Aspetuck Brew Lab has been a beloved fixture in Bridgeport’s craft beer scene since opening its doors in 2016. As the first brewery to operate in Bridgeport since 1940, this family-run establishment quickly became a gathering place for beer enthusiasts throughout Connecticut. The brewery takes a scientific approach to their craft, creating unique and flavorful beers that have earned them thousands of positive ratings from visitors over the years.
When you visit the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, you’ll find Aspetuck Brew Lab’s welcoming taproom where you can sample their creative brews. Founded by Peter Cowles and his wife Tara, who shared a passion for craft beer for over two decades, the brewery has fostered a strong sense of community among local beer lovers. Their story is a testament to how craft beverages can bring people together and create lasting connections.
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Aspetuck Brew Lab
Aspetuck Brew Lab has been a beloved fixture in Bridgeport’s craft beer scene for nine years. This local brewery has created not just exceptional artisanal beers but a tight-knit community of beer enthusiasts who have become like family.
When you visit, you can enjoy their popular brews like Tulu, Bramble, CHOP, and Full Send. The brewery also serves premium craft cocktails if beer isn’t your drink of choice. You won’t go hungry either – food from The Blind Rhino is available every day to complement your beverages.
Unfortunately, Aspetuck Brew Lab announced they sold the brewery and closed their doors on November 30th. The good news is that a new brewery concept will be taking over the space after a brief hiatus, so the location will continue to serve the community in a new form.
While Aspetuck Brew Lab’s chapter has ended, their impact on Bridgeport’s craft beer culture remains significant. They created a warm, welcoming space where people could come together over quality brews and good company.
Rating: 4.7 (104 reviews)
Location: 3389 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Contact: (203) 540-5555
Website: Visit Website
History of Aspetuck Brew Lab
Aspetuck Brew Lab made history in 2015 when it became the first brewery to open in Bridgeport in nearly 70 years, bringing craft brewing back to a city with deep brewing traditions.
Founder’s Story
Peter Cowles and his wife Tara Kasaks Cowles established Aspetuck Brew Lab with a vision of creating exceptional craft beer in Bridgeport’s trendy Black Rock neighborhood. As founder, CEO, and Chief Beer Scientist, Peter brought technical expertise while Tara took on the role of founder and COO, making them a perfect team to launch this brewing venture.
The name “Aspetuck” comes from the watershed and river in nearby Redding and Easton that supplies the brewery with exceptionally clean water. This water source is one of Connecticut’s purest and gives their beers a distinctive quality that helps them stand out in various styles.
The Cowles family chose Bridgeport deliberately, recognizing an opportunity to be pioneering brewers in a city that hadn’t seen local beer production since the 1940s.
Evolution and Growth
When you visit Aspetuck today, you’re experiencing the culmination of years of growth from their initial seven-barrel brewing system. The cozy 50-person taproom quickly became a favorite gathering spot for locals and beer enthusiasts from across Connecticut.
The brewery established itself in the “cooler-than-cool” Black Rock section, helping to revitalize the neighborhood and create a destination for craft beer lovers. Their business model included both on-premise consumption and growler fills, allowing you to enjoy their creations at home.
Recent developments have brought significant changes. In early 2025, the owners announced the sale of Aspetuck Brew Lab to a new “brewery concept” that will take over the space after a brief hiatus. The taproom closed following this announcement, marking the end of an era for this pioneering Bridgeport brewery.
Unique Brewing Techniques
Aspetuck Brew Lab stands out in Connecticut’s craft beer scene through their distinctive approach to brewing. Their methods combine respect for tradition with cutting-edge innovation, all while maintaining a strong connection to their local environment.
Sustainable Practices
At Aspetuck, brewing begins with exceptional water from the Aspetuck watershed. This pristine source, fed by the Aspetuck River flowing through Redding and Easton, provides some of the cleanest water in Connecticut. This natural advantage gives their beers a distinct regional character.
The brewery embraces local ingredients whenever possible. You’ll find seasonal brews featuring Connecticut-grown hops and fruits that change throughout the year. This farm-to-glass approach reduces transportation impacts while supporting local agriculture.
Energy efficiency is built into their brewing process. They’ve installed heat recovery systems that capture and reuse thermal energy from the brewing process. Their spent grain doesn’t go to waste either—local farmers collect it for animal feed, creating a circular economy.
Innovation in Flavors
You’ll discover truly unique flavor combinations at Aspetuck. Their brewers aren’t afraid to experiment with unexpected ingredients like:
- Locally foraged herbs and botanicals
- Small-batch coffee from Connecticut roasters
- Regional fruits like beach plums and pawpaws
- Specialty grains not commonly found in craft beer
Their small-batch system allows for frequent experimentation. This means the tap list changes regularly, giving you something new to try with each visit to their Black Rock location.
Aspetuck’s barrel aging program produces complex, layered beers. Some varieties spend months developing in barrels that previously held bourbon, wine, or other spirits, creating depth that can’t be rushed or replicated.
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