Counterweight Brewing Co

23 Raccio Park Rd, Hamden, CT 06514
(203) 821-7333

Signature Beer: Headway

Five second Description: The new facility is amazing and large. Two big floors and an area with garage style doors that open to a large patio.  This place will really be awesome in nice weather.

Why you should go: Great line of super high quality IPA and Pilsner bears, some of the best in CT.

My Rating
Beer: A
Setting: B+

First reviewed July 2017

Website:  Counterweight Brewing Co

Lasting Brass Brewing

1864 Watertown Avenue, Oakville, CT 06779
(860) 417-2581

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


Third Place by Half Full

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


Spacecat Brewing Company

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


Athletic 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

Powder Hollow Middletown

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


These Guys Brewing Company

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


Epicure Brewing

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

Almost Famous Brewing

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

Black Pond Brews

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)