The Mystic Brewery Evolution: From Barley Head's Nano-Brewing Legacy To The Misfit Club's New Era

The story of Barley Head Brewery is one of continuous evolution in the heart of Mystic, Connecticut's vibrant craft beer scene. As of late 2024, the original nanobrewery has permanently closed its doors, but its spirit of independent, small-batch brewing lives on in the same historic location. The space at 12 Water Street has been immediately and excitingly rebranded as The Misfit Club, a new bar and culinary-forward brew pub that acknowledges the legacy of its predecessor while forging a unique, inclusive identity for the next generation of Mystic visitors and locals. This article provides the definitive, current update on the beloved location in Factory Square, detailing the history of Barley Head Brewery, the vision of its founder, Drew Rodgers, and the exciting new direction under the ownership of Timothy Koehler and George Majewski. The transition, which occurred around July 2024, marks a significant shift, transforming the small-batch brewing haven into a new kind of social club that continues to champion local craft beer.

The Legacy of Barley Head Brewery and Brewer Drew Rodgers

Barley Head Brewery, established in 2017 by owner and brewer Drew Rodgers, quickly became a cornerstone of Mystic’s downtown craft beverage landscape. It was known for its experimental approach and incredibly small scale, operating on a 2-barrel (bbl) brewing system. This "nanobrewery" status allowed Rodgers the freedom to constantly rotate his offerings and experiment with unique, often quirky, ingredients and styles, fostering a dedicated local following.

Biography of Founder Drew Rodgers

• Name: Drew Rodgers
• Role: Founder, Owner, and Head Brewer of Barley Head Brewery (2017–2024)
• Location: Mystic, Connecticut
• Early Challenges: Rodgers first attempted to open a brewery in Mystic as far back as 2015, but was initially rejected by local zoning officials, demonstrating his long-term commitment to the town's craft scene.
• Brewing Philosophy: Known for his experimental and creative approach, he specialized in a wide variety of beers that changed weekly, ensuring a fresh experience for every visit.
• Notable Innovations: Famously brewed a seawater-infused beer, a unique offering that captured the attention of regional media and highlighted his willingness to push brewing boundaries.
• Post-Brewery Involvement: Following the sale of Barley Head in 2024, Drew Rodgers joined the board of Green Planet Films, indicating a continued interest in environmental and cultural causes.

The Unique Nano-Brewing Concept

Barley Head’s small, 2-bbl system was its defining feature, allowing for a rapid turnover of beer styles. This was a deliberate choice that contrasted with larger production breweries, giving the taproom an authentic, hyper-local feel. The name "Barley Head" itself was a nod to the essential part of the barley plant that signifies quality in brewing.

The brewery’s location, nestled in the historic Factory Square at 12 Water Street, was a key part of its appeal, offering a cozy, intimate setting for patrons to enjoy a constantly rotating selection of craft beers brewed on-site.

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Iconic and Experimental Barley Head Beers

The brewery’s commitment to variety resulted in a catalog of memorable brews that showcased Rodgers' technical skill and creativity. These beers form a key part of the brewery’s legacy in the Mystic community:

• Saison Du Maison IPA: A Farmhouse Ale/Saison with an IPA twist, highlighting the diverse styles on offer.
• Obscurus: A robust American Stout, catering to fans of darker, richer beers.
• Water Street Razz: A popular Fruit Beer, likely utilizing local or seasonal ingredients.
• Blitzed Beluga: A creatively named beer that speaks to the local maritime culture of Mystic.
• Barrel Aged Barley Wine: Demonstrating a commitment to more complex, cellarable styles.
• The Seawater Beer: The most famous experimental brew, made by scooping up Long Island Sound water during the incoming tide.

The Misfit Club: A New Era at 12 Water Street

The transition from Barley Head Brewery to The Misfit Club was swift, marking a new chapter for the 12 Water Street address. Barley Head officially closed in July 2024 after being sold, and The Misfit Club quickly moved in, with a grand opening event scheduled for late October 2024.

The Vision of New Owners George and Tim

The new venture is helmed by local owners George Majewski and Timothy Koehler (often referred to simply as George and Tim). Their concept is a deliberate departure from the traditional brewery taproom, establishing a "Bar and Social Club" with a strong community focus.

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The Misfit Club aims to be a unique, inclusive space, described as a blend of British pub culture with a modern, nonconformist twist. The owners emphasize creating a community where everyone, from "fashion designers to Ivy League graduates," feels welcome—a true "club of nonconformists."

Culinary Forward and Craft Focus

While the new establishment is a bar and social club, it maintains a commitment to craft beverages and a "culinary forward" approach, ensuring the location remains a destination for food and drink enthusiasts. The Misfit Club features an impressive selection of craft beers and ciders on tap, with some reports citing up to 16 to 22 taps available, significantly expanding the offerings compared to the previous nanobrewery model.

Crucially, the new owners have stated their intent to continue the brewing tradition by keeping some of the popular Barley Head beers in rotation, honoring the site's rich brewing history while introducing their own new production brews.

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The menu is designed to complement the drinks, offering a weekly rotating food and wine list and plenty of snacks, suggesting a sophisticated, yet casual, pub experience with Old English charm.

Mystic's Enduring Craft Beverage Scene

The sale and transformation of Barley Head Brewery into The Misfit Club is a prime example of the dynamic and evolving nature of the Southeastern Connecticut craft beverage scene. Mystic, CT, continues to be a hotspot for craft beer, wine, and spirits, with breweries like Beer'd Brewing Co. and others nearby driving significant tourism.

The nanobrewery model pioneered by Drew Rodgers proved that small-scale, experimental brewing could thrive in downtown Mystic. The new Misfit Club is now leveraging that foundation, transforming the cozy, basement venue in Factory Square into a sophisticated social hub.

For visitors to Mystic, the location at 12 Water Street remains a must-visit. Whether you are looking to reminisce about a glass of *Blitzed Beluga* or experience the new, inclusive atmosphere of The Misfit Club, the address continues to represent the cutting edge of Connecticut's craft culture. The legacy of Barley Head is secure, not as a closed chapter, but as the foundational brewing history of a vibrant new venue.

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