Hey guys, Going to be visiting some family in East Haven this weekend (coming from NJ) and want to make some brewey stops as well. Obviously, NEBCO and Two Roads are on the agenda but wanted to see if there were other places that were either on the way or close by that we should check out. Also, any great beer stores near East Haven where I can load up on New England distro to bring back? Thanks for any advice. Cheers!
If you don't mind a detour, check out Beer'd brewing in Stonington CT. It about an hour away, but they are easily in the top 3 as far as CT brewers are concerned. Also, check out OEC Brewing in Oxford, which is a little closer (about 45 min). Both have limited hours, so check out their websites/facebook pages.
OEC & black hog in oxford. I'd recommend prime 16 in new haven for food. usually a solid draft list ; but cool spot for eats.
Total Wine is right off the Merritt Parkway in Norwalk. You can look at their inventory online, and even order it so it's ready for pick up (but of course you'll want to look around!) They should have a decent amount of Sea Hag and possibly other NEBCO cans.
Check out The Cask Republic. It is right around the corner from Prime 16. My wife and I love the beers (and bartender -Tim is it?), but the half and half burger at Prime 16 is amazing. There is also a nice little wine shop right next to the Cask that sells good quality beers. I have gotten a 4pk of Bot there as well, just have to ask as they keep it in back. The Wine Thief is the name of the wine shop.
Coastal in Branford usually has a great selection of craft beer. Also hit cask republic in new haven great food and beer.
If you're in East haven, Branford is right next door And Thimble Island Brewing in Branford, the next town over... Their new coffee stout is pretty good.
If you want to see what all the hubbub is all about, SOS is on tap at Cannons in Middletown...maybe a 20+ min drive up 91
elis is def solid for taps. stubborn beauty is right up the road too if you want to make rounds. there's a ton of good food on that road. I'd recommend the diner directly across the road o'rourkes or krust a few places up. pizza / bourbon bar. great stuff.
Honestly, I would skip the extra travel into Middletown and spend the time in New Haven or dedicate a day to check out OEC in Oxford. Plenty of options for bars, and Lawson's has been flowing pretty consistently in town. Also, Amity Wine & Liquor is right next door to NEBCO, and should be pretty well stocked with cans + regular CT distro
Thanks for all of the advice everyone. Since I will only be coming up for one day and all of these places pretty much all close at 5 or 6...I'm going to see how much ground I can cover. I think the plan will be 2 roads, oec, black hog, nebco, overshores...and then to my Aunts house. Will definitely stop at one of the restaurants along the way for lunch and the beer stores you guys mentioned to load up on the CT distro. Thanks again and I'll let you know how I make out!
Personally, given desire to basically do all that in one day, I'd cut out visit to 2 Roads. Given the extent of their distribution in CT, I'd pick up something from them in one of the shops you hit.
Thank you for the advice. I was contemplating skipping 2 Roads anyway because I saw that they don't allow children in their tasting room and we will have our son with us. Which of their beers do you suggest I keep an eye out for in stores?
Certainly depends on the styles you like. Take a look at the brewer's profile in the BA site to see what beers interest you....recognizing you'll have a shot a maybe 3-4 styles in a given store. Personally, 2Roads doesn't do much for me ...everything is just OK. But there are certainly 2R fans on this site who might disagree
I personally love two roads. The road to ruin double ipa is great. Also love the unorthodox Russian stout. Great staff and awesome brewery
So after seeing the kind of lines that NEBCO had yesterday I'm strongly considering skipping any stops prior to there and getting there for opening. Do they always have lines like that? Does the line move quickly?
Yes....they're always busy. If the line isn't out the door, its a good day.....generally. And some folks might still be off work tomorrow, compounding things. Plus, Coriolis is on tap. Other folks might be able to speak better to value of getting there ahead of the opening. Never seems to work for me.
There is usually a line prior to opening most days. You should plan on waiting AT LEAST 30 minutes. If less fell lucky, if more don't be surprised. Definitely worth the stop. Cheers.
Thanks for all your input. Making them the first stop tomorrow. Probably won't get there until 11 when they open. I'll be prepared to wait! Will update you guys tomorrow night. Cheers!
