The space at 302 White Horse Pike in Waterford, NJ, formerly inhabited by Atco Brewing Company, will be serving craft brews once again. Dorien Saunders is “aggressively optimistic” for a late spring or summer opening of Whims Brewing in the 4,200 sq. ft. space. Whims Brewing’s Waterford location will serve as a production facility and tasting room with 13 taps. Seating numbers are still being determined. While Whims Brewing won’t be serving food out of a kitchen, snacks will be available.
“I’ve worked in the industry before and believe there is a lot more that can be contributed to the NJ beer scene. I also love my small town of Atco. The ability to do something I love, offer something different to the community, and be a supportive business within my town seemed to be a perfect scenario,” Saunders told What Now Philadelphia.
Courier Post reports that Saunders has previously collaborated with Icarus Brewing Company in Lakewood and Three 3’s Brewing Company in Hammonton. Saunders, who works in IT and will continue to do so once the brewery opens, has also spent the last seven years exploring the multiverse of craft beer as a homebrewer.
“I love the limitless potential of beer. Each step in the brewing process can be broken down into what seems like endless decisions which can contribute subtle or major changes to the end product. Even a million subtle changes can lead to an eventual major change as well. Each beer can be unique,” Saunders says.
Craft beer lovers can expect batches brewed from expressive yeast strains and bacteria, the use of different malts and wood during the fermentation and aging process, along with additions of fruits, herbs, and flowers. Despite the brewery’s name, everything about Whims Brewing is entirely intentional.
“I’m a pretty reserved guy and spend a lot of time thinking/researching whatever may interest me. Being reserved, I hardly ever talk about whatever I’m getting into. But when I take action, everyone can see it. So most of the time it seems like I’m just doing things on pure whim, but there’s really a lot of thought that goes into it,” Saunders explains. “So it’s [the company’s name] a play on that. A lot of people see Whims and think whimsical, which also works because I do enjoy fantasy, legends, and mythology stories. I try to incorporate some of those characters and elements where I see fit.”
You can get updates on the incoming magic from Whims Brewing at whimsbrewing.com, instagram.com/whimsbrewing, and facebook.com/WhimsBrewing.
