New Boston-Area Brewery Opens Its Doors

Castle Island Cans

Norwood, Mass. – After more than four years of planning, capital raising, test-batching and building, Castle Island Brewing is officially open for business.

The Norwood, Massachusetts-based beer company today announced the launch of its first three beers: Candlepin, a hoppy session ale; Keeper, an American IPA; and TBD, a hoppy American Stout. All three beers will be available to purchase, for the first time, beginning Friday, Dec. 11. The brewery, which is located at 31 Astor Ave. in Norwood, Mass., will be selling cans, offering samples and selling merchandise between 3:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. today.

“I’m really excited for folks in the Boston area to finally experience our beer,” said Adam Romanow, the founder of Castle Island Brewing. “We’ve been talking about – and working on — this project for a long time and, after years of sampling and soliciting feedback on our beer, it feels great to finally to share a finished product with New England drinkers.”

Castle Island Logo

Castle Island Brewing was first born in 2011, at the time operating under the moniker “Critical Mass Brewing.” But when a California winery making a product by the same name issued a cease-and-desist, the company opted to rebrand. “We went back to the drawing board and ultimately decided that Castle Island Brewing would be the best representation of our brand and our vision,” said Romanow. “I live in South Boston, a block away from Castle Island, and it holds a special place in my heart,” he added. “This brewery was a special challenge I wanted to undertake and, to me, Castle Island is the perfect way to represent my new challenge: making amazing beer for the honest, no-bullshit, passionate people of New England.”

Castle Island, which is currently operating out of a 20,000 sq. ft. production facility and brewing on a 30-barrel system, will initially only sell cans out of its retail storefront. The company has, however, signed an agreement with Massachusetts Beverage Alliance (MBA) for broader coverage throughout the Bay State, though distribution will be limited to the Boston-area early on. “We’re very concerned about freshness and making sure that we’ve got a consistent supply of product for our earliest retail partners,” said Romanow. “Keeping distribution limited to Boston and the surrounding suburbs will enable us to ‘walk before we run’ and help ensure that local drinkers have access to our beer.”

CIBC Team Canning

Beginning today, four-packs of 16 oz. cans of Candlepin and Keeper will be available at the brewery for $10.80 plus deposit, with four-packs of TBD priced at $12.80 plus deposit. Wider distribution throughout the MBA footprint will begin in early 2016.

“The opportunity for Castle Island to be on tap in Boston is truly a dream come true,” said Romanow. “We know there are a lot of choices out there and we’re incredibly grateful to be a part of the growing craft scene here in Boston.”

Castle Island Brewing – located off Route 1, at 31 Astor Ave. in Norwood, Mass. — will also be open on Saturday from 12:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. Additional information about the brewery can be found on the company’s Facebook page and website.

For more information, please email contact@castleislandbeer.com or call 781.951.2029.

Castle Island Brewing:

Castle Island is dedicated to crafting the highest quality beer with purpose and without pretense. With a focus on American ales, we make offerings that are both unique and approachable. Our singular goal is to brew distinctive beers that honor proven traditions and celebrate fresh ideas.