Best Breweries in Connecticut: A Craft Beer Guide

This post provides details about the brewery scene in Connecticut.

Key Takeaways

• Connecticut boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with a diverse range of breweries.
• The state offers exceptional craft beers, scenic brewery spaces, and innovative brewing practices.
• Microbreweries, food trucks, and tasting rooms enhance the overall brewery experience.
• The Connecticut Brewers Guild plays a significant role in supporting and promoting local breweries.

Craft Brewery Scene in Connecticut

Connecticut’s craft beer scene has experienced significant growth over the past decade, transforming the state into a haven for beer enthusiasts. With a rich history of brewing and a commitment to quality, Connecticut’s breweries offer a diverse range of styles and flavors that cater to all tastes. The state’s craft beer scene showcases creativity, innovation, and a strong sense of community through its traditional lagers and ales as well as experimental brews.

New Haven’s beer scene is thriving, with a variety of breweries such as East Rock Brewing Company and Armada Brewing offering unique and flavorful craft beers. The city is known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse beer styles, making it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. In West Hartford, New Park Brewing stands out with its small-batch craft beers and welcoming atmosphere, while World of Beer offers an extensive selection of beers on tap, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. 

Rhythm Brewing Co., based in New Haven, crafts its flagship unfiltered lager, “Rhythm,” which delivers a smooth, crisp, and flavorful experience.

Moreover, the brewing industry in Connecticut has experienced significant growth, with over 200 craft beverage manufacturers operating statewide, contributing to the local economy and creating thousands of jobs.

^​Top Craft Breweries for Exceptional Beers

Connecticut is home to several top-tier breweries known for their exceptional craft beers. Here are some of our favorite breweries:

Two Roads Brewing Company: Located in Stratford, Two Roads Brewing Company is one of the largest and most well-known breweries in Connecticut. They offer a wide range of beers, including their popular Road 2 Ruin Double IPA and Lil’ Heaven Session IPA. The brewery’s philosophy of taking “the road less traveled” is reflected in their innovative and award-winning brews.

New England Brewing Co.: Based in Woodbridge, New England Brewing Co. is famous for its Sea Hag IPA and G-Bot Double IPA. Their commitment to quality and consistency has earned them a loyal following. The brewery’s cozy taproom and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Counter Weight Brewing Company, located in Cheshire, meticulously crafts beers such as Headway IPA and Crucial Mass Double IPA. Their focus on balance and flavor makes them a standout in the Connecticut beer scene. The brewery’s new facility in Cheshire offers an inviting space for beer enthusiasts to enjoy their brews.

Fox Farm Brewery: Situated in Salem, Fox Farm Brewery offers a serene setting and a diverse range of beers. Their Gather IPA and The Cabin Baltic Porter are highly regarded by beer enthusiasts. The brewery’s cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it a must-visit destination.

Kent Falls Brewing Company, located in Kent, employs a farm-to-glass approach, using locally sourced ingredients. Their Field Beer series and Super Script IPA are popular choices. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability and quality is evident in every sip.

These breweries not only offer exceptional beers but also provide unforgettable experiences for visitors, making Connecticut a great place for beer aficionados.

Breweries with Scenic Spaces

Connecticut’s breweries are not only known for their exceptional beers but also for their scenic and inviting spaces. Here are some breweries that offer outdoor oasis:

1. Fox Farm Brewery: Nestled in the countryside of Salem, Fox Farm Brewery provides a picturesque setting with its rustic barn and surrounding farmland. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon with friends and family.
2. Kent Falls Brewing Company: Located on a working farm in Kent, this brewery offers a unique experience with its scenic views and farm-to-glass brewing process. Visitors can enjoy their beers while taking in the beauty of the farm.
3. Stony Creek Brewery: Situated along the Branford River, Stony Creek Brewery boasts a stunning waterfront location. Their outdoor patio and beer garden provide a perfect spot to enjoy their beers while overlooking the river.
4. Thimble Island Brewing Company: Located in Branford, Thimble Island Brewing Company offers a spacious taproom and outdoor seating area. The brewery’s proximity to the Long Island Sound adds to its charm.

Diversity in Brewing

The brewery scene in Connecticut celebrates diversity, with notable examples like Rhythm Brewing Co., the state’s first BIPOC-owned craft brewery. Additionally, initiatives such as the Connecticut Brewers Guild African American Brewing Scholarship aim to further diversify the industry by supporting aspiring brewers from underrepresented communities.

Athletic Brewing Co., based in Milford, Connecticut, is a pioneer in the non-alcoholic craft beer industry, offering a wide range of flavorful brews that don’t compromise on taste. Founded in 2017, the company has quickly become a leader in the market, representing nearly half of all non-alcoholic craft beer sales in the U.S.

Beer Styles

In addition, Connecticut’s breweries are known for their diversity in brewing styles and flavors. From traditional lagers and ales to experimental and innovative brews, there’s something for everyone. Here are some examples of the diverse offerings:

1. Traditional Styles: Many breweries in Connecticut excel in producing classic styles such as lagers, pilsners, and pale ales. These beers are often characterized by their balance, drinkability, and adherence to traditional brewing methods.
2. Hoppy Beers: IPAs and other hop-forward beers are incredibly popular in Connecticut. Breweries like New England Brewing Co. and Counter Weight Brewing Company craft exceptional IPAs that showcase a range of hop flavors and aromas.
3. Sour and Wild Ales: Breweries like OEC Brewing in Oxford specialize in sour and wild ales, offering unique and complex flavors that appeal to adventurous beer drinkers.
4. Barrel-Aged Beers: Many breweries in Connecticut experiment with barrel aging, creating rich and flavorful beers that benefit from the aging process. Examples include stouts, porters, and barleywines aged in bourbon or wine barrels.

Innovative Breweries

Connecticut’s craft beer scene is marked by a spirit of experimentation and innovation. Several breweries are pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing to create unique and exciting beers:

1. OEC Brewing: Located in Oxford, OEC Brewing is known for its experimental approach to brewing. They specialize in sour and wild ales, often incorporating unconventional ingredients and techniques.
2. Black Hog Brewing Co.: Based in Oxford, Black Hog Brewing Co. is known for its creative and innovative beers. Their Disco Pig series features a range of experimental brews, including barrel-aged and mixed fermentation beers.
3. Relic Brewing Co.: Located in Plainville, Relic Brewing Co. is known for its small-batch, artisanal beers. They frequently experiment with different styles and ingredients, resulting in a diverse and ever-changing lineup of beers.
4. Hanging Hills Brewing Company: Based in Hartford, Hanging Hills Brewing Company is committed to pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing. Their lineup includes a variety of experimental and seasonal beers that showcase their creativity and innovation.
5. Area Two Experimental Brewing, located in Stratford, is the innovation hub for Two Roads Brewing Company, focusing on sour, barrel-aged, and experimental beers. This state-of-the-art facility offers a unique tasting experience with its diverse collection of boundary-breaking brews.

Microbreweries in Connecticut: Great Beers to discover

Microbreweries play a significant role in Connecticut’s craft beer scene, offering unique and locally-focused beers. Here are some notable microbreweries:

1. Back East Brewing Company: Located in Bloomfield, Back East Brewing Company is known for its small-batch beers and commitment to quality. Their Ice Cream Man IPA and Back East Ale are popular choices.
2. No Worries Brewing Company: Based in Hamden, No Worries Brewing Company focuses on producing small-batch, handcrafted beers. Their lineup includes a variety of styles, from IPAs to stouts.
3. Firefly Hollow Brewing: Located in Bristol, Firefly Hollow Brewing is known for its creative and flavorful beers. Their Cone Flakes DIPA and Lizard’s Breath IPA are highly regarded by beer enthusiasts.
4. Shebeen Brewing Company: Based in Wolcott, Shebeen Brewing Company offers a diverse range of beers, including their popular Cannoli Beer and Irish Pale Ale. Their focus on small-batch brewing allows them to experiment with different styles and flavors.

Tasting Rooms and Food Trucks

Many breweries in Connecticut enhance the overall experience by offering food trucks and inviting tasting rooms. Here are some examples:

1. Two Roads Brewing Company: Their spacious tasting room and outdoor beer garden often feature food trucks, providing a variety of culinary options to pair with their beers.
2. New England Brewing Co.: The brewery’s taproom offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and they frequently host food trucks to complement their beers.
3. Counter Weight Brewing Company: Their tasting room provides a comfortable space to enjoy their beers, and they often have food trucks on-site to offer delicious food options.
4. Stony Creek Brewery: With its waterfront location, Stony Creek Brewery’s tasting room and outdoor patio are perfect for enjoying their beers. They regularly host food trucks and events to enhance the experience.

Many craft breweries in Connecticut, such as Woodbury Brewing Company and Nod Hill Brewery, offer live music, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors.

Connecticut Brewers Guild

The Connecticut Brewers Guild plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the state’s craft beer industry. The guild provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for local breweries, helping them thrive and grow. They also organize events and initiatives to raise awareness about Connecticut’s craft beer scene and encourage tourism. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, the Connecticut Brewers Guild contributes to the overall success and vibrancy of the state’s breweries.

Other Breweries to Consider

As we have said, Connecticut is a great place for beer aficionados, offering a wide selection of beers that cater to every palate. North Haven, in particular, is home to several notable breweries like Skygazer Brewing Company and Twelve Percent Beer Project, both of which have received high ratings for their innovative and flavorful brews^​. The Brewery Stars Meta-Rating system consolidates publicly available beer and venue ratings, ensuring that visitors can easily find the best spots for an unforgettable experience^​.

Whether you’re enjoying a personal favorite or discovering new brews, the good people at these breweries make the experience even more enjoyable. With a variety of favorite beers available, from hoppy IPAs to smooth lagers, Connecticut’s breweries are a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the local craft beer scene.

Thomas Hooker Brewery, located in Bloomfield, Connecticut, is celebrated for its commitment to crafting high-quality, small-batch brews. Their diverse range of beers, including popular IPAs, sours, and seasonal offerings, has earned them a loyal following among beer enthusiasts. The brewery also hosts events and tastings, providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their favorite brews.

Counter Weight Brewing Co., situated in Cheshire, Connecticut, is known for its dedication to brewing excellence. They offer a wide variety of beers, from rustic Belgian ales to hop-forward American IPAs, showcasing their passion for the craft. The brewery’s inviting taproom and knowledgeable staff create an unforgettable experience for beer lovers, making it a must-visit destination in the Connecticut beer scene.

Connecticut Breweries: Summary

Connecticut’s craft beer scene is a dynamic and thriving industry, offering a diverse range of exceptional beers and unique brewery experiences. You will be able to find good beer almost anywhere you go in the state. From top-tier breweries known for their quality and innovation to scenic spaces and microbreweries with a local focus, there’s something for every beer enthusiast. The presence of food trucks and inviting tasting rooms further enhances the brewery experience, making it a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers. The Connecticut Brewers Guild plays a vital role in supporting and promoting the industry, ensuring its continued growth and success. Hopefully some of this detailed information will be useful to you and have fun finding some local craft beer favorites on your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some of the best breweries to visit in Connecticut? A: Some of the top breweries to visit in Connecticut include Two Roads Brewing Company, New England Brewing Co., Counter Weight Brewing Company, Fox Farm Brewery, and Kent Falls Brewing Company.

Q: When is the best time to visit Connecticut’s breweries? A: Connecticut’s breweries can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit may depend on personal preferences. The summer and fall months offer pleasant weather and outdoor events, while the winter months provide a cozy atmosphere in tasting rooms.

Q: Are there any breweries in Connecticut that offer food options? A: Yes, many breweries in Connecticut feature food trucks or have on-site kitchens. Examples include Two Roads Brewing Company, Stony Creek Brewery, and Counter Weight Brewing Company.

Q: What types of beers can I expect to find at Connecticut’s breweries? A: Connecticut’s breweries offer a wide range of beer styles, including traditional lagers and ales, hop-forward IPAs, sour and wild ales, barrel-aged beers, and experimental brews.

Q: How can I learn more about Connecticut’s craft beer scene? A: The Connecticut Brewers Guild is a great resource for learning more about the state’s craft beer scene. They provide information about local breweries, events, and initiatives to support the industry.

Q: Are there any brewery tours available in Connecticut? A: Yes, many breweries in Connecticut offer tours of their facilities. It’s a great way to learn about the brewing process.