At 166 Boulder Drive in Fitchburg, you will find a welcome surprise. As I witnessed at the recent Nashua River Beer Festival held in downtown Fitchburg, the community has welcomed Scott and Jackie Cullen’s new venture – River Styx Brewing – with open arms.

Everyone involved in the economic redevelopment of Fitchburg, right up to Mayor Stephen DiNatale, was involved in wooing the Cullens to this location. I spoke with the mayor briefly at the Nashoba River Festival, and he beamed with pride at the reception the new business received. Indeed, the River Styx booth, which was handing out samples, had the longest lines by far.

River Styx beers are named based on Greek mythology. If Jackie creates the recipe, it is named after a goddess; if it is Scott’s idea, it is named after a god. IPAs have names such as Apollo’s Arrow and Zeus King of Gods, and stouts include Rhea Darkness and O:ranos. There is even an experimental series called Proteus. The IPAs were fine; the saison definitely caught my attention. However, I was blown away by the stouts and porters. The complexity and drinkability this young brewery has been able to get from these beers in such a short amount of time is nothing short of amazing. I would not be surprised at all if the darker offerings from this brewery become in high demand and short supply in the very near future. Get them while you can!

I was pleasantly surprised to see non-alcoholic offerings, as well. Cold brew coffee on nitro, ph-balanced water and even Polar seltzer are available. Local food vendors are in the mix, as well as rotating food trucks. There are activities here for customers to do while drinking their beer, such as board games and music. The space is large, so you will never feel cramped. Presently River Styx is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Visit riverstyxbrewing.com for up-to-date offerings.

Kerry Cyganiewicz