Destination Breweries in Connecticut

Since so many of Connecticut’s craft breweries are start ups, the need for affordable space often puts them in non-descript industrial parks, which can lack a certain curb appeal. But once inside, you’ll find inviting spaces that reflect the personality and the passion of the owners.

Connecticut also has an advantage that many other states don’t: unique, historical, one-of-a-kind spaces. “In Connecticut, there are a lot of old mill towns, with big old buildings and factories that make great brewery spaces when converted,” says Siss. Stubborn Beauty in Middletown is in a remodeled bicycle factory, for example.

And where once the industry was challenged by negative perceptions, more and more towns are receptive to the idea of a brewery in their midst. According to Siss, “municipalities are certainly more open to it, where in years past they may have been suspicious, when they see how popular and respected these businesses are, they are becoming a lot more welcoming.”

There are also many smaller brewery operations in Connecticut that offer tastings, tours, and other reasons to visit — on a little more intimate level. Relic Brewing Company is a small batch operation, or nano-brewery, in Plainville. In fact, the batches are so small, every week there’s something different, which Siss says can be great if you’re always looking to try something new. But not so great if you fall in love with something “that’s gone the next week.” Luckily, you’re not far from J Timothy’s Taverne, which features a selection of local craft beers, a full dining menu, and known for their famous buffalo wings.

“The guys that came of age when home brewing really took off as sort of a rebellious hobby are the ones that are making it work today,” says Siss. “For them, it’s not just a business, it’s a passion.”

Other smaller shops with dedicated followings include:

• Thimble Island Brewing, Branford
  Ales, stouts, and more, offering tours, free tastings, and growlers.
• Outer Light Brewing Company, Groton
  A child-friendly taproom offers pints, tastings, and growler fills to go. 
• Half Full Brewery, Stamford
  The tasting room offers occasional “rare beer” nights.
• Overshores Brewing Company, East Haven
  Connecticut’s first and only dedicated Belgian-style brewery.
• New England Brewing Company, Woodbridge
  Offers limited edition beers such as the “white whale” Fuzzy Baby Ducks.
• The Beer Garden at Shippan Landing, Stamford
  An outdoor oasis, with a rotating roster of craft beer.
• Bear Hands Brewery, Putnam
  A small family-owned brewery that constantly introduces new beer for their guests.
• Evening Sky Brewing Company, Burlington
  A newly opened craft brewery and tasting room in the countryside town of Burlington.

Many of these breweries are found along the Connecticut Beer Trail. But Siss says there’s more to explore practically every day. “You can even do a mini-tour in some towns like Branford, where you can taste at Thimble Island and Stony Creek in one trip.”

Or stop into Bridgeport’s innovative Brewport for food, pizza, and a wide selection of in-house crafted brews and other favorites from Connecticut and beyond.

So how does Connecticut’s craft brew industry stand up against places like Boston and Brooklyn? Siss says for one thing, it’s a different attitude here; that Connecticut’s craft breweries offer a quality product, great personality and a sense of connection.

“These days a lot of casual beer drinkers are looking for an experience. They can go anywhere to get a beer. They want to feel like they’re part of something, a community. And the community here is so open and inclusive. You don’t have to know a lot to go to these tasting rooms, the people there treat everyone the same.”

Some people remember beers like good dates. “They connect a beer with a song that was playing, a moment in time that was special to them. These breweries offer the emotional connection that people are looking for — but it’s the community that keeps them coming back.”
 

With special thanks to Wiss Siss, author of Connecticut Beer: A History of Nutmeg State Brewing. Follow his adventures in Connecticut beer at beersnobwrites.com.