Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. in East Hampton, Connecticut: A Purr-fectly Crafted Beer Destination

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. sits in a charming barn in East Hampton, Connecticut. This small brewery opened in 2016 and quickly made a name for itself with high-quality craft beers. The rustic setting with goats and chickens in the backyard gives visitors a true farm brewery experience.

As of December 2021, Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. closed its public taproom and now distributes its beer only. The brewery moved its operations to Twelve Percent Brewing Project in North Haven. Even without a public space, their beers remain popular among craft beer fans in Connecticut and beyond.

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Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. is a charming brewery located in North Haven, Connecticut. You’ll find this hidden gem at 341 State Street, where craft beer enthusiasts gather to enjoy unique brews in a friendly atmosphere.

When you visit, you’ll be greeted by the brewery’s welcoming vibe and exceptional service. Their perfect 5-star rating speaks volumes about the quality of their craft beers and overall experience they provide to visitors.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind with friends or family, Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. offers a relaxed setting to sample their creative beer selection. You might even discover your new favorite brew while chatting with other beer lovers or the knowledgeable staff.

Craft beer fans will appreciate the care and creativity that goes into each batch. The brewery has built a loyal following among locals and visitors alike who appreciate quality brewing and a friendly atmosphere.

Rating: 5 (12 reviews)
Location: 341 State St, North Haven, CT 06473
Website: Visit Website

History of Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. has a charming story that begins with passionate homebrewers and evolved into a beloved Connecticut craft brewery. Their journey shows how small, local breweries can make a big impact on the craft beer scene.

Founding and Early Years

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. was founded in 2016 by Mike Klucznik and his wife, Sheila Mullen. Before opening the brewery, Mike was a CPA with a passion for homebrewing, while Sheila worked as a teacher of American Sign Language.

The couple decided to turn their brewing hobby into a business, establishing their brewery in a barn in East Hampton, Connecticut. They officially opened for tastings and growler sales on August 13, 2016.

The brewery was aptly named after their pet cat, giving it a personal touch that reflected the homey, welcoming atmosphere they wanted to create.

Evolution of Brewery Practices

When Fat Orange Cat first opened, it operated as a seasonal farm brewery. You could visit on Saturdays (nicknamed “Caturday”) and enjoy the rustic charm of their country setting, complete with goats and chickens in the backyard.

By 2019, the brewery made changes to its visitor policy, closing to children and pets in September of that year.

The biggest shift came in December 2021, when Fat Orange Cat closed its public taproom. Instead of hosting visitors at their East Hampton location, they moved their operations to Twelve Percent Brewing Project in North Haven and switched to a distribution-only model.

Crafting Unique Beer Flavors

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. has made a name for itself by creating distinctive beer flavors that stand out in Connecticut’s craft beer scene. Their innovative approach combines creative recipes with quality ingredients to produce memorable brews.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

When you visit Fat Orange Cat, you’ll taste the difference that local ingredients make. This farm brewery takes advantage of its rural East Hampton location by incorporating locally grown products whenever possible.

The brewery often features honey from nearby apiaries and fruit from Connecticut farms in their special releases. These fresh ingredients add authentic flavors you won’t find in mass-produced beers.

You might even spot some ingredients growing right on the brewery property! The farm setting isn’t just for show – it’s part of their commitment to creating beer with a true sense of place.

Their hop-forward beers are particularly notable, with vibrant flavors that showcase both classic and experimental hop varieties.

Seasonal and Special Brews

Each season brings exciting new flavors to try at Fat Orange Cat. The brewery is known for its rotating selection that changes with the calendar.

In fall, you can enjoy harvest-inspired beers featuring pumpkin and apple notes. Winter brings richer, warming brews perfect for cold Connecticut days. Spring and summer feature lighter, refreshing options with bright fruit profiles.

Their special releases often feature creative names and eye-catching artwork that match their bold flavors. These limited editions create excitement among craft beer enthusiasts and collectors.

Many visitors plan their trips specifically around new beer releases. The brewery’s “Caturday” events have become popular weekend destinations for trying the latest creations straight from the source.

Community Engagement and Events

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co. has become a beloved gathering spot in East Hampton where beer lovers and locals come together. The brewery creates a welcoming atmosphere through their regular events and strong connections with nearby businesses.

Tasting Events and Tours

Every Saturday—which they playfully call “Caturday”—the brewery welcomes visitors to their charming farm setting. You’ll find a relaxed, backyard party vibe as you walk up the stone-paved hill to the country barn. The brewery offers tastings of their creative craft beers, including their popular Walkabout series sours.

Tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process. You can learn how they use the high-quality well water from the Salmon River watershed to enhance their brews.

While enjoying your beer, you might spot goats and chickens roaming the backyard, adding to the farm brewery experience. The setting is casual and inviting, perfect for spending a weekend afternoon.

Partnerships with Local Businesses

Fat Orange Cat collaborates with several East Hampton businesses to strengthen community ties. They’ve partnered with 12 Percent Beer Project to scale up production of favorites like their Walkabout Mango Cranberry sour.

These partnerships help the brewery expand their reach while supporting the local economy. You’ll find their beers featured at Connecticut festivals and events throughout the year.

The brewery also hosts local food vendors on weekends, offering tasty pairings with their craft beers. This creates a complete experience where you can enjoy local flavors while supporting multiple small businesses.

As Connecticut’s first brewery in East Hampton, they’ve become an important part of the town’s tourism draw and local culture.

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