WASHINGTON BOROUGH, N.J. (Warren County) — Buttzville Brewing Co., the beloved local brewery founded by Erin and Dave Andersen, announced that it will be closing its taproom at 30 E. Washington Ave. in Washington Borough. The news was shared in an emotional farewell posted on Facebook, where the co-owners reflected on their journey and thanked the community for years of support, camaraderie, and craft beer.
“This is a post that’s difficult to write, and that we’ve dreaded writing,” the Andersens wrote. “But it’s time.”
The story of Buttzville Brewing began in 2019 when the Washington Business Improvement District approached the couple with a proposal to turn Dave’s homebrewing hobby into a downtown brewery. What started as a “funny little homebrew Facebook page” quickly became a serious plan — one that would survive a global pandemic, economic headwinds, skyrocketing material costs, and the monumental challenge of opening a hospitality business during COVID-19. Despite all odds, the Andersens opened the taproom on July 31, 2021, bringing a dream to life just blocks from the borough’s core.
“Opening our business to share our love of good beer and a gathering space in our local area was a dream come true,” they wrote. “But the time has come to sunset the dream.”
Though no official closing date has been set, the brewery plans to remain open through the weekend of July 26 and 27, or until the beer and hard seltzer run out — whichever comes first. Until then, regular summer hours and most monthly events will continue as scheduled. The owners plan to post updates about the final day on their website and social media.
“Stop by the taproom in the next few weeks to say good-bye, have a last pint or two with us, and grab some discounted growlers and four-packs to remember us by,” the couple said. “Our online merch shop is still up and running — grab your Buttzville Brewing gear while you still can.”
As a final thank-you, the brewery is offering $5 off all growler fills and will release one last beer — Graham Finale, an imperial stout brewed with graham cracker and chocolate — on Friday, July 18. It will be available on tap and in four-packs.
The farewell message was filled with appreciation. The Andersens gave thanks to loyal customers, including regulars who popped in weekly — some walking dogs, some fresh from the laundromat — and to those who came every month for events or community gatherings. They also extended a heartfelt thank-you to their staff, naming Glenn, Christina, Drew, Pete, and Scott as essential to creating the warm and welcoming space that defined Buttzville Brewing.
They praised their families for their behind-the-scenes work — building tables, washing dishes, checking IDs, canning beer, and decorating the space. They also recognized their parents, who inspired them with examples of small business ownership. One particularly touching tribute was made to their friend and investor Colleen, whom they described as the embodiment of loyalty, someone who stood by the project from day one and never wavered.
“Dave and Erin have pushed our knowledge, abilities, bodies, and emotions in ways we never thought we could,” the message read. “We are truly proud of everything we’ve accomplished, and we’re closing our doors with our heads held high.”
The couple closed their statement by saying what so many in their community are likely feeling: “We love you all, and we hope we’ll see you in the next few weeks before we start the next chapter. Cheers, friends.”
