By Deirdre Parker Smith

deirdre.smith@salisburypost.com

New Sarum Brewery Co. will have its grand opening on Saturday at their brewery and taproom in downtown Salisbury.

The events begin at 1 p.m. and include tours, tastings, live music, food trucks, giveaways and a live radio broadcast.

“This event is long awaited and much anticipated,” said Andy Maben, brewmaster. “Brewing beer is my passion and we can’t wait to tap this locally grown premiere brew for the good people of Salisbury-Rowan County and all craft beer enthusiasts.”

The brewery started out in an office space next to Salty Caper on Lee Street. Now the grain room alone is bigger than that space. Shining new brewing equipment will allow New Sarum to brew large batches of beer and a cold room provides storage. They will be able to self-distribute their beer in the region. It is now available at Salisbury Wine Shop and expanding.

Rock 92.3 FM will broadcast live from the scene. Scheduled musical performances include Underhill Rose from 1:30-2-15 p.m.; The Rondo Rigs, 2:30-3:15 p.m.; Forlorn Strangers, 3:45-5 p.m.; Packway Handle Band, 5:30-7 p.m.; and Hackensaw Boys, 7:30-9 p.m.

New Sarum will offer behind-the-scenes VIP tours of the facility for $30, which will include one of their beers in a growler. The tours will be first-come, first-served starting at 2 p.m. A special Belgian-style beer, made with Apple Ugly pastries, will be offered on the VIP tour.

New Sarum’s address is 109 N. Lee St., behind the Gateway Building, in the old Salisbury Tractor building. It is accessible from Lee and Depot streets, with parking near the train station and behind the Gateway Building.

The taproom features vintage wood and industrial-inspired stools, while outside, visitors can look up at the grain silos while they sit at picnic tables sipping beer.

Founded in early 2012, by lifelong friends Gian Moscardini and Maben, the brewery derives its name from the original settlement name of Salisbury’s Sister City – Old Sarum, England.

Maben is dedicated to making the beers as local and as authentic as possible. His recipes begin with a study of an individual style of beer, searching history for proved and tested methods of creating the foundation. Brewing will use as many Rowan County and North Carolina products as possible.

The beers are 142 Blonde Ale, made with grits, Old Stone House IPA, Hurley Park Blood Orange Wheat, Roundhouse Robust Porter and High Rock Red Ale, all named after local places and events.

A special event package is available for out-of-town visitors, but only through today. It includes an overnight stay at a local hotel or B&B and includes transportation, tickets for the VIP tour, a growler and Donwtown Dollars. For more information, go to VisitSalisburyNC.com

For more information on New Sarum, visit NewSarumBrewing.com or find them on Facebook.