Micro-Distillery Proposed on West Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a hearing on Wednesday night for a proposed micro-distillery at 45 West Street, the original home of Electric Time (the large clock still hangs on the outside of the building). 

Applicant Andrew McCabe of 123 Farm Street, Dover, hopes to launch AstraLunaBrands in 1,440 square feet of space that used to rented to a yoga studio. Medfield Dance Academy is still a tenant in the 45 West Street building. 

According to its Facebook page, Astra-Luna Brands, is a:

Distributor and craft distiller of ultra premium and small batch spirits that include vodkas, rums, gins, whiskies and high quality moonshines.

McCabe said he expects to distill 50 gallons -- or 10 to 15 cases (six bottles per case) -- of grain alcohol each week with the hopes of increasing to 100 gallons a week. 

In addition:

• Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, no weekend hours. 
• Will not be open to the public; no retail.
• Maximum of four employees
• 42 parking spots
• No signage other than building signs
• One delivery truck per week
• No exhaust; no odor
• Distilleries are overseen by the ABCC and ATF

The excess mash is reused by local farmers (for pigs and cows and sheep) once a week but will be kept inside until pickup so there will be no odor to abutters.

In addition, there are no pressurized tanks so there is no danger of explosion, said AstraLuna's attorney.

"With no open flames and no pressure, there's minimal or no potential for fire," said Attorney O'Brien, noting the building has a water sprinkler system. 

ZBA hearing Chairman Stephen Nolan said a distillery is a new concept in Medfield.

"This one's kind of strange for us so I think we would feel a little better if we had a little more control," Nolan said of the ability to set guidelines to ensure the operation complies with town rules and regulations.

With a few questions and concerns, but no staunch opposition, from the audience, the hearing was closed. The ZBA has 180 days to issue its decision.