Connecticut startup breweries are all the buzz right now. Innovation Destination Hartford has had the pleasure of touring several throughout the Greater Hartford area. Check out our feature stories to see what’s brewing. Cheers!
Alvarium Beer Company
[Photo: Alvarium Beer Company co-founders Brian Bugnacki (left), Mike Larson (right), and Chris DeGasero (seated).]
“One of the great things about the Connecticut beer community is that everyone is willing to help each other out,” says Alvarium Beer Company Co-Founder Chris DeGasero.
Read the story: CT Startup Brewery -Alvarium Beer Company
Back East Brewing Company
Read the story: CT-Based Back East Brewing Company Shares Updates
Black Hog Brewing
Business advice from Tom Sobocinski, Co-Owner at Black Hog Brewing: “I think it’s important in any business to always continue to innovate and try new things while maintaining great quality and good customer service.”
Read the story: CT Startup Brewery – Black Hog Brewing
Boondoggle Beers
“I’ve always felt that I was entrepreneurial, but I’ve also always been frozen by fear of failure. So, I haven’t really done anything in an entrepreneurial sense—until now,” says Boondoggle Beers Founder Micah Kerr. “I should’ve just embraced my entrepreneurial side and done something years ago!”
Read the story: Entrepreneur Launches Startup Brewery: Boondoggle Beers
Brewery Legitimus
Read the story: Greater Hartford Brewery Supports Local Community and Businesses
Broad Brook Brewing Co.
“This business is recession-proof. When times are good people drink; when times are bad they drink some more,” according to Tom Rossing, Co-Founder of Broad Brook Brewing Co. in East Windsor, CT. “Craft beer is growing and increasing its growth percentages every year.”
Read the story: Entrepreneur Brewers – Broad Brook Brewing Company
Cold Creek Brewery
Read the story: Entrepreneur Brewer – Cold Creek Brewery
Connecticut Valley Brewing Company
[Photo: The Connecticut Valley Brewing Team (left to right): Maxx McNall, Marketing Assistant; James Dodd; Cellerman, Andrew Blakeslee; Cellerman, Steve Palauskas, Owner; Ashley Blanchard, Director of Operations; and Jay Desroches, Head Brewer.]
“Local breweries definitely help each other out,” says Connecticut Valley Brewing Company Owner Steve Palauskas. We ask each other questions or ask for supplies. Everyone works together. It’s a good environment.”
Read the story: Connecticut Valley Brewing Company
Firefly Hollow Brewing
“Last year we went from three guys and a dream to having four full-time employees, about seven part-time employees, and a very sustainable business on a growth trend,” says Firefly Hollow Brewing Co-Founder Bill Collins.
Read the story: Entrepreneur Brewer – Firefly Hollow Brewing
Hog River Brewing Company
Read the story: Entrepreneur Brewer: Hog River Brewing Company
Labyrinth Brewing Company
Read the story: Entrepreneur Brewers – Labyrinth Brewing Company
New Park Brewing
[Photo: New Park Brewing staff (left to right) Christian Schrader, Alex Dee, John Doyle, and Tom Atkins.]
New Park Brewing Co-Founder John Doyle on the importance of partnerships: “Having people you can trust in, depend on, and believe in is huge. If you don’t have that strong partnership, it doesn’t matter what you do, it’s not going to work.”
Read the story: CT Startup Brewery – New Park Brewing
Olde Burnside Brewing Company
Read the story: Entrepreneur Brewer: Olde Burnside Brewing Company
Outer Light Brewing Company
Read the story: CT Startup Brewery – Outer Light Brewing Company
Powder Hollow Brewery
Michael McManus, Owner of Powder Hollow Brewery, on his outlook for the future of the company: “The two- to five-year year plan is in my head, but it’s always happening faster then you’re prepared, which is great. It’s a lot to manage this much growth so quickly.”
Read the story: CT Startup Brewing Company – Powder Hollow Brewery
Relic Brewing
“I always wanted to own my own business,” says Mark Sigman, Founder of Relic Brewing. “When I reached a point in my life where it was realistic, I researched a lot of different business opportunities. In the end the one I thought was most viable was opening a brewery.”
Read the story: Entrepreneur Brewer – Relic Brewing
Still Hill Brewery
“Along with the tremendous growth in craft beer in Connecticut, there is a strong market desire for locally crafted beers. It’s the perfect time to start a brewery in Connecticut,” notes Scott Barbanel, Head Brewer and Founder, Still Hill Brewery
Read the story: Entrepreneur Brewer – Still Hill Brewery, Rocky Hill, CT
Thomas Hooker Brewery
Thomas Hooker Brewery President Curt Cameron on innovation: “If anything, our big challenge is that we are not the new guys anymore. How do you stay relevant and exciting? I think it’s by creating not only great product but having a great facility, like being located in the Colt building.”
Read: Thomas Hooker Brewery Finds a Home in Hartford
Urban Lodge Brewing Co.
Read the story: Urban Lodge Brewing Co. Shares Startup Experience
Witchdoctor Brewing Company
Read the story: Entrepreneur Brewer – Witchdoctor Brewing Company