Blumenthal Applauds Stony Creek Brewery’s Success

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D- CT) was happy to meet three beer-making experts who moved to Branford from other states to create beer at the Stony Creek Brewery.

Blumenthal took a tour of the craft brewery last week, to highlight the importance of small businesses and job creation. The brewery, which is expanding production after a successful first year, is a dream-come-true for owners Ed Crowley Sr. and his family, who all live in Branford.

The Stony Creek Brewery, situated along the Branford River in the heart of town, celebrated its grand opening last April. The brewery on Indian Neck Avenue currently employs 25 full-time employees and 23 part-time. Since its opening the brewery has welcomed 292,000 visitors.

“Visiting here is a real thrill, to meet the folks who work here,” Blumenthal told the Eagle as he toured the facility Wednesday. ​“I am excited and gratified to see how enormously well they’ve done, and all the good they’ve done for jobs and the economy,” he said.

Blumenthal is pictured above with three new Branford residents, (from right) brewmaster Andy Schwartz, from New Hampshire; Jay Kendig, plant manager, from Pennsylvania; and Gordon Whelpley, lead brewer, formerly of Los Angeles. (Blumenthal was required to wear protective glasses during the tour)

The senator and his staff were instrumental when the Crowley family contacted Blumenthal’s office for help after experiencing delays in the application process with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

“I’m happy I was able to help,” Blumenthal said, adding that the company certainly deserved to have its application approved. ​“This kind of craft brewery is the future of the (beer) industry,” Blumenthal said. ​“They are the heart and soul of job creation.”

The Eagle asked Blumenthal what needs to be done to spark the economy and assist small businesses. ​“The costs of doing business need to be reduced. There are federal taxes that need to be reduced,” he said.

Blumenthal says business owners tell him they need trained workers for specialty jobs. ​“Training and education are important, and transportation is so important,” he said.

Blumenthal for Hillary; Says Trump Unpredictable 

Turning to politics in this presidential election year, The Eagle asked what potential effect the two front-runners in the presidential primaries would have on business and the economy.

Blumenthal, who attended Yale Law School with classmates Bill and Hillary Clinton, has endorsed Hillary in her bid for the presidency. ​“She will be great for job creation,” he said. ​“She has a plan for supporting business and for tax reform.”

Blumenthal was critical of the effect that Republican front-runner Donald Trump would have on business. ​“The uncertainty and the unpredictability of a Trump presidency would be astonishing,” Blumenthal said. ​“Businesses want certainty and stability. There is no telling what Trump might do.”

Production Triples at Brewery

Business has been good at the brewery. ​“We just tripled the production,” Crowley told the senator as they toured through the facility. 

Stony Creek has added 13 new brewhouse tanks, bringing the total number to 25, and has also doubled the size of the keg cooler. They are targeting this year’s production at 45,000 barrels of beer.

In addition, there will be more outdoor seating this summer, an entertainment stage by the river, and a portable outdoor bar.

Crowley said the brewery has become a destination for tourism, and that 292,000 people visited during the first 12 months. ​“Obviously they’re patronizing a lot of restaurants,” he told the Eagle.

The Crowleys made the decision not to include a restaurant, but there is a professionally-designed catering kitchen and a banquet room upstairs for special celebrations. The brewery is within walking distance to the numerous restaurants in Branford. There are also food trucks on the property, and people may bring their own food, or order take-out and delivery.

There is an informal tasting room on the first floor, and both floors have decks overlooking the Branford River.

The Crowley family believes in supporting local businesses. ​“The best part of our town is it’s all about local,” Crowley said. The family hired local architects and construction crews to build the facility; and all the equipment, except for the bottling line, was made in the U.S.A.

Ed Crowley Jr. told the Eagle that creating and maintaining good quality beer is essential. ​“Our beer has been very consistent. We care very much about quality and consistency.” Stony Creek Brewery is the second in the state to have a dedicated lab on site to provide quality assurance.

See the websitefor information about hours and tours.
###