New Haven Kicks Off Beer Week

At the end of Cask Republic​’s long, shiny wood bar, Colin Meehan was on his craft beer game, taking another order for Roadsmary’s Baby. A cluster of customers waxed appreciative regarding its rummy, spiced pumpkin flavor. A couple beside them debated the merits of a small tasting flight, settling on Ol’ Factory Pils, Honey Spot Road, Unorthodox, and an unlikely, sweet Barleywine. A few seats away , Eric Rowe of deep dish pie fame started on a pint of Worker’s Stomp, drawn to the promise of fruit and spice as he cheered on the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs made another crushing play against the Cardinals. Rowe took a sip and smiled. 

Monday night’s Two Roads Tap Takeover marked the kickoff of CT Craft Beer Week, a six-day ordeal between New Haven bars — Cask Republic, Ordinary, Prime 16, Pacific Standard Tavern, and others — and Connecticut craft breweries. While other events this week will feature Black Hog Brewing, Kent Falls Brewing Company, Beer’d Brewing, Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company, and Connecticut favorite New England Brewing Co., Monday’s event paid homage to Two Roads Brewing Co., located just a few Metro-North stops away in Stratford. The night boasted 15 brews, a mix of seasonal and best-loved beers from the brewery, as well as a beer-and-food pairing that diners willing to shell out $70 could opt into. Single beers ranged between $6 and $12.

With this year’s Craft Beer Week, New Haven joins in the celebration of a relatively nascent but exploding industry in Connecticut, one that could eventually put it on the map with states like Illinois, which boasts a relatively small but powerful craft beer production. When asked about it, Meehan and Cask Republic General Manager Norman Macdonald got pretty darn excited.

“It’s all about spreading the word. Connecticut craft beer was at one time one of the least well-known in the country, and over the last couple years it’s really come a long way. A night like tonight … goes to the craft.” said Meehan, stopping for a quick quote between orders.

“Connecticut’s not last on the list anymore,” he added.

To find out more about New Haven Craft Beer Week, check Cask Republic for updates on Facebook. An up-to-date schedule is available here.