Breweries throughout Connecticut and nearby breweries in Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Signature Beer: Clock Tower Pale Ale
Five second Description: They have a small, but nice space with a real micro-brew feel. the beer is pretty good and the facility is in an old brick factory building. Very limited outdoor space without a lot of room for expansion
Why you should go: Chill environment just north of Waterbury.
My Rating
Beer: B
Setting: B
Website: Lasting Brass Brewing
First visited May 2017
575 Pacific St, Stamford , CT 06902
(203) 580-2030
Signature Beer: Bright Blonde Ale
Five-second Description: A fantastic recovered space that has been really modernized. There are large young crowds here and it seems that it is always busy. The beer is good, but not great in my opinion, but that is because their IPAs are not true New England style. Plenty of parking and no outdoor space that I could find. this is an extension of the Half Full brewery and they call it the Third Place since everyone needs a third place to socialize outside of their house and workplace.
Why you should go: To see the private booths designed as work spaces, they also have coffee.
My Rating
Beer: B-
Setting: B+
First visited April 2, 2022
Website: Third Place by Half Full
57 Chestnut St, Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 857-1074
Signature Beer: Felix Double IPA
Five-second Description: A great recovered space that has maintained enough of its history to capture the old look, especially the windows. There is a small outdoor area as well. The parking is limited, but the street is open for parking.
Why you should go: The recapture is astounding and the beer is good too.
My Rating
Beer: A-
Setting: A
First visited April 2, 2022
Website: Spacecat Brewing Company
350 Long Beach Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615
(843) 507-4783
Signature Beer: Run Wild IPA
Five-second Description: The setting is an industrial area in a metal building. The inside is spacious and modern and there are some tables outside next to the parking lot. They are a non-alcoholic brewery that brews beers with less than 0.5% alcohol.
Why you should go: The only craft non-alcohol brewery that I know of. Good beer without the buzz.
My Rating
Beer: A-
Setting: B
First visited April 2, 2022
Website: Athletic Brewing Company
62 Washington St, Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 996-0092
Signature Beer: 1929 Prohibition Porter
Five-second Description: The setting is an old storefront right off Main Street in Middletown. Not the best location since parking is not free (except on Sundays). They did everything right, but I am not sure there is a compelling reason to go. No entertainment, no food, and a few of the beers were not drinkable. They had a couple of New England IPAs but were out of them. This place will not succeed at this location without better beer and some sort of food option.
Why you should go: Worth a stop if you happen to be walking in Middletown. A lot needs to be improved to make this a destination.
My Rating
Beer: C-
Setting: B
First visited March 2022
Website: Powder Hollow Middletown
78 Franklin St, Norwich CT 06360
860-949-8550
Signature Beer: Motueka’s Revenge
Five second Description: This is really nice brewpub that has high end and high quantity entries.
Why you should go: High quality beer and food. If you are a guy, you have to see the urinal.
My Rating
Beer: B+
Food: A-
Setting: B
First Visited March 2017
Website: These Guys Brewing Company
40 Franklin St, Norwich, CT 06360
(860) 213-5706
Signature Beer: Probably the Stay Pretty Blonde Ale
Five-second Description: Nice setting in the old Norwich Bulletin building. Lots of character in the facility, just a bit dark inside due to the small windows. Great shuffleboard table.
Why you should go: It is one of two breweries in Norwich and it is almost right next door to the other one.
My Rating
Beer: B-
Setting: B
Website: Epicure Brewing (Facebook)
Last visited Feb 2022
17 Kripes Rd, East Granby, CT 06026
(860) 413-9401
Signature Beer: Too early, but I will go with the Rewind Amber Ale
Five-second Description: Based on the Almost Famous movie with rock and roll motif and a small stage lighting decoration. They also used old bowling alley wood to create the tables and some have the old pin setting marks on them. The sours and pilsners are better than the IPAs.
Why you should go: Active scene with plenty of space to have you and all your friends near the airport.
My Rating
Beer: B-
Setting: B
Website: Almost Famous Brewing
75 Pascoag Main St, Pascoag, RI
(401) 710-4242
Signature Beer: Mayday New England IPA and their Fruit Series
Five-second Description: Nice brewery in a very quaint downtown of Pascoag. Plenty of room and a lot of very good beer.
Why you should go: The area is unique for a brewery and the service is great.
My Rating
Beer: B-
Setting: B+
Website: Berlinetta Brewing Company
1001 Hartford Pike, Dayville, CT
(860) 207-5295
Signature Beer: Machu Picchu (Jalapeno Saison)
Five-second Description: Lots of beer variety, friendly staff, and a great road stop.
Why you should go: The new building is a great improvement and there are no other breweries in the area.
My Rating
Beer: B
Setting: B
Website: Black Pond
First Visited Jan 2017 (before they moved)
