Breweries throughout Connecticut and nearby breweries in Massachusetts & Rhode Island
24 Porter Rd, Littleton, MA
Signature Beer: Cloud Hopper
Five-second Description: Very cool logo and very well-decorated space for an industrial park brewery. The owner was great and spent a lot of time talking to us and he keeps a very clean shop. The beer still needs some work, but they are constantly experimenting to find the one.
Why you should go: Beer for every taste and even some great hard seltzer options.
My Rating
Beer: B
Setting: B
Website: Dirigible Brewing Company
112 Industrial Dr, Holden, MA 01520
Signature Beer: VII IPA
Five-second Description: Stand alone facility that looks like a large industrial barn. Great beer and a fantastic outdoor area with lots of Adirondack chairs. They even had a live band that you could enjoy outside. Then there is the beer, which was great with a lot rated over 4 and well deserved. Very cool logo and a very well-decorated space for an industrial park brewery. They do need to get their tap list on their website though.
Why you should go: Great IPAs and other brews with a great place to relax on a nice day.
My Rating
Beer: A
Setting: A
Website: Seven Saws Brewing Company
21A Furnace St. Danielson, CT 06239
(860) 942-6506
Signature Beer: Es Bien
Five-second Description: Former home of Black Pond Brewery without a lot of change. I hope they can pull off what their predecessor did, brew good beer, and grow out of the building. The building is incredibly unique and was originally built as a photo studio over 100 years ago. They are in the end in the basement, I would love to see them grow to take over the upstairs. The space is a bit small, but certainly large enough for now. The beer was OK and still needs some work to get to the next level. Friendly owner that is willing to talk beer to anyone!
Why you should go: A great stop before going to Putnam for another brewery stop and dinner. The very unique building is worth a look. A nice outside area that I hope they take advantage of.
My Rating
Beer: C+
Setting: C
Website: The Boroughs Brewing Company
First visited April 19, 2023
39 Ragged Rock Rd, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
(860) 339-3762
Signature Beer: Too Early to tell
Five-second Description: Former home of 30 Mile and although this is off the beaten track a bit, it is worth a visit. The new owner is brewing some really good beer already. I liked the indoor space but found the outdoor space just OK since you still feel like you are in a parking lot. I could never figure out how 30 Mile failed and I hope these guys can pick thinks up and continue to grow their following.
Why you should go: They have very good quality beer and it is not just IPAs. Very crowd-pleasing beer selection. Great inside space with lots of games.
My Rating
Beer: B
Setting: B
Website: Myrcene Brewing Company
First visited: April 15, 2023
40R Sprague St, Providence, RI 02907
(401) 213-9830
Signature Beer: The All Seeing Eye IPA
Five-second Description: Very cool recovered factory space spanning two floors that has everything you would want in a brewery. The beer is also the best I have had in Rhode Island. IPSa are definitely the theme, but they have several other and several other beers for different tastes.
Why you should go: The beer, the beer, and the beer. The space is also awesome and it is only steps from the airport.
My Rating
Beer: A
Setting: A
Website: Long Live Beerworks
215 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357
(860) 850-2789
Signature Beer: Pew Pew
Five-second Description: Expected a bit more from this second location of Five Churches. They were out of a lot of beers on the menu and the pretzel was not as good as the one at the main location. There is very little signage outside, which may be a restriction, but at least get a new awning with your brand on it. It is located in the old Morton House, which has not had a real use for years. There are windows facing the water, but you cant see out of them from the main floor. Hope they can make this work, but it may be a bit of a struggle.
Why you should go: It is in a great location and across the street from the water. Good Five Churches beer is also worth the visit.
Food: Pizza, wings and pretzels
My Rating
Beer: B+
Setting: C+
Website: Five Churches By The Bay Facebook
First visited March 25, 2023
180 Johnson St, Middletown, CT 06457
Signature Beer: Nummy Nummy
Five-second Description: great beer, cramped but cool tasting room in an old industrial building. No more food trucks anymore, but they expanded and finally have enough room for the crowds. Good solid brands, but they need to start working to get new beers on the line.
Why you should go: Good quality beer
My Rating
Beer: B+
Setting: B
Website: Stubborn Beauty
Last visited March 27, 2023
First visited Dec 2016
180 Johnson St, Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 788-2138
Signature Beer: Maybe… Coniferous Kolsch?
Five-second Description: Nice German style beer with an IPA thrown in. Clean and bright tasting room. the new IPA’s have some real promise too!
Why you should go: The beer is well made and it is two doors down from Stubborn Beauty Brewery…and food trucks!
My Rating
Beer: B
Setting: B-
Website: Forest City Brewing (Facebook ) – Time for a website!
First visit: Jan 2017
201 W. High St, Unit B1, East Hampton, CT O6424
(860) 729-2969
Signature Beer: 1st Rule
Five-second Description: Industrial Park location with minimalistic features. They do have 4 large TVs and a huge projection screen if you want to watch the game. Large open space with very nice nano-size tanks for brewing. Thought the beer was good, especially their Kolsch, English Bitter and their smooth triple IPA coming in at 10%. They also typically have food trucks on the weekends.
Why you should go: This place is in a brewery void and is very easy to get to right on Route 66. . They also create a wide variety of beers with something for most pallettes.
My Rating
Beer: B
Setting: B-
Website: Rule of 3 Brewing
First visited February 2023
4 Grove Beach Road N., Westbrook, CT 06498
(860) 664-5185
Signature Beer: Shore Shore for now
Five-second Description: Nautical theme throughout with ropes and paddles. The booths are built to feel like you’re on a boat as well. Nice outside space with very friendly staff and owners. Great branding and merchandise too.
Why you should go: This place is in a brewery desert and very easy to get to. They also create great beer mixtures that enhance the flavors of their beers i.e Maple Stout and Pumpkin Marzen.
My Rating
Beer: B+
Setting: B+
Website: Coastline Brewing Company
First visited December 2022
