Our Story

The idea of opening a brewery was years of cocktail talk at Mark Tambascio's bar 'My Place' in Newtown, CT before it turned into a serious conversation one summer night in 2017.

The turning point was the Newtown Land Use Agency deciding to look favorably on the creation of local breweries and distilleries. It was the spark needed for Mark and business partner Dave Kingsley to start making their brewery a reality.

They had their sights set on a particular building in the historic former Fairfield Hills Hospital campus , which Newtown bought from the State in 2004. They presented a letter of intent to the town in October of 2017, thinking it had about a 5% chance of acceptance—but the town embraced the concept.

From that point, it took 2 1/2 years and much blood, sweat and "beer" to when brewmaster John Watson brewed their first beer. Now, multiple styles fill the barrels and locals are thrilled to enjoy a craft beer, some great pizza and the incredible restored architecture of the historic building on the hill.

Meet Our Team

Mark Tambascio

Manager and Founding Partner

The Tambascio family has been a household name in Newtown, CT for four decades. The family opened " My Place Restaurant " in 1989 and it became renowned as one of the best craft beer bars (and Italian restaurant) in the state. Mark is a home brewer, respected beer judge, and highly-successful restaurateur, bar operator, and early craft beer pioneer.

David Kingsley

Builder and Founding Partner

David is a well-known and respected builder, woodworker, and architectural designer. His 35-year career in construction includes renovating many historic buildings, which is why he was eager to take on the challenge of restoring the former Stratford Hall into NewSylum Brewing Co. Though longtime acquaintances, David and Mark became friends during the 2009 renovation of ‘My Place Restaurant,’ which David designed and built. David credits Mark for his love of great beer.

Mark "Sharky" Lennon

Manager and Partner

As an experienced home brewer and beer judge, Mark has expert knowledge of craft beer, and loves to educate neophytes. A seasoned restaurateur, his contagious enthusiasm and smooth professionalism makes Mark an essential part of the operation's success.

John Watson

Head Brewer

John Watson has been brewing beer for 26 years and has won multiple blue ribbons in local, state, and national brewing competitions. He's a highly-respected master brewer, acclaimed by internationally-known brewers like BrewDog's Stewart Bowman and Captain Lawrence's Scott Vaccaro; and the country's leading high-end beer importers Dan and Joel Shelton (Shelton Bros) and Matthias Neidhart (B. United International). We are thrilled to have him on our team.