Second Sin Cuts The Ribbon On Newtown Taproom

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Moments after they cut the ribbon, the new Second Sin Taproom at 17 North State Street in Newtown Borough was bustling with patrons.

“We are thrilled to be in Newtown and we are looking forward to being part of the town and part of its thriving nightlife,” said Taproom co-owner Phil Harris, who joined his two business partners and the leaders of the Newtown Business Association in officially opening the new taproom Saturday afternoon.

“We’re always excited to welcome new businesses to town and especially something that’s going to bring in more pedestrian traffic to the street,” said NBA board member Greg Kramer of Allstate Insurance who helped cut the ribbon on the town’s newest business. “It’s a nice addition to the borough and adds to the variety of businesses we have here on State Street. And who doesn’t like a good beer?”

Kramer was joined by NBA administrator Leah Patterson and board member Heather DePrato in welcoming the new business to town. A representative from U.S. Congressman Brian's Fitzpatrick was also on hand to present the owners with an American flag.

The taproom, located next to the Newtown Borough Hall, is the second location for the Bristol Township brewer, founded and run by three 2006 Pennsbury High School graduates.

In 2011, Mike Beresky, Phil Harris, and Jake Howell opened Second Sin Brewing Company at 1500 Grundy Lane in Bristol Township at the former site of the Broken Goblet, which had relocated its operations to Bensalem.

Since 2011 Second Sin has built a reputation and a following for its craft beer, regular can releases and draft selection. The brewery also consistently ranks in the Top 10 Breweries in Pennsylvania, according to Untappd.

The three owners said opening in Newtown is like coming home. They often met at Issac Newton’s while formulating their plans to open their brewery and taproom in Bucks County.

The new 16-tap operation, according to head brewer Jake Howell, features a list of beers that will appeal to everyone’s taste. On tap are IPAs, stouts, ales, Pilsners, lagers, Kölsch, sours, fruited ales, and more.

In addition, the taproom will be offering seltzers, surf sides and cocktails.

“Our quality separates us from the crowd,” said Harris. “It keeps us at the top of the crowd which is something we pride ourselves on. There’s a bunch of great breweries in the area, but Jake our head brewer does a real good job for us.”

The beer is being brewed at its manufacturing operations in Bristol and delivered to its Newtown site, which will be used as a taproom to showcase its brews.

Inside the new Second Sin Taproom in Newtown Borough. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

"Just as America is a melting pot of cultures, so too is American brewing," reads Second Sin's brewing ethos. "We at Second Sin draw our inspiration from many of the classic brewing centers across Europe, as well as our colleagues in the U.S. The austere and meticulous lager brewing of Germany, the balanced ales and stouts of the UK, and the inventive spirit of the brewers of Belgium have all been formative in the way we think about and brew beer. Just as important as the classic beers from those countries is the willingness to throw it all out the window and try something new that embodies American craft brewing."

The new taproom will only be serving beverages, but patrons are encouraged to bring their own food from home or from one of many Newtown area restaurants and eateries.

“There are a ton of food places around. You have Rocco’s, The Temperance House, Relic and so many others,” said Harris. “We’re also talking to the borough about putting food trucks in their parking lot on the weekends,” said Harris. “We just need to get the approvals for that.”

To celebrate the opening, the company announced the release of two brand new beers, exclusive to Newtown and available on draft and in takeout four-packs.

The new releases are “It’s Cobblerin’ Time: Blueberry Lemon,” a sour ale with blueberries, lemon zest, cinnamon, vanilla, and lactose, and “New in Town,” a DDH Hazy IPA.

Second Sin debuted "New In Town," a DDH Hazy IPA, during its opening.

The Taproom is also working on a collaboration beer with Visit Bucks County and the historic Newtown Theatre that will be coming out in early May. The beer will be aptly named, “Let’s Go Drink At The Theatre.”

Hours at the new Taproom are from 4 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 12 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 12 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.