"I Feel Like a Favorite Relative Passed": Something Wicked Brewing Company Closes Sept. 6

A Decade of Craft Beer and Community

Something Wicked Brewing Company, a beloved hub for locals in Hanover, recently shared the difficult news that it will be closing its doors in September. The announcement came through their social media platforms, where they stated, “Our final pints will be poured on September 6th.” This news has sent waves of sadness through the community, as the brewery has been a cornerstone of the downtown area for over a decade.

Just a few months ago, the company celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey. Over the years, Something Wicked has not only brewed craft beer but also created lasting friendships and memories. The owners reflected on how the business became more than just a place to enjoy a drink—it became a gathering spot where strangers turned into friends and friends became family. They shared countless moments of laughter, tears, stories, and songs, each one leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.

In the coming weeks, the brewing company plans to host a special event called “The Wicked Dog Days Pawlooza” until their final day on September 6. This celebration is a way to say thank you to the community that has supported them throughout the years. The owners expressed their deep gratitude, saying, “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Hanover — for welcoming us, supporting us, and choosing us again and again. It has been our deepest honor to serve this community.”

CBS 21 spoke with one of the six co-owners, Stephen Benzow, who described the decision to close as the hardest he’s ever had to make. “Closing a business that has brought so much to downtown and has been such an integral part of our lives for so long, it’s very difficult,” he said. Benzow explained that while they had hoped to continue serving customers for another 10 years, various factors led to the tough decision.

“We set a standard that we like to maintain here with our quality of our beer and our food and everything, and that takes a lot of overhead. With the last year, especially the last few months, it’s been really hard to keep things going with that level of standard,” Benzow added. He noted that sales have not met expectations, and the current economic climate has affected their business. “I think craft beer, I don’t want to say it’s a fad, but I think everything goes in ebbs and flows, and I think we’re seeing an ebb in the interest in craft beer.”

A Personal Connection

Spencer Shirk, a long-time customer of Something Wicked, has been visiting the brewery since it first opened. Over the years, he has become so familiar with the place that he earned the title “Superior Attendant” four times. For Shirk, the closure feels like losing a lifelong friend. “I feel like a favorite relative passed,” he said. “I came in here on an off-night, they were still creating this place when I first came in here, and they just had me in and talked to me, and I’ve been coming here ever since.”

Shirk recalled some of his favorite events hosted by the brewery, including Halloween scavenger hunts and “emo in the ally,” which were big draws for the community. “It was always nice to have cool little events like that, and it’s so close to town,” he said. “I feel like somebody has done something indescribable to a pet. It’s really losing something out of the community, especially since it’s been around for over a decade. Hanover’s really losing something.”

Changing Trends and Challenges

Some believe that the younger generation's drinking habits may also play a role in the brewery’s closure. Steven Duttera, a 32-year-old local, noted that many young people are choosing not to drink compared to previous generations. “A lot of the new generation coming up is choosing not to drink compared to the millennials or the generation above them,” he said. “I actually used to be an alcoholic, and just seeing all the negatives and no positives really.”

For those looking to support Something Wicked before its final day, the owners are hosting “The Wicked Dog Days Pawlooza” this Saturday. The event will feature treats, music, and of course, beer in the business’s alleyway. Proceeds from the event will go to the SPCA, ensuring that even as the brewery closes, it continues to give back to the community.

As the final days approach, the sense of loss is palpable. Something Wicked Brewing Company has left an unforgettable mark on Hanover, and its closure will be felt deeply by those who have called it home.