BY ELISE MCKINLEY / FOR THE OBSERVER
AUBURN —
Auburn welcomed a new taproom on Wednesday, Sept. 20, when the community came together for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for New Realm Brewery Co.’s Taproom. This event marked the beginning of a partnership between Auburn University and The New Realm Brewery Co., aimed at fostering shared values and providing students with hands-on experience in the world of brewing.
Auburn University has taken a step further by expanding its College of Human Sciences Brewing Science and Operations program. Thanks to this partnership, the university now offers not one, but two brewery programs, ensuring that students can gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in this burgeoning industry.
The event started with Carey Falcone, CEO of New Realm, expressing his gratitude to all who had gathered to celebrate this milestone. Falcone acknowledged the invaluable support from those who had played a role in bringing the business to Auburn.
“This is far more than just another location, it’s an opportunity for us to participate in the development of the next generation of brewers,” Falcone said. “We’ve been talking about internships, classroom interactions, case studies — a lot more than just serving beer. But we do serve beer.”
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders was also in attendance, offering his support for this addition to the Auburn community. He underscored the immense benefit of New Realm’s collaboration with Auburn University, shedding light on the thriving brewery business in the area.
As the festivities continued, the array of new beer flavors drew the attention of customers. Beer-tender Sam Stone shared some of his favorites, including “Hazy Like A Fox” and “Tropic Dream.” He also said that the seltzer has a delightfully sweet aftertaste that keeps patrons sipping.
Adding to the ambiance, local musician, Kenny on the Keys, serenaded the crowd with timeless classics, providing the perfect backdrop for supporters to enjoy New Realm beers and savor catered dishes from local restaurant, Lucy’s.
The New Realm Brewery Co.’s Taproom ribbon-cutting event marked not only a celebration of delicious brews but also a testament to the power of collaboration between academia and industry in fostering growth and innovation. Auburn University and The New Realm Brewery Co. have set the stage for a promising future in the world of brewing, right in the heart of Auburn.
