The opening of Varitage Brew Works in Bloomfield has been a journey to say the least. The brewery originally planned to open in the fall of 2022, rather than October 2023. But Owner, CEO, and Head Brewer Mark Costa promises the delay of just over a year is worth the wait.
To create the name, Varitage combines the words “variety” and “heritage” which both have meaning for the brewery. “I like to tell stories with each beer,” Mark says. “Stories about our local history here in Bloomfield, stories paying tribute to my heritage, and stories about my personal life. Each beer is like a song to me.”
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Starting from Scratch
The 1,500-square foot Varitage Brew Works occupies a previously-vacant building without walls, electricity, or water. “It was a completely clean slate for us, which worked in our favor when designing the brewery,” Mark explains. “It allowed us to get creative with the space we had to optimize it for our needs.”
As a result, the brewery boasts 22-foot-ceilings and has an open-air feel. “The goal was to make it feel like an industrial European café,” Mark says. “The taproom is cozy, and the touches of Europe are clear.” Costa even designed a Portuguese/Spanish tile that is the backdrop for their taps and the front of the bar.
Varitage Brew Works can seat about 40 in the taproom with standing room. They also plan to have outdoor seating during warmer months. “I wanted the whole space to be open; so people can literally drink from the source and see where the beer they’re drinking is made,” Mark says. “At Varitage, you’re drinking in a brewery.”
About Varitage Brew Works
The brewery focuses on classic styles, and also brews a lot of Hazy IPAs, Sours, and heavy stouts. In particular, Locks & Planes is their flagship IPA. It pays homage to the locks and planes which were part of the Morris Canal that ran through Bloomfield. It has wheat and oats, and is blended with notes of citrus, sweet fruit, and berry. They also have a Czech style lager on tap that is one of Mark’s favorites, the Varitage Premium Pale Lager. This crisp pale lager has a pinch of spice to its flavor.
They currently only have beer on tap. However, they plan to sell hard seltzers in the future. “We’re focused on becoming a neighborhood brewery,” Mark says.
Mark is Portuguese and Italian, and grew up in Nutley. He’s always been proud of his roots and understands the sacrifice previous generations made to come to America. “Varitage celebrates the various heritages that make us who we are,” he says. “This brewery is my version of the American Dream and a thank you to our family; who made that sacrifice years ago to give me the opportunity to do this venture.”
Mark and Neil Levine – Cofounder, CFO, and COO – are Bloomfield locals and next-door neighbors. Prior to opening Varitage Brew Works, Mark was a homebrewer that left the corporate world to become a professional brewer.
Visit Varitage Brew Works at 58 Washington St in Bloomfield. Look for them online to learn more.
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Top Photo: © Brett Miller / BKM Video
Body Photo: Daniel J. Grimm