Brewery in Norwich strikes deal to distribute beers, ales

Norwich — Epicure Brewing, a craft brewery that opened last June at the corner of Franklin and Bath streets, has partnered with the longtime Norwich business Levine Distributing to bring the custom crafted beers and ales to nearly three dozen restaurants and pubs throughout eastern Connecticut.

Jason Vincent, a co-owner of Epicure Brewing, said the brewery has been growing steadily and has reached the point where the business partners were ready either to hire more staff to work on sales and distribution or “bring in some people who are experts at it.”

At the start, Epicure partners made sales contacts to local restaurants and pubs, and when deals were made, they delivered the products directly to the locations. With about 30 buyers throughout New London and Windham counties – including the Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium directly across the street from Levine’s distribution center in the Norwich Business Park.

In the agreement, Epicure will continue to run the 85-seat taproom at 40 Franklin St., and Levine took over selling and distributing six of the custom beer and ale products to outside entities.

“We are only 20 days into the arrangement and it’s been really amazing,” Vincent said.

Levine President Roark Levine was not available for comment Monday. In a press release issued to announce the partnership, Levine said the company that distributes national name brand products the company is pleased to be marketing a local product as well.

“My grandfather and his brothers started this business, and it has been a huge part of my life,” Levine said in the press release. “Our family has sold many different beers over the past 84 years, and it is nice to be able to sell a beer made right here in Norwich.”

Epicure shareholder Jobina Miller said the new partnership was “natural,” because the Epicure partners have many friends who work at Levine. “It’s an excellent fit for us.”

Vincent said Epicure has fostered other business relationships by inviting local businesses into the taproom. On Saturday, Uncle D’s Blazin’ BBQ set up a “pop-up cafe” and sold barbecue sandwiches at the taproom, which has no food license and invites patrons to bring in dinners from nearby restaurants.

Currently on the walls of the taproom, Ideal Skate Shop in Greeneville has more than 40 custom-designed skateboard decks on display and for sale.

And last week, yoga instructor John Benbow offered a program in the brewery taproom.

“It’s just really cool to find other businesses to work with,” Vincent said.