Stouts, IPAs, and collabs of all sorts: 7 craft beers to check out this weekend in CT
Ready for a pint of craft beer comradery?
This week’s Tapped In CT highlights feature a handful of collaborations, where breweries team up with one another to produce a stellar beer they can both share with their communities. It’s a pillar of the craft beer culture and a big reason why the scene has taken off in recent years. Breweries don’t seek to cannibalize one another but choose to coexist instead.
It’s why you’ve got a medley of beers to choose from this weekend, too! We’ve gone ahead and pulled 7 standout showings for you to whet your whistle. Cheers!
Problem Solved: X and Y, Chocolate Coconut Stout
2 N Rd #4, East Windsor
Located right off 91, Problem Solved has been leaving it’s mark in Connecticut craft beer scene. This brew is a great example, featuring a hearty amount of dessert flavors while sitting at around 7%.
“This Oatmeal stout with chocolate and coconut was collaborated and inspired by one of our new mug members, Andy L. Andy’s love for beer and beer judging got us talking one day and behold this brew was conceived. 2-Row, oatmeal and various crystal and dark malts set the base for this creamy stout. Toasted coconut and cocoa nibs round out the flavor profile with aromatics and lasting flavor. This beer is great for dessert, sitting around the campfire or just getting your stout fix any time of the year.”
New England Brewing Company: Early Dismissal, Passionfruit IPA
175 Amity Rd, Woodbridge
New England Brewing Company needs no introduction. As a quintessential Connecticut brewery, you’ve likely had a beer or two from them. They recently collaborated with Lawson’s, another pillar in craft beer, for a delicious, 5% fruity IPA.
“Early Dismissal, a passionfruit-infused IPA was made in collaboration with Lawson’s for the annual Change in the Air festival. The charitable donation will benefit the CT Brewers Guild African American Brewers Scholarship.”
Black Pond Brews: Foam Economics, Slow Pour Pilsner
With a recent move to a bigger facility up the road, Black Pond Brews has been brewing up some fantastic beer. They’re serving up their Foam Economics with a twist: a slow-pour method that pushes their familiar, 5.2% pilsner to a new level.
“Slow Pour Pilsner is a traditional method to serve Pilsner that enhances hop aroma and flavor. Using a side pull faucet and slow pouring method creates a thick, foamy head and delicate carbonation.”
Bear Hands Brewing Company: Resolve, Unfiltered Kellerbier for Ukraine
75 Main Street Suite 1, Putnam
With the ongoing war in Ukraine, many breweries are doing their part to aid those in need. Bear Hands Brewing Company is no exception. Their 4.3% Kellerbier is a collaboration with other Connecticut breweries, where proceeds in part go to nonprofit organizations for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
“A collaboration to recognize the RESOLVE of the Ukrainian people & their fight for freedom. Proceeds to benefit nonprofit organizations providing aid to the humanitarian effort in Ukraine. This Unfiltered Kellerbier with local honey-giving it a Northeast Connecticut farmhouse twist, was brewed at Taylor Brooke Brewery in collaboration with Black Pond Brews, The Boroughs Brewing Co., Willimantic Brewing Co., and Bear Hands Brewing Co.”
Reverie Brewing Company: Oo, A Farmstand, Strawberry Citra Pale Ale
57B Church Hill Rd, Newtown
A quick stop off 84, Reverie Brewing Company has a wide selection of brews to choose from. One that stuck out to me was a 5.4% pale ale brewed with citra and strawberries. Sounds perfect for the summer months!
“Introducing the next beer in our Oo Experimental series.
This Pale Ale is loaded with pounds of Citra hops & strawberry and comes in at 5.4%, making it a perfectly refreshing Pale Ale to enjoy out on our patio in the sun!”
Kinsmen Brewing Company: Birthday Princess, Fruited Sour - Smoothie
409 Canal St, Milldale
Looking to get your daily dose of fruits in along with a pint of beer? While it may not be as nutritional as a smoothie, you’ll think you’re drinking one at Kinsmen Brewing when you get a taste of this hearty, 8.5% sour loaded with berries of all sorts.
“Birthday Princess is our smoothie style, XXX, double-fruited, quad-berry fruited sour brewed to celebrate our anniversary. Pureed blackberry, raspberry, blueberry and strawberry take this high ABV to the next level.”
Front Porch Brewing: Seven Layer Stout
226 N Plains Industrial Rd UNIT 4, Wallingford
Along the theme of collaborations this weekend is a brew at Front Porch Brewing with help from Kinsmen. This 10% stout comes loaded with more dessert-esque treats than you can keep track of. Check it out!
“A collaboration with our besties at Kinsmen Brewing! This Imperial Stout is brewed with pecans, cocoa nibs, coconut, butterscotch, marshmallow, graham cracker and lactose. A delicious treat based off your favorite brownie bars!”
