New brewery gets set to have the suds pouring in Lincoln by mid-May
Published April 21, 2022 at 1:24 pm
It seems long-established Bench Brewing in Lincoln – or more specifically, Beamsville – will have some cross-town company soon enough.
Newark Brewing is getting ready to open up shop at 4766 Christie Drive in Beamsville and owner Griffin Data is thrilled with his new digs.
When we last spoke to him in October, he had his eye on the property but couldn’t get locked down until this past January.
That said, he was already happy with his new surroundings. “The town of Lincoln has done an incredible job embracing us in this community,” he told us.
He is anticipating a mid-May grand opening but there’s still some work being left to be done.
Back then, we talked to him about his collaboration with the Welland Jackfish Triple A ball club where he brewed up their specialty beer, the Pond Water Lager, to be served at ballpark.
Since that time, Newark’s Dunkel Lager has be a regular on LCBOs shelves shattered throughout Niagara since late 2019. The brewery was established in late 2018, with their first batch being in March of 2019.
Data said, “Our focus when it comes to brewing is traditional European styles focusing on German and Belgian.” Indeed, his present line-up includes the Dunkel Lager, Helles Lager, Belgian Wit and a Belgian Dubbel.
Working with Bluecollar Catering, he is hoping to create a brewpub atmosphere in Lincoln in much the same way Bench has.
“Newark Brewing will boast a large beer garden and pub opening in May 2022, serving amazing food that complements our beer where patrons can come to relax, socialize and enjoy their well deserved time off,” he told a business link in a Q-and-A format.
“Quality, tradition and community will be Newark Brewing’s focus always.”
Data has a degree in Biochemistry and worked for Molson-Coors in Toronto. “I enjoyed working in the brewing scene and decided I wanted to go to Niagara College for their brewing program.”
“After the program, I worked in breweries, wineries and cideries, but realized I wanted to start my own venture,” he continued. “I wanted to create a craft brewery focusing on traditional, easy drinking styles, but elevated. This industry attracts the best people in my opinion. My motivation stems from the desire to build a business that can help people.”
Data knows the uphill battle of opening a business but added, “If it was easy, someone else would have done it already.”
And where did the name “Newark” come from. History, said Data. “On September 17, 1792, Colonel John Graves Simcoe opened the first provincial parliament in Newark, the capital of Upper Canada.”
Newark Brewing made a name for itself in Welland, creating the Pond Water Lager for the Welland Jackfish Triple A ballclub. (Photo: Welland Jackfish)