Tucked away in a refurbished 100-year-old tool and die factory on Route 34, BAD SONS Beer Co. brings fresh craft beer to Derby, Connecticut. This local brewery celebrates the spirit of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, with its name cleverly forming an acronym from surrounding towns: Beacon Falls, Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford, and Naugatuck. The spacious taproom offers not just great beer but a complete experience with shuffleboard, board games, and an outdoor beer yard featuring a fire pit.
When you visit BAD SONS, you’ll find more than just drinks. The brewery has become a community gathering spot with food options from Dew Drop Inn on Mondays and Roseland Pizza Tuesday through Sunday. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for hanging out with friends while sampling their high-quality craft beers. With live music returning soon to their Sunday lineup, this destination brewery captures the true grit and independent character of Connecticut’s historic valley region.
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BADSONS Beer Co.
BADSONS Beer Co. is a craft brewery located in the heart of the Naugatuck River Valley. The name itself is an acronym representing the towns that make up “The Valley” – Beacon Falls, Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford, Naugatuck, and Shelton.
When you visit BADSONS, you’ll experience a brewery built on the independent spirit of Connecticut’s historic lower Valley region. The founders are proud locals who were born and raised in the area, bringing their passion for quality brewing to their hometown.
At BADSONS, you’ll find handcrafted beers made with pride and attention to detail. Their commitment to quality means you can enjoy unique brews that represent the character and grit of the Valley towns they honor.
You’ll appreciate the local atmosphere that celebrates the industrial heritage and community spirit of Derby and the surrounding towns. The brewery has become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy well-crafted beer in an authentic Connecticut setting.
Rating: 4.6 (511 reviews)
Location: 251 Roosevelt Dr, Derby, CT 06418
Contact: (203) 308-2654
Website: Visit Website
History of BAD SONS Beer Company
BAD SONS Beer Company has transformed a historic building in Derby into a popular local brewery with strong connections to Connecticut’s Naugatuck River Valley. The name itself is an acronym representing the towns where the founders grew up.
Founding and Early Years
BAD SONS Beer Company began taking shape in early 2017 when plans were submitted to the Derby Building Department. The founders chose a 105-year-old former factory at 249-251 Roosevelt Drive as the brewery’s home. This 12,000-square-foot space has a rich history – previously housing Manger Die Casting Company and before that, it filled and distributed glass milk bottles for Kellogg’s cereal.
The name “BAD SONS” cleverly represents the towns where the founders were born and raised in Connecticut’s historic lower Naugatuck River Valley:
- B: Beacon Falls
- A: Ansonia
- D: Derby
- S: Seymour
- O: Oxford
- N: Naugatuck
Growth and Milestones
The brewery officially opened in summer 2017 after extensive renovations to transform the industrial space into a welcoming brewery and tasting room. When you visit, you’ll find yourself just down the Housatonic River from Yale crew team’s boathouse and about 300 yards from the popular Dew Drop Inn.
BAD SONS has been recognized for its impressive adaptive reuse project. The company preserved the building’s industrial character while creating a modern craft brewery experience. This blend of history and innovation has helped them build a loyal following.
The brewery’s focus on local identity has resonated with visitors. Their craft beers celebrate the independent spirit of the Valley region, connecting modern brewing with the area’s manufacturing heritage.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
BAD SONS offers a unique brewery experience that perfectly blends industrial history with modern craft beer culture. The space welcomes you with its authentic character and community vibe that captures the essence of Connecticut’s Naugatuck Valley.
Taproom Experience
The taproom at BAD SONS is truly impressive, housed inside a renovated 100-year-old tool and die factory. You’ll immediately notice the spacious layout that maintains its industrial roots while creating a comfortable place to enjoy craft beer. The open design gives you a clear view of the 20-barrel brewhouse, letting you watch the brewing process while sipping your favorite beer.
Games add a fun element to your visit. You can challenge friends to shuffleboard, foosball, or cornhole while sampling the brewery’s latest offerings. The taproom buzzes with energy, especially during weekends, but never feels overwhelming.
The hours are convenient too:
- Monday: 4pm-8pm
- Tuesday-Thursday: 4pm-9pm
- Friday-Saturday: 12pm-11pm
- Sunday: 12pm-7pm
Outdoor Space
Step outside to discover BAD SONS’ welcoming beer yard. This outdoor area provides a perfect retreat during Connecticut’s pleasant weather months. The centerpiece is a cozy fire pit where you can warm up on cooler evenings while enjoying your brew under open skies.
Yard games scattered throughout the space encourage friendly competition and conversation. The outdoor area feels like an extension of the valley community spirit that inspired the brewery’s name (representing Beacon Falls, Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford, and Naugatuck).
The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces makes BAD SONS adaptable to any season or weather. You’ll find the atmosphere consistently welcoming whether you’re seeking a lively Saturday night gathering or a relaxed Sunday afternoon beer.
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