Beer

[XLCenterFan]

I hope you don't have a pallet full of beers that don't suit your palate then!

Doomed by auto-spell.

 

[UConnSean]

They don't. @8893 is right, my place (soon to be sold next week) is about 35-40 minutes from Lawson's and an hour from Waterbury (Alchemist original location) and maybe another 15 to the new Alchemist spot in Stowe. So I watched this pretty closely, and lived it.

So flashback 5-6 years or so, Treehouse was sold on a farm in the boonies of Monson, MA. Huge lines for maybe 10 cans a person. Trillium was only Fort Point, no tasting, just take out cans and growlers. There was no Foam. No Upper Pass. No Proclamation. No Tilted Barn. No Foley Brothers. And so on. So demand for the Lawson's Sunshine beers was massive and same for Heady and Focal. People followed the Alchemist truck from stop to stop so they could but one 4 pack.

Alchemist saw that model and built a brewery in Stowe. It has a short tasting line and is otherwise just for pickup of cans. Incredible mistake, especially for a place that started as a brew pub. Prohibition Pig, on the old Alchemist site, is a better visit.

Trillium expanded to Canton, then expanded Fort Point, and eventually Fenway. Initially same model, grab cans. But they found the on site drinking was popular and expanded that, even though the facility in Canton kind of sucks for it. Now they are building a new Canton brewery with a restaurant on site.

Treehouse built a massive brewery in Charlton, in the boonies, if less so than Monson. Expected mostly can pick up. At first the taps were always closed. They were wrong, and have now had to reinvent a multimillion dollar brewery twice. Massive indoor and outdoor drinking space now, separated from can pick up. It's really a stunning brewery. I can't imagine there is a nicer one anywhere.

Lawson's partnered with Two Roads to brew Sip and SS. That allowed Lawson's to expand late and they saw what mistakes the others made and built a very nice, small brewery in Waitsfield, with plenty of on site consumption space. Separate area for can pickup, which can open earlier. Smartly done.

But nobody is driving from Maryland and PA and NJ to northern Vermont to get Heady Topper, Sip or Double Sunshine anymore. Not with Other Half, Singlecut, Carton and dozens of breweries making DIPAs and IPAs that are arguably better, and even Trillium and Treehouse are much closer. The on site can volume they expected isn't there anymore, so they need to distribute to use the capacity they built. So far Trillium and Treehouse have avoided that.

That flashback you describe 5-6 years ago was so so sweet

 

[XLCenterFan]

I took a trip to Treehouse last Friday. The brewery is stunning from the outside, and from the looks of the size of the parking lot, they must be able to accommodate lots of people inside. Currently not open.

I've taken a trip to Lawson's recently as well. Went for some Little Sip and Double Sunshine. Much farther, but a nice ride as well, and no line whatsoever.

Treehouse's drive-through operation was top notch. There was a line of cars over an hour long wrapping through the lot there, but it was well worth it. Cars from all over - CT, VT, NH, RI, Penn, NJ, NY. You must order at least 24 beers, and they have set up lots of different mix packs on their site to choose from. I also scooped up some of their apple cider. Drinking some Green as I type right now.

 

[Scud49]

Cold Smoke out of Missoula, Montana.

 

[XLCenterFan]

It could probably have a thread of its own, but what's everyone's favorite CT beers? My absolute go to is Lil' Heaven - I have it in the fridge always. I'm only an IPA, DIPA, NEIPA drinker at this point. I like all of Two Roads stuff, Hooker, Back East, Hog River, Hanging Hills, Counter Weight, NEBCO. Even City Steam has come through with the Jungle Crush. I've been to some breweries, but not many - Hooker (at Colt building), Stony Creek, Hanging Hills, Hog River, Five Churches, New Park. I'd go back to all of them, but also looking to try others first.

 

[Rico444]

It could probably have a thread of its own, but what's everyone's favorite CT beers? My absolute go to is Lil' Heaven - I have it in the fridge always. I'm only an IPA, DIPA, NEIPA drinker at this point. I like all of Two Roads stuff, Hooker, Back East, Hog River, Hanging Hills, Counter Weight, NEBCO. Even City Steam has come through with the Jungle Crush. I've been to some breweries, but not many - Hooker (at Colt building), Stony Creek, Hanging Hills, Hog River, Five Churches, New Park. I'd go back to all of them, but also looking to try others first.

Of the breweries you mentioned, I've tried beer from all except Five Churches and New Park. My two favorite are NEBCO and Tribus, which if you haven't been to makes really good stuff.

 

[pepband99]

It could probably have a thread of its own, but what's everyone's favorite CT beers? My absolute go to is Lil' Heaven - I have it in the fridge always. I'm only an IPA, DIPA, NEIPA drinker at this point. I like all of Two Roads stuff, Hooker, Back East, Hog River, Hanging Hills, Counter Weight, NEBCO. Even City Steam has come through with the Jungle Crush. I've been to some breweries, but not many - Hooker (at Colt building), Stony Creek, Hanging Hills, Hog River, Five Churches, New Park. I'd go back to all of them, but also looking to try others first.

New Park is fantastic.

Not on your list - but absolutely needs to be - Kent Falls. Not a ton of juicy IPAs, but i would put Buddy Sprinkles up against anything.

 

[DaveHuskiesFan]

New Park is fantastic.

Not on your list - but absolutely needs to be - Kent Falls. Not a ton of juicy IPAs, but i would put Buddy Sprinkles up against anything.

Kent Falls is great, All Alone with Nowhere To Go is an awesome beer of theirs too. If you ever get the chance to go up there they have a cool little tasting room on a farm. All the beers are $5.

Alvarium is another one that should be on this list. Great beers.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Of the breweries you mentioned, I've tried beer from all except Five Churches and New Park. My two favorite are NEBCO and Tribus, which if you haven't been to makes really good stuff.

I have never managed to get the best stuff from NEBCO. Tribus makes very nice stuff. Was lucky to stumble upon it this time last year. A friend in W Mass has been getting me some Back East beers and those are pretty solid, if a notch below the best.

 

[Dogdeacon]

Very little love for NE at Great American Beer fest this year, I'd assume its a west coast bias (up & down style, they prefer beers that don't play defense).

Nothing for VT which is sacrilege in my book although maybe all the breweries we've recently discussed have already received their accolades & they spread it around. In MA Springdale got an award for Kolsch - I've tried their IPA which is basic, very clean but not remarkable (Springdale an offshoot of Jack Abbey) and Lamplighter got an IPA award (Lazy Tiger) so I'm looking on where to buy that one. Two CT beers:

• “Counter Weight Fest Bier,” Counter Weight Brewing Co., Hamden, Conn. Gold, Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest.
• “Vienna Lager,” East Rock Brewing Co., New Haven, Conn. Silver, Vienna-Style Lager.

 

[superjohn]

Clocktown Brewing in Thomaston opens this Saturday.

 

[XLCenterFan]

Looks like I have to get to Kent Falls.

I have also heard that the Manchester breweries are good - there's like 4 now, I believe?

Anyone try Phantom in Hartford yet?

 

[XLCenterFan]

Very little love for NE at Great American Beer fest this year, I'd assume its a west coast bias (up & down style, they prefer beers that don't play defense).

Nothing for VT which is sacrilege in my book although maybe all the breweries we've recently discussed have already received their accolades & they spread it around. In MA Springdale got an award for Kolsch - I've tried their IPA which is basic, very clean but not remarkable (Springdale an offshoot of Jack Abbey) and Lamplighter got an IPA award (Lazy Tiger) so I'm looking on where to buy that one. Two CT beers:

• “Counter Weight Fest Bier,” Counter Weight Brewing Co., Hamden, Conn. Gold, Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest.
• “Vienna Lager,” East Rock Brewing Co., New Haven, Conn. Silver, Vienna-Style Lager.

I also saw that list and immediately dismissed it when there were no VT, MA, or CT beers on it. I share your sentiments.

 

[XLCenterFan]

I went to Problem Solved (East Windsor) on their opening day. Tap room was cool but the beer left something to be desired. I heard they would be tinkering with their recipes though, and would surely be willing to give them a second try.

 

[DaveHuskiesFan]

Looks like I have to get to Kent Falls.

I have also heard that the Manchester breweries are good - there's like 4 now, I believe?

Anyone try Phantom in Hartford yet?

FYI their tasting room is closed right now but they are doing pickup. It’s a nice drive foliage wise right now so might be worth it anyway. A lot to do out that way. You can stop at Sunset Meadows Vineyard in Goshen on the way of you go with your wife.

 

[8893]

I went to Problem Solved (East Windsor) on their opening day. Tap room was cool but the beer left something to be desired. I heard they would be tinkering with their recipes though, and would surely be willing to give them a second try.

Sounds like a very inapt name at the moment.


I just popped in to my local packy to grab some cider and took a gander at their beer selection. Good Lord, the full line of Frost beers are in the state now, too? And I know Maine Beer Company has been here for years but there was a whole row of Lunch, which used to be rarer than hen's teeth. Oh and a full row of SoS.

And there were like 30 other beers with funky labels that I'm sure are all the rage now; I didn't have time to inspect, but it sure looks like great beer is in great supply in CT these days.

 

[Dove]

I also saw that list and immediately dismissed it when there were no VT, MA, or CT beers on it. I share your sentiments.

Maybe there were few entries. I mean...Foam isn't winning if they don't enter.

 

[superjohn]

It could probably have a thread of its own, but what's everyone's favorite CT beers? My absolute go to is Lil' Heaven - I have it in the fridge always. I'm only an IPA, DIPA, NEIPA drinker at this point. I like all of Two Roads stuff, Hooker, Back East, Hog River, Hanging Hills, Counter Weight, NEBCO. Even City Steam has come through with the Jungle Crush. I've been to some breweries, but not many - Hooker (at Colt building), Stony Creek, Hanging Hills, Hog River, Five Churches, New Park. I'd go back to all of them, but also looking to try others first.

If you're all about IPA's try Relic in Plainville. It's almost all IPA's and really good. They also have a bunch of bourbon and tequila, you can do flights. Chill atmosphere to hang out in.

 

[Waquoit]

If you're all about IPA's try Relic in Plainville. It's almost all IPA's and really good. They also have a bunch of bourbon and tequila, you can do flights. Chill atmosphere to hang out in.

I'll second Relic.

 

[UConnDad]

If anyone is into stouts I had a couple godd ones at Black Hog in a Oxford last weekend.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Very little love for NE at Great American Beer fest this year, I'd assume its a west coast bias (up & down style, they prefer beers that don't play defense).

Nothing for VT which is sacrilege in my book although maybe all the breweries we've recently discussed have already received their accolades & they spread it around. In MA Springdale got an award for Kolsch - I've tried their IPA which is basic, very clean but not remarkable (Springdale an offshoot of Jack Abbey) and Lamplighter got an IPA award (Lazy Tiger) so I'm looking on where to buy that one. Two CT beers:

• “Counter Weight Fest Bier,” Counter Weight Brewing Co., Hamden, Conn. Gold, Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest.
• “Vienna Lager,” East Rock Brewing Co., New Haven, Conn. Silver, Vienna-Style Lager.

Most of our breweries around here don’t submit beers. It’s mostly for shelf stable beers, not unpasteurized stuff that has to be refrigerated and consumed fresh. Plus the judges are essentially judging to the official style and many of the best beers don’t fit. For example, until they finally created the NE IPA category, “clarity” was a key requirement of the IPA style. So even 7-8 years ago, Focal Banger couldn’t compete.

So you see the results, including Springdale, 3 awards, all for German Style lagers.

 

[tcf15]

Treehouse opening up new locations in Cape Cod and Deerfield.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

I picked up a 4-pack of Nod Hill "Evening Routine" Coffee Stout last night. Very excited to crack one open.

For those in the Ridgefield area, their outdoor seating closes today. Seize the [warm] day!

 

[LIuconn]

Not sure if this has been brought up in the thread, but I’m going deeeeep down the hazy ipa trail. Unfortunately I live in Los Angeles. Any west coast brewers making stuff that might be comparable to the tree houses and trilliums back east?
Monkish here is good and they do a lot of collabs with Other Half out of NYC

 

[storrsroars]

Not sure if this has been brought up in the thread, but I’m going deeeeep down the hazy ipa trail. Unfortunately I live in Los Angeles. Any west coast brewers making stuff that might be comparable to the tree houses and trilliums back east?
Monkish here is good and they do a lot of collabs with Other Half out of NYC

I hit up Monkish in Nov 2018 as I'd read good things. Timing must've been bad since their menu was primarily sours - Gose, Gueuze, Lambic interpretations - and stouts/porters with nary a hazy or NEIPA when I visited.