The Best Connecticut Craft Beer: Where To Buy

Connecticut is home to a host of award-winning craft breweries and brewpubs, many of which offer food, dining experiences, and special events. The state's distinctive craft beer destinations include Thimble Island, which offers a wide-ranging selection for on-site consumption in their tasting room and off-site retail, and Counter-Weight, which has gained great popularity in Southern Connecticut with its Headway IPA and Workhorse Pilsner. The first BIPOC-owned craft brewery in Connecticut, Rhythm Brewing, makes two types of lager.

The Connecticut Beer Trail

Connecticut has a host of award-winning breweries and brewpubs, many of which offer food, dining experiences and special events. The Connecticut Beer Trail takes you on a journey through the state's distinctive craft beer destinations, where you can try handcrafted, locally brewed beer, attend tastings, and even take a brewery tour.

One of the breweries on the trail is Thimble Island, which offers a wide-ranging selection of beers for on-site consumption in their tasting room and off-site retail. Another is Two Roads, which was the first big new operation in the state for quite some time. Counter-Weight is another popular brewery in Southern Connecticut, with a great taproom and retail/distribution operation. They launched in 2016 and began distributing their now-popular Headway IPA and Workhorse Pilsner right away.

Rhythm Brewing is the first BIPOC-owned craft brewery in Connecticut, founded by professional salsa dancer Bowens-Mercado. They make one type of beer: lager. At the time of writing, Rhythm Brewing doesn't have a physical location, but their beers are available to buy in the state.

Indian Neck Liquor Store, Branford

If you're looking to buy craft beer in Connecticut, there are plenty of options. The state is home to a host of award-winning breweries and brewpubs, many of which offer food, dining experiences, and special events. You can try handcrafted, locally brewed beer, attend tastings, and even take a brewery tour.

One place to buy craft beer in Connecticut is Indian Neck Liquor Store in Branford. The store has a list of craft breweries in Connecticut on its website, which is maintained by its craft-beer fans. Indian Neck Liquor Store has supported and participated in the original "micro-brew" phase of the state's brewing history. The store is located in the former space of Firefly Hollow and is reportedly run by former 12% staffers. They plan to offer their own brews but will also bring in guest brewers regularly.

Indian Neck Liquor Store is a great place to visit if you're looking to explore Connecticut's craft beer scene. The store has a wealth of knowledge about the state's brewing history and can provide recommendations for other craft breweries in the area. They also offer a wide range of craft beers, both local and from across the state, so you can try a variety of different styles and flavours.

In addition to Indian Neck Liquor Store, there are several other craft breweries in Connecticut worth visiting. For example, Counter-Weight in Southington offers a wide array of self-brewed beers, from IPAs to experimentals, and has gained great popularity in Southern Connecticut. Thimble Island in Oxford is another award-winning brewery, offering a wide-ranging selection of beers for on-site consumption in their tasting room and off-site retail.

Whether you're looking to buy craft beer to take home or enjoy a fresh pint at a local brewery, Connecticut has something for everyone. With a vibrant craft beer scene, the state is a great place to explore new flavours and support local businesses. So why not raise a glass and cheers to the great state of Connecticut!

Counter-Weight Brewery, Southington

Counter-Weight Brewery in Southington, Connecticut, hit the ground running when they launched in 2016. They began distributing their now-popular Headway IPA and Workhorse Pilsner right away, and in just their second year, they gained great popularity in Southern CT. Their newly launched Critical Mass beer was also quite a much-sought-after hit from day one when it hit the market in January 2019. In addition to IPAs, they also offer experimental beers, including a root-beer porter, double coffee stout, and a conifer/spruce-flavoured experimental Gose beer.

Counter-Weight Brewery has a large facility, including an on-site pizza restaurant and a full bar in the Milldale section of Southington. They also have a great taproom and retail/distribution operation.

If you're looking for a place to buy craft beer in Connecticut, Counter-Weight Brewery is definitely worth checking out. With a wide array of self-brewed beers and a popular following, you're sure to find something to your taste.

Thimble Island Brewery, Oxford

Thimble Island Brewery is located in Oxford, Connecticut, and is known for its award-winning beers, including their Granola Brown. The brewery offers a wide range of beers for on-site consumption in their tasting room as well as off-site retail. Thimble Island is a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts exploring the Connecticut Beer Trail. The brewery constantly churns out great beers, and visitors can enjoy a wide-ranging selection of handcrafted, locally brewed beers. In addition to their beers, Thimble Island also offers food, dining experiences, and special events. So, whether you're looking to sample their latest creations or take a tour of the brewery, Thimble Island Brewery in Oxford is a great choice for craft beer lovers in Connecticut.

Rhythm Brewing, BIPOC-owned

There are many craft breweries in Connecticut, including Rhythm Brewing, the first BIPOC-owned craft brewery in the state. Founded by professional salsa dancer Bowens-Mercado, Rhythm Brewing makes just one type of beer: lager. Bowens-Mercado's Rhythm Unfiltered Lager and Blue Unfiltered Light Lager are both smooth, crisp, and clean on the finish. At the time of writing, Rhythm Brewing doesn't have a physical location, but you can buy its beers in Connecticut.

Connecticut has a host of award-winning breweries and brewpubs, many of which offer food, dining experiences, and special events. You can try handcrafted, locally brewed beer, attend tastings, and even take a brewery tour. Some of the most popular breweries in Connecticut include Thimble Island, Two Roads, and Counter-Weight. Thimble Island offers a wide-ranging selection of beers for on-site consumption in their tasting room and off-site retail. Two Roads was the first big new operation in the state for quite some time. Counter-Weight launched in 2016 and quickly gained popularity in Southern Connecticut with its Headway IPA and Workhorse Pilsner.

Frequently asked questions