torrington residents to found farm brewery in the city 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

TORRINGTON — The Walnut Mountain Brewery recently changed from concept to reality when city residents Doug Henry and Scott Cracas were given permission to start brewing beer on Guerdat Road.

Torrington’s Planning & Zoning Commission approved an initial stage in the creation of the brewery Thursday evening — Henry is set to apply for permits, bring the barn up to code and install a small brewing system on site, according to a memo from City Planner Martin Connor. The beer would be sold to distributors, restaurants and at farmer’s markets.

Henry, a Shelton native, said he bought the property at 776 Guerdat Road as a place to ride his motorcycle without disturbing those around him, and once raised cows, chickens, sheep and goats there as a hobby. He had to change course after an accident and was looking for a way to use the 80-acre farm.

“I loved the property and wanted to find a way to work off the farm, try to get it back to a working farm,” said Henry. “I contemplated several ideas of what to do with the property, and it just seemed like the farm brewery was something that I thought that would work really well. I think it will be great for the town.”

He knew Cracas’ son through motorcycle and biking clubs at Torrington Middle School and learned that Scott was an avid brewer of beer. The two came together and presented plans for the first stage in the history of the Walnut Mountain Brewery on Thursday evening.

Cracas, who grew up in Kent and moved to Torrington 20 years ago, said he began brewing beer decades ago, enticed by the chance to create better beer and experiment with his own recipes, and had received recognition for his efforts. He said he loves to cook as well — a practice along the same lines. And it’s a pleasure to see folks try the beer he’s made, he said.

“Creating something for other people to enjoy, and watch them enjoy something you make, is a great feeling. It’s just to share your love with other people,” said Cracas.

Henry plans to grow hops, barley, apples, blueberries and other crops to use in the beer, according to a memo from Connor.

Cracas said they plan to brew five to seven barrels of beer at once — a yield of 300 to 400 barrels a year.

The second stage of the process would include a tasting room and outdoor patio, so beer can be offered and sold on the farm to visitors. That step would require separate approval from the commission.

In the future, Henry hopes to show off the virtues of the land to people as they visit the brewery and take the chance to unwind. He was inspired by the experience of visiting wineries — driving through the vineyards, visiting a barn, sampling what’s on offer — to move forward with the project.

“I would just like to see it be a nice place for people to go and just kind of relax. It’s a beautiful piece of property,” said Henry.

Cracas said he hopes the business turns into a full-time job in the future and ends up being an award-winning venture in the city.

“I think it’s going to be great for the commerce of Torrington, (and) put Torrington on the craft brew map,” said Cracas.

william.lambert@ hearstmediact.com.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the brewery being founded. It is the Walnut Mountain Brewery, not White Mountain Brewery.