2018-07-22 Kinsmen Brewing, Southington CT

Soooo...we've been a couple times now and have had at least 15 of their different beers.  My only complaint is that with a name like "Kinsmen Brewing" and the obvious celtic vibe...I haven't been able to get a celtic ale!  I expected to get a good, traditional scotch ale or even a good bitter but there are none to be found here.
They rotate some funky stouts though and have a decent porter every once in a while.  However, they have many great IPAs and other styles.  I was thoroughly surprised today when I had their Conical Form (sour gose).  This is an amazingly mature recipe...it seems like they've been brewing it for years and it could easily go up against some of the entrenched sour-focused breweries in both New England and abroad.
Its a great facility (we've done a fundraiser there) and seems to be always busy.  They're doing it right!
- Christopher

2018-07-21 Black Pond Brews, Danielson CT

These guys were on our list as one of the
interesting, "out-of-the-way", smaller breweries in Connecticut that we needed to visit.  The guys didn't disappoint!  They had some very interesting offerings.

The favorite of the visit was Machu Pichu, an amazing Jalepeno saison.  It was a refreshing experience to visit a new brewery that did not have a single "juice bomb" IPA on their taps...not that we don't love 'em!

They had several interesting beers on tap across a plethera of styles - including a seriously kick-ass german-style hells called "Hella".

Definitely put this brewery on your list...even if it's a pretty good drive for you.  It's a small venue with a welcoming atmosphere and nice outdoor seating area. There's lots of other stuff to do in the area (including a Bison Farm) so you can easily make a day of it.

We'll be back to see what the guys have up their sleeves later in the year as they rotate their brews and taps frequently.

Cheers,
Christopher