Category: Connecticut

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The Boroughs 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

CT - Boroughs Brewing Company
CT – Boroughs Brewing Company
14 photos

 

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Myrcene Ale Company

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

CT-Myrcene
CT-Myrcene
14 photos
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Five Churches By The Bay

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

CT - 5 Churches Niantic
CT – 5 Churches Niantic
9 photos
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Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company

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

CT - Stubborn Beauty
CT – Stubborn Beauty
34 photos
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Forest City Brewing

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

CT - Forest City
CT – Forest City
22 photos
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Rule of 3 Brewing Company

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

CT - Rule of 3
CT – Rule of 3
16 photos

 

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Coastline Brewing Company

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

Coastal
Coastal
13 photos
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Firefly Hollow Brewing Company

1139 Center St., Bristol, CT  06010
(860) 845-8977

 

I liked this place.  Unfortunately, they couldn’t get to the growth cycle needed to survive.

Signature Beer: Cone Flakes IIPA

Five-second Description: Not much has changed since they opened, love the recovered space, but a bit more could be done to create an outdoor area.  Food trucks at times and always friendly staff.

Why you should go: The beer is unique and good.  The tasting room is full of character and often has entertainment on the weekends.

My Rating
Beer: B+
Setting: B+

Website: Firefly Hollow Brewing Company

First visited on February 1, 2017

CT - Firefly
CT – Firefly
15 photos
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Tox Brewing Company

635 Broad St, New London, CT 06320
(860) 921-7843

Signature Beer: Angel’s Trumpet Double IPA

Five second Description:  This is a great little place that used to be a fruit stand.  Very small but comfortable and has really good beer.  They also bring in a small band on some weekends.

Why you should go: The beer quality is worth the visit.

My Rating
Beer: A
Setting: B (only due to lack of space)

First visited June 2019

Website:  Tox Brewing Company

CT - Tox -New London
CT – Tox -New London
18 photos
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Brewbury

1383 Whittemore Rd, Middlebury, CT 06762
(203) 518-9000

Signature Beer: Haka Time dry hopped pilsner

Five-second Description:  More of a restaurant vs a brewery.  They had 25 taps but were only serving 4 of their beers, which were good but certainly not great.  Very noisy with a lot of sports games.  They are also not part of the CT Brewer’s Guild, so no stamp here.  The food tasted good but the portions are not what I would expect at a place like this.

Why you should go: A good place if you are not serious about your beer and feel too old for Dave and Busters.

My Rating
Beer: B-
Setting: C+

Website: Brewbury

First visited  August 2022

CT - Brewbury
CT – Brewbury
14 photos