Fox Farm Brewery sits along a quiet bend of Music Vale Road in Salem, Connecticut. This charming craft brewery opened in 2017 and was founded by husband and wife team Zack and Laura Adams. You’ll find a welcoming tasting room open Thursday through Sunday where you can enjoy their carefully crafted beers on-site or pick up some to go.
When you visit Fox Farm, you’re not just stopping at any brewery – you’re experiencing a secluded gem that offers world-class craft beer in a charming atmosphere. The brewery combines Laura’s family background in homemade wine production with Zack’s passion for brewing, creating a unique destination that beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike will appreciate.
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Fox Farm Brewery
Fox Farm Brewery is a hidden gem nestled in the charming town of Salem, Connecticut. This family-owned brewery has earned a stellar reputation among craft beer enthusiasts for its exceptional brews and welcoming atmosphere.
When you visit Fox Farm, you’ll find yourself in a beautifully renovated barn surrounded by picturesque farmland. The rustic setting creates the perfect backdrop for sampling their carefully crafted beers, which often feature locally sourced ingredients.
The brewery specializes in a variety of styles, including farmhouse ales, IPAs, and barrel-aged offerings. Each beer is created with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the owners’ passion for quality and tradition. You’ll appreciate the complex flavors and the thought that goes into each recipe.
Fox Farm’s tasting room offers a cozy space to enjoy your beer while chatting with friendly staff who are always happy to share their knowledge. On weekends, you might catch live music or a food truck adding to the festive atmosphere.
Rating: 4.9 (527 reviews)
Location: 62 Music Vale Rd, Salem, CT 06420
Website: Visit Website
The Story Behind Fox Farm Brewery
Fox Farm Brewery has transformed a historic dairy farm into one of Connecticut’s most cherished craft beer destinations. This family-owned brewery blends tradition with innovation in a picturesque rural setting.
Founding and Inspiration
Zack and Laura Adams purchased a 30-acre property in Salem, Connecticut with a vision that would change their lives. They saw potential in a 1960s dairy barn that stood on the land. Instead of cows, they imagined brewing tanks and happy visitors.
In May 2017, after careful renovations to the old barn, Fox Farm Brewery opened its doors to the public. The Adams didn’t just start a business—they created a destination that honors the property’s agricultural heritage.
Zack’s brewing philosophy was clear from the start. Rather than chasing trends, Fox Farm focused on beer styles the team truly loved to make and drink: lagers, mixed-fermentation farmhouse ales, and hop-forward ales.
Growth and Development
The brewery has expanded thoughtfully since its opening, creating a complete brewing campus in southeastern Connecticut. The original barn now houses a two-story tasting room with a mezzanine that welcomes visitors Thursday through Sunday each week.
Fox Farm’s brewing system has grown to include specialized equipment like horizontal lagering tanks and a coolship. They’ve also added a stone-facade building dedicated to barrel-aged beers, showing their commitment to quality and tradition.
The Adams family lives just up the hill from the brewery, truly making this a farmstead operation. Their close connection to the land extends to their partnerships with local producers like Cato Corner Farm, whose Connecticut farmstead cheeses are available alongside Fox Farm’s beers.
Community and Events at Fox Farm Brewery
Fox Farm Brewery serves as more than just a place to grab a great craft beer – it’s a vibrant community hub where locals and visitors come together. The brewery has built strong ties with neighboring businesses and hosts various gatherings that showcase the best of Salem.
Local Collaborations
Fox Farm partners with several local businesses to enhance your tasting experience. They offer Connecticut farmstead cheeses from nearby Cato Corner Farm that you can preorder alongside your beer. This thoughtful pairing elevates your visit and supports local agriculture.
For non-beer drinkers, Fox Farm has you covered with Ashlawn Farm Cold Nitro Brew on tap. This collaboration ensures everyone in your group can enjoy something special during your visit.
The brewery’s connection to the local craft community is evident in everything they do. Their partnerships highlight the rich agricultural traditions of the Salem area while supporting neighboring small businesses.
Events and Gatherings
The tasting room at Fox Farm serves as a popular gathering spot for beer enthusiasts. Open Thursday and Friday from 12-7pm, Saturday 11-6pm, and Sunday 11-5pm, the space welcomes visitors throughout most of the week.
Many guests recommend arriving early to secure a good spot outside, especially during weekends. The outdoor area is perfect for enjoying your beer flight while soaking in the charming Salem atmosphere.
The venue is family-friendly, so you can bring your whole group along. With over 13,000 visitors recorded on their Facebook page, it’s clear that Fox Farm has become a beloved destination.
Their social media presence helps keep the community informed about special releases, events, and other happenings at the brewery. Follow them on Twitter or Instagram to stay updated on the latest news.
Sustainability Practices at Fox Farm
Fox Farm Brewery in Salem, Connecticut takes sustainability seriously! The brewery operates on a beautiful 30-acre farmland where local ingredients take center stage in their brewing process.
You’ll notice their commitment to sustainability in how they source ingredients. The brewery uses produce grown right on their property, making their farm-to-glass approach both environmentally friendly and deliciously fresh.
Laura’s family owns Salem Valley Vineyard nearby, which produces about 5,000 pounds of grapes annually. These grapes find their way into Fox Farm’s beers, including their popular Near and Far IPA which features white grapes.
The brewery’s sustainable practices extend beyond just ingredients. Their beautifully restored 1960s dairy barn serves as the brewery’s home, showcasing their dedication to repurposing existing structures rather than building new ones.
When you visit, you can enjoy their classic styles knowing they’re crafted with care for both flavor and environmental impact. Their focus on what they love to make—lagers, mixed-fermentation farmhouse ales, and hop-forward ales—allows them to perfect their craft while maintaining their sustainable vision.
Fox Farm proves that great beer doesn’t need to follow trends to be successful. Their approach to brewing combines traditional methods with sustainable practices, creating a unique experience you won’t want to miss on your Connecticut beer tour!
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