Best 7 Breweries in New Haven CT: A Guide to the Top Craft Breweries in the Area
New Haven, Connecticut is a city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. But did you know that it’s also home to some of the best breweries in the state? From classic lagers to experimental IPAs, New Haven’s craft beer scene has something for everyone.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, there are plenty of breweries to explore in New Haven. East Rock Brewing Company is a popular spot with a cozy atmosphere and a rotating selection of beers on tap. Armada Brewing is another newcomer to the scene, offering unique brews like their popular Hazy IPA. Thimble Island Brewing Company, located just outside of New Haven in Branford, is also worth a visit for its award-winning beers and beautiful waterfront location.
History of Breweries in New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut has a rich history of breweries dating back to the 1600s. The city was once known as the Milwaukee of the East Coast, and for good reason. Dozens of breweries and brewers called New Haven home, with some of the most notable ones including the Fresenius and Sons Brewing Company, Rock Brewery, and Hull Brewing Company.
The Fresenius and Sons Brewing Company was founded in 1868 by German immigrant John Fresenius. The brewery was located on Water Street and produced a variety of popular beers, including the popular “Fresenius Lager”. The brewery was forced to close during Prohibition, but it reopened in 1933 before eventually closing its doors for good in 1951.
Rock Brewery was another popular brewery in New Haven. It was founded in 1872 and was located on Grand Avenue. The brewery produced a variety of beers, including its popular “Rock Ale”. The brewery closed in 1916 due to financial difficulties.
Hull Brewing Company was the last of the big breweries in New Haven. It was founded in 1872 and was located on Willow Street. The brewery produced a variety of beers, including its popular “Hull’s Export Lager”. The brewery closed in 1977, marking the end of beer brewing in New Haven for a generation.
Despite the closure of these historic breweries, New Haven’s brewing scene has seen a resurgence in recent years. Erector Brewing Collective and East Rock Brewing Company are just a few of the breweries that have opened up in the city, offering a variety of craft beers and unique flavors.
New Haven’s rich brewing history can be traced back to Europe, where beer has been a staple for centuries. The city’s breweries have played an important role in shaping its culture and economy, and continue to do so today.
Top Breweries in New Haven
When it comes to craft beer, New Haven has a lot to offer. Here are some of the top breweries in the area:
New England Brewing Co
New England Brewing Co. is a popular brewery located in Woodbridge, just outside of New Haven. They are known for their hoppy beers, particularly their flagship beer, Sea Hag IPA. Other popular beers include G-Bot Double IPA and Fuzzy Baby Ducks IPA.
Website: https://newenglandbrewing.com/
Address: 175 Amity Rd, Woodbridge, CT 06525, United States
Fox Farm Brewery
Fox Farm Brewery is a small, family-owned brewery located in Salem, CT. They specialize in brewing farmhouse ales, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Some of their popular beers include Burst IPA, Hearth Bound, and Gather.
Website: http://www.foxfarmbeer.com/
Address: 62 Music Vale Rd, Salem, CT 06420, United States
Two Roads Brewing
Two Roads Brewing is a well-known brewery located in Stratford, CT, just a short drive from New Haven. They offer a wide variety of beers, ranging from IPAs to stouts to sours. Some of their popular beers include Two Juicy, Lil’ Heaven, and Honeyspot Road.
Website: http://www.tworoadsbrewing.com/
Address: 1700 Stratford Ave, Stratford, CT 06615, United States
Rhythm Brewing Company
Rhythm Brewing Company is a unique brewery founded by a woman, Alisa Bowens-Mercado, who wanted to create beers that appeal to women. They offer a variety of beers, including their flagship beer, Rhythm Unfiltered Ale, and their seasonal beer, Rhythm Blueberry Hibiscus.
Website: https://rhythmbrewingco.com/
Address: 32 Barnett St New Haven, CT 06515
Counter Weight Brewing Co
Counter Weight Brewing Co. is a popular brewery located in Hamden, just outside of New Haven. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Some of their popular beers include Headway IPA, Workhorse Pilsner, and Spiral Architect.
Website: https://www.counterweightbrewing.com/
Address: 7 Diana Ct, Cheshire, CT 06410, United States
OEC Brewing
OEC Brewing is a unique brewery located in Oxford, CT, about 30 minutes from New Haven. They specialize in brewing sour beers, using a variety of ingredients and techniques. Some of their popular beers include Artista Zynergia, Coolship Resurgam, and Exilis.
Website: http://www.oecbrewing.com/
Address: 7 Fox Hollow Road, Oxford, CT 06478, United States
New Park Brewing
New Park Brewing is a popular brewery located in West Hartford, about 45 minutes from New Haven. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Some of their popular beers include Cloudscape, Party Hat, and Cloud City.
Website: https://www.newparkbrewing.com/
Address: 485 New Park Avenue. West Hartford, CT 06110
Overall, New Haven is home to some of the best breweries in Connecticut. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or sour beers, there’s something for everyone in the area.
Beer Varieties Available
New Haven, CT is home to some of the best breweries in the state, offering a wide variety of beer styles to cater to different tastes. From IPAs to stouts, pale ales to farmhouse ales, and sours to hazy IPAs, there is something for everyone.
One of the most popular beer styles in New Haven is IPA. IPA, or India Pale Ale, is a type of beer that is known for its hoppy flavor and high alcohol content. Some of the best IPAs in New Haven include Armada Brewing’s flagship IPA, which is a well-balanced beer with a citrusy and floral flavor, and the East Rock Brewing Company’s IPA, which is a classic West Coast style IPA with a piney and resinous taste.
Stout is another popular beer style in New Haven. Stout is a dark beer that is known for its roasted malt flavor and creamy texture. Some of the best stouts in New Haven include the Counter Weight Brewing Company’s Workhorse Porter, which is a smooth and rich beer with notes of chocolate and coffee, and the No Worries Brewing Company’s Imperial Stout, which is a bold and complex beer with a roasted malt flavor and hints of dark fruit.
For those who prefer lighter beers, New Haven has a variety of ale options. Ale is a type of beer that is brewed with a warm fermentation process, which gives it a fruity and spicy flavor. Some of the best ales in New Haven include the Thimble Island Brewing Company’s American Pale Ale, which is a refreshing and easy-drinking beer with a citrusy and floral aroma, and the New England Brewing Company’s Sea Hag IPA, which is a hoppy and flavorful beer with a crisp finish.
Helles is a type of lager that is known for its light and refreshing taste. Some of the best Helles beers in New Haven include the Counter Weight Brewing Company’s Ein Helles, which is a crisp and clean beer with a bready malt flavor and a subtle hop finish, and the East Rock Brewing Company’s Helles Lager, which is a classic German-style beer with a light and smooth taste.
Farmhouse ales are another popular beer style in New Haven. Farmhouse ales are brewed with a mix of different yeasts and spices, which gives them a complex and funky flavor. Some of the best farmhouse ales in New Haven include the No Worries Brewing Company’s Farmhouse Ale, which is a light and refreshing beer with a fruity and spicy taste, and the East Rock Brewing Company’s Saison, which is a classic Belgian-style beer with a dry and effervescent finish.
Finally, for those who like sour beers, New Haven has a variety of options to choose from. Sour beers are brewed with a mix of different yeasts and bacteria, which gives them a tart and acidic flavor. Some of the best sour beers in New Haven include Armada Brewing’s Sour IPA, which is a hoppy and sour beer with a citrusy and tropical fruit flavor, and the New England Brewing Company’s Fuzzy Baby Ducks, which is a hazy and sour beer with a juicy and fruity taste.
Brewery Tours and Events
New Haven’s breweries offer a variety of tours and events for beer enthusiasts. Visitors can learn about the brewing process, sample different beers, and enjoy live music and food trucks.
Brewery Tours
Several breweries in New Haven offer tours of their facilities. For example, New England Brewing Co. offers tours on Saturdays, where visitors can see the brewing process and sample beers straight from the tanks. Armada Brewing also offers tours of their facility, where visitors can learn about their brewing process and enjoy a tasting flight of their beers.
Beer Festivals and Events
New Haven hosts several beer festivals and events throughout the year. The New Haven Craft Beer Festival is a popular event that showcases local and regional breweries. Visitors can sample beers from over 60 breweries, and enjoy live music, and food trucks. Another popular event is the Elm City Brew Festival, which features over 200 beers from 70 breweries, along with live music and food vendors.
Traveler Favorites
Visitors to New Haven can also check out some of the top-rated breweries in the area, such as East Rock Brewing Company, which offers a variety of beers and a cozy taproom, and No Worries Brewery, which features a rotating selection of beers and a laid-back atmosphere.
Overall, New Haven’s breweries offer a variety of tours and events for beer enthusiasts. Visitors can learn about the brewing process, sample different beers, and enjoy live music and food trucks. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s always something new to discover in New Haven’s beer scene.
Unique Features of New Haven Breweries
New Haven is home to several breweries that offer unique features to their patrons. Here are some of the features that set them apart:
Taprooms and Kitchens
Most of the breweries in New Haven have taprooms where customers can sample their different brews. Some of them also have kitchens that serve delicious food to go along with their beers. For instance, East Rock Brewing Company offers big chewy pretzels baked by WholeG Bakery, while Armada Brewing serves up a rotating selection of food trucks.
Flights of Beer
If you’re looking to sample a variety of beers, many of the breweries in New Haven offer flights of beer. For example, Thimble Island Brewing Company offers a flight of five beers for $10. This is a great way to try different brews without committing to a full pint.
Wild Ales and a Spectrum of Flavors
New Haven breweries are known for their diverse selection of beers. Some of them specialize in brewing wild ales, while others offer a spectrum of flavors. For instance, Abomination Brewing Company is known for its experimental brews, while East Rock Brewing Company offers a range of German-inspired beers.
Games and Seating
Many of the breweries in New Haven have games and seating areas for customers to enjoy. For example, Armada Brewing has a variety of games, including cornhole and giant Jenga. Meanwhile, East Rock Brewing Company has outdoor seating and a cozy indoor space with a fireplace.
Loading Dock
Finally, some of the breweries in New Haven have loading docks that add to their unique character. For instance, Armada Brewing is located in a former factory building and has a loading dock that is now used as an outdoor seating area. This is a great spot to enjoy a beer on a sunny day.
Food and Drinks at Breweries
When it comes to breweries, it’s not just about the beer. Many breweries in New Haven, CT also offer delicious food options to pair with your brew. Here are some of the most popular food and drink options you can expect to find at breweries in the area.
Food
Breweries often have a limited food menu, but that doesn’t mean the options aren’t delicious. Many breweries offer classic pub fare, such as burgers and fries, as well as unique options like crispy chicken crispers. Some breweries even partner with local food trucks to offer a wider variety of food options.
One brewery that stands out for its food is Prime 16. Known for their great selection of burgers, they also offer 20 rotating beers on tap to go with your delicious meal. Another popular spot is East Rock Brewing Company, which offers big chewy pretzels baked by WholeG Bakery to pair with their brews.
Drinks
Of course, the main attraction at breweries is the beer. Most breweries offer a variety of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Some breweries even offer flights so you can try a few different beers at once.
If you’re looking for something other than beer, many breweries also offer wine and cider options. Armada Brewing, for example, offers a selection of wines from local vineyards in addition to their beer offerings.
Dipping Sauces
No matter what food you order, dipping sauces can take it to the next level. Many breweries offer a variety of dipping sauces to complement their food options. For example, Overshores Brewing offers a house-made aioli to pair with their fries, while No Worries Brewing has a spicy mayo dipping sauce for their crispy chicken crispers.
Overall, breweries in New Haven, CT offer a great combination of delicious food and drink options. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun spot to grab a bite to eat, there’s something for everyone at these local breweries.