Though it may feel like Diamond Spring Brewery has been a cornerstone of downtown Denville for decades, this beloved local hotspot is only now celebrating its second anniversary.
Its roots, however, run deeper than you might think.
The dream belonged to Chrissy and Craig—the husband-and-wife team and proud Denville locals now behind the year-round brewery. On their regular walks through downtown, they often found themselves drawn to the long-vacant service station, envisioning it as the perfect home for a local brewery they hoped would one day open.
“Craig wanted a brewery in town so badly. We figured, if we wanted it - why not just build it?” Chrissy revealed.
Craig, a mechanical engineer and avid home brewer, took his hobby to the next level during the pandemic, turning their garage into a full-fledged mini brewery. They began sharing test batches with friends and family around town through a "contactless" growler exchange, receiving rave reviews that confirmed they were onto something special.
With months of research and planning behind them, the couple took the leap. They secured the space in August 2022, partnered with friends Attila Nagy and Monika Kuzmos (also of Denville) to get the job done, and by June 2023, had turned the once-forgotten service station into the vibrant gathering place it is today.
“It was a train we couldn’t stop. We just went along for the ride and never looked back,” Chrissy explained.
Today, Diamond Spring Brewery is a beloved, family-owned staple—one many can’t imagine Denville without.
The name “Diamond Spring” often sparks curiosity among patrons, but it’s more than just a nod to the brewery's location near Diamond Spring Road, or even Craig's grandfather's childhood home also located there. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Craig’s family legacy, honoring the generations of entrepreneurs who lived and ran businesses in the area before him.
“Craig’s grandfather owned Diamond Spring Dairy, and his uncle owned Diamond Spring Delicatessen which used to be across the street,” Chrissy shared. “We knew if we opened something downtown, it had to share that name.”
Today, every pint is brewed on-site—from the original “Lakeside” to the fan-favorite “Juice Box,” most named by Chrissy. Beer lovers can also enjoy seasonal selections, hard seltzer, and nonalcoholic options.
“I like to think that every beer [here] has its own personality,” Chrissy revealed. “Most of our names have to do with enjoying life and appreciating a moment in time—whether it's a season, a location, or a mood.”
What sets Diamond Spring Brewery apart is its perfect blend of variety and consistency. While flavors rotate quarterly, fan favorites make a return year after year.
And it’s not just about the beer. With a cozy indoor taproom, a covered all-season pavilion (complete with fans and heaters), and weekly trivia nights, the space buzzes year-round.
Even winter doesn’t slow things down—thanks to the Polar Beer Club, a group of over 100 die-hard locals who bundle up and brave the cold for a frosty pint. Members earn a commemorative pin, exclusive merch—and, of course, bragging rights for sipping through the cold.
“There’s people who hang out in the freezing cold and drink beer with us in order to support us in the winter. It’s the most amazing thing in the world,” Chrissy said with a smile.
Over the past two years, Chrissy and Craig have poured themselves into the community, and the response has been just as warm.
“I love that there are so many community groups that meet here,” Chrissy added. “We have a good amount of clubs that come often, whether it’s the Denville Library Book Club or the group that plays Dungeons and Dragons here regularly.”
There’s also no shortage of special events. This month brings “Hoppily Ever After,” a celebration for book-lovers featuring local authors. July’s “Christmas in July” will include adoptable dogs and a surprise visit from Santa. And the calendar doesn’t stop there—“Boots and Brews” (September), “Oktoberfest” (October), and “Flannel Fest” (November) help carry the party from summer straight through to sweater weather.
Live music fills the space every Friday through Sunday during the summer, and guests can order food from nearby spots like The Pasta Shop and Café Crevier—with a dedicated food runner delivering meals right to your table.
Beyond being a local hotspot, Chrissy and her family also give back to the community—supporting charities like Denville S.P.A.R.K. and pet adoption groups.
“There are so many ideas that we haven’t even implemented yet,” Chrissy revealed.
Diamond Spring Brewery has quickly established itself as a favorite gathering place for residents of all ages—and Chrissy and Craig are proud to see their vision become such a cherished part of Denville.
With two entrepreneurial daughters and a brewery brimming with possibility, it’s clear this is only the beginning. What began as a small-batch dream now stands as a local landmark—proving that from the first pour to the last, Diamond Spring Brewery is only just beginning to tap into its full potential.
“Craig’s grandfather owned Diamond Spring Dairy, and his uncle owned Diamond Spring Delicatessen," Chrissy shared. “We knew if we opened something downtown, it had to share that name.”