Breweries throughout Connecticut and nearby breweries in Massachusetts & Rhode Island
This closure was a shame, I wish they had considered moving to a better location. The beer was good and they did everything right.
939 Ragged Rock Road Unit #5 Old Saybrook, CT
Signature Beer: Breaking Belma
Five second Description: Typical industrial park atmosphere with a few outdoor tables. A bit quiet on the day we went.
Why you should go: Friendly atmosphere with great beer.
My Rating
Beer: A-
Setting: B
First visited August 2016
The better half here was the pizza. This place felt more like a pizza place that brewed beer on the side. You would think that either the pizza or the beer could keep them afloat, but neither was great and it did not work.
59 N Main St, Bristol, CT 06010
(860) 261-7062
Signature Beer: Not Sure
Five-second Description: This place leans more toward a pizza place that also brews OK beer.
Why you should go: Lively place with entertainment and food.
My Rating
Beer: C
Setting: B-
Last reviewed November Nov 16, 2019
Website: Better Half Brewing
5 Steeles Crossing Rd, Bolton, CT 06043
Signature Beer: Still working toward it
Five-second Description: This is a set up in the driveway of a residential house with a cover for inclement weather.
Why you should go: The beer is very good and the brewer is very serious about using minimal ingredients yielding a fresh and claen beer.
My Rating
Beer: B+
Setting: C
Last reviewed Sep 28, 2019
Website: Breakaway Brewhaus
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I like that this place was dedicated to veterans, but both the beer and the setting were not enough to keep people coming back.
11 Freedom Way, Niantic, CT 06357
Signature Beer: Fatty Boom Boom Baltic Porter
Five-second Description: A bit of a small boring place dedicated to our armed forces
Why you should go: The beer is good for those not seeking good IPAs.
My Rating
Beer: C+
Setting: C
Last reviewed Jun 23, 2019
Website: Noble Jay Brewing Company
This was a restaurant that made its own beer, but it was more about the wine and the food. My guess is that the restaurant was too high-end for the spot and for a brewery theme.
687 State Street, New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 891-7704
Signature Beer: Any of the Erector beers
Five second Description: More of a high end restaurant that features Erector beers made on premises. Very chic, but it is all about the expensive and great food.
Why you should go: Very high end food and exotic Italian cocktails. The beer is great too!
My Rating
Beer: A-
Setting: A-
Website: Nolo
This closure was a shame, it was due to the lease that they were not able to extend, poor planning.
422A N Main Street, Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 643-2739
Signature Beer: Too early to tell, but their IPA seems to have some traction rock
Five-second Description: Standard office park setting with a well done interior. Still needs an identity or differentiator to make it memorable.
Why you should go: Good beer and a great bunch of owners. This is the best place east of the river in CT.
My Rating
Beer: B+
Setting: B
Website: Parable Brewing Company (Facebook)
This funky backyard brewery always had great beer and they sold the recipe and brand to 12 Percent which still brews great new versions.
47 Tartia Rd, East Hampton, CT 06424
(860) 881-8045
Signature Beer: Severe Tire Damage IPA
Five-second Description: This is a home brewer that decided to build a bar in his back yard. The place is awesome with plenty of comfortable outdoor seating and a mini farm for the kids.
Why you should go: They have great beer and one of the most relaxing settings of any brewery I have been to. You feel like you are visiting old friends.
My Rating
Beer: A-
Setting: A
Website: Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.
Plain old bad management. You could tell when you visited, they preferred to have a keg party vs serving customers.
95 Bridge Road, Haddam, CT 06438
(860) 777-5041
Signature Beer: Big Bad Bunny or Our Daily Bread IAP
Five second Description: They know how to make real good beer, and how to have a good time. The only issue is that the drinking space if far from complete. Feels more like a college dorm room than a brewery room designed for potential customers.
Why you should go: They know how to make beer that will appeal to all tastes. high quality beer
My Rating
Beer: B+
Setting: C-
Website: Steady Habit Brewing Company (facebook)
No surprise here, they never evolved and started brewing craft beers. They also never created a real tasting room.
100 Mechanic Street
Pawcatuck, CT 06379
(860) 599-8213
Signature Beer: Old Yankee Ale
Five second Description: They have a good formula for success and have been in business since 1997.
Why you should go: Free samples and a friendly staff
My Rating
Beer: C
Setting: C+
First visited January 2017
Website: Cottrell Brewing Co.
Pretty good beer, but a strange location that did not feel safe, they also did not keep inventing new beers which are essential for a small brewery.
Signature Beer: YPA
Five second Description: great stop to grab a pint of good beer, they typically have a food truck too. This is a great stop for a quick beer and they have munchies out.
Why you should go: Nice tasting room and they allowed pets!
My Rating
Beer: B
Setting: A-
Website: Hanging Hills Brewing Company
