Connecticut Beers: Discovering the Best Brews of the Nutmeg State

Connecticut has a thriving craft beer scene with a wide range of breweries producing exceptional beers.

From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, the state offers a diverse selection of brews that cater to all tastes.

Here are ten of the best Connecticut beers you absolutely must try.

1. Two Roads Brewing Co.’s “Road 2 Ruin IPA”

Two Roads Brewing Co. is a well-known name in Connecticut, and the Road 2 Ruin IPA is a standout.

This West Coast-style IPA is celebrated for its bold hop profile and balanced bitterness.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 8.0%
• Description: Pine and citrus hop flavors with a robust malt backbone and a clean, bitter finish.

2. New England Brewing Co.’s “Fuzzy Baby Ducks”

New England Brewing Co.’s Fuzzy Baby Ducks is a popular New England-style IPA known for its juicy and hazy profile.

It’s a great example of the brewery’s commitment to quality and flavor.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.2%
• Description: Juicy and hazy with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and a smooth finish.

3. Thimble Island Brewing Company’s “Sea Legs”

Thimble Island Brewing Company’s Sea Legs is a unique brew with a Belgian-style influence.

This Saison offers a complex flavor profile with hints of spice and fruit.

• Style: Saison
• ABV: 5.5%
• Description: Fruity and spicy with a dry finish and a complex yeast character.

4. Back East Brewing Co.’s “Ginger Smash”

Back East Brewing Co.’s Ginger Smash is a refreshing and flavorful beer with a notable ginger kick.

It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a unique and zesty brew.

• Style: Ginger Beer
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Crisp and refreshing with strong ginger flavors and a light, effervescent body.

5. Charter Oak Brewing Co.’s “Gristmill”

Charter Oak Brewing Co.’s Gristmill is a classic American Pale Ale with a balanced hop and malt profile.

It’s a great representation of the brewery’s dedication to quality brewing.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.2%
• Description: Balanced with a blend of citrus and floral hop flavors and a smooth malt finish.

6. Black Hog Brewing Co.’s “Granola Brown Ale”

Black Hog Brewing Co.’s Granola Brown Ale is a unique and flavorful beer that incorporates granola for a distinctive twist.

It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a malty and nutty brew.

• Style: Brown Ale
• ABV: 6.0%
• Description: Malty and nutty with flavors of granola, caramel, and toasty malt.

7. Half Full Brewery’s “Pale Ale”

Half Full Brewery’s Pale Ale is a well-crafted beer with a balanced hop and malt profile.

It’s a great example of the brewery’s commitment to quality and drinkability.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.6%
• Description: Balanced with floral hop notes and a smooth malt character, offering a refreshing taste.

8. Fox Farm Brewery’s “Fuzzy Wuzzy”

Fox Farm Brewery’s Fuzzy Wuzzy is a farmhouse ale that offers a complex and refreshing flavor profile. It’s a great choice for those who appreciate a nuanced and well-crafted ale.

• Style: Farmhouse Ale
• ABV: 5.8%
• Description: Fruity and spicy with a rustic character and a dry, effervescent finish.

9. Relic Brewing Co.’s “Tripel”

Relic Brewing Co.’s Tripel is a Belgian-style Tripel that showcases the brewery’s skill in creating complex and flavorful beers. It’s known for its rich and fruity profile.

• Style: Tripel
• ABV: 9.0%
• Description: Rich and fruity with notes of banana, clove, and a warming, smooth finish.

10. New England Brewing Co.’s “Gandalf”

New England Brewing Co.’s Gandalf is a Belgian-style Dubbel that offers a rich and flavorful experience. It’s a great example of the brewery’s versatility and skill.

• Style: Dubbel
• ABV: 7.5%
• Description: Malty and sweet with notes of dark fruit, caramel, and a hint of spice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Two Roads Brewing Co.?
Answer: Two Roads Brewing Co.’s Road 2 Ruin IPA is a standout IPA known for its bold hop profile and balanced bitterness.

What makes New England Brewing Co.’s Fuzzy Baby Ducks unique?
Answer: Fuzzy Baby Ducks is known for its juicy and hazy profile, with prominent tropical fruit and citrus notes.

What are the flavor characteristics of Thimble Island Brewing Company’s Sea Legs?
Answer: Sea Legs is a Belgian-style Saison with fruity and spicy flavors and a complex yeast character.

What is distinctive about Back East Brewing Co.’s Ginger Smash?
Answer: Ginger Smash is a refreshing ginger beer with strong ginger flavors and a light, effervescent body.

What makes Black Hog Brewing Co.’s Granola Brown Ale special?
Answer: Granola Brown Ale features unique granola flavors combined with malty and nutty notes.

Summary

Connecticut’s craft beer scene offers a diverse and exciting array of beers, from juicy IPAs to flavorful saisons.

These top picks showcase some of the best beers the Nutmeg State has to offer, highlighting the creativity and quality of its breweries.

Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of Connecticut’s craft beer!