Nestled in Milldale, Connecticut, Kinsmen Brewing Co. has transformed the craft beer scene in the state. This unique brewery occupies a historic building that once served as America’s oldest carriage bolt factory. You’ll immediately notice the character in its exposed brick walls, open rafters, and medieval-like atmosphere with the distinctive “V”-shaped ceiling.
Kinsmen Brewing offers visitors an exceptional neighborhood craft beer experience with a wide variety of handcrafted beers, stouts, ales, and IPAs. While enjoying their premium brews, you can also savor outstanding pizzas and other food offerings. The brewery’s charming location along the Farmington Canal Rail-Trail, complete with outdoor seating, creates the perfect setting to meet new friends or reconnect with old ones in a fun, welcoming environment.
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Kinsmen Brewing Company
Kinsmen Brewing Company sits in the heart of Milldale, a charming village in Southington, Connecticut. Located in a renovated factory building on Canal Street, this brewery combines industrial charm with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll immediately notice the rustic brick walls and spacious layout that creates a perfect gathering spot.
The brewery offers a rotating selection of craft beers that range from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and seasonal specialties. You can sample their creations through flight options or grab a pint of your favorite brew. Their tap list frequently changes, giving you new flavors to experience on each visit.
Beyond just great beer, Kinsmen has established itself as a community hub. You can enjoy live music performances throughout the week or attend one of their special events. The space even doubles as a wedding venue, with its unique industrial-chic setting providing a memorable backdrop for celebrations.
When you visit, you’ll find the staff knowledgeable and eager to help you discover your perfect beer match. The brewery’s commitment to quality and community shines through in everything they do, making it more than just a place to drink—it’s a place to connect.
Rating: 4.5 (765 reviews)
Location: 409 Canal St, Milldale, CT 06467
Contact: (860) 426-2133
Website: Visit Website
Kinsmen Brewing Company Overview
Kinsmen Brewing Company stands as a unique family-owned brewery in Milldale, Connecticut that has transformed the local craft beer scene. The brewery combines history with modern brewing techniques in a stunning renovated factory setting.
History and Founding
Kinsmen Brewing was established in 2016 by two brothers-in-law with a vision to create a community-centered brewing experience. The brewery is housed in what was once America’s oldest carriage bolt factory, dating back over 150 years.
The founders thoughtfully preserved the building’s industrial character during renovation. They used reclaimed lumber, pipes, and materials from the original factory to craft the taproom, honoring the generations of workers who once labored there.
The space features exposed brick walls, open rafters, and a distinctive V-shaped ceiling that gives the taproom a medieval beer hall atmosphere. Some visitors even compare it to scenes from popular fantasy shows!
Mission and Values
Kinsmen embraces its name fully, focusing on bringing people together like family. Their motto “New England’s Neighborhood Craft Beer Experience” reflects their commitment to community building and exceptional brewing.
The brewery takes pride in offering premium hand-crafted beers, with a diverse selection including stouts, ales, and IPAs. All beverages are produced in their state-of-the-art on-site brewing facilities.
Beyond beer, Kinsmen offers a complete experience with food, wine, and liquor options. Their location along the Farmington Canal Rail-Trail provides easy access for cyclists and hikers looking to enjoy outdoor seating.
You’ll feel the family-first approach in everything from their service to their welcoming atmosphere. The brewery’s design encourages both meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones in a genuine, warm environment.
Brewing Process and Techniques
At Kinsmen Brewing Company, the magic happens in their state-of-the-art brewery where traditional methods meet modern innovation. Their brewing team has created over 300 unique beers, showcasing their commitment to craft and experimentation.
Signature Beers
Kinsmen’s beer lineup features something for everyone, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Their brewing philosophy emphasizes quality and creativity, resulting in distinctive flavor profiles that keep customers coming back. The brewers, Bob Bartholomew and Justin Benvenuto, aren’t afraid to push boundaries and try new recipes.
When you visit, you’ll find:
- Year-round favorites that anchor their selection
- Seasonal specialties that highlight the changing New England calendar
- Limited releases that showcase experimental techniques
Local Ingredient Sourcing
Kinsmen takes pride in their Connecticut roots, incorporating local ingredients whenever possible. This farm-to-glass approach supports regional agriculture while creating truly unique beers that capture New England’s essence.
You’ll taste the difference in beers made with:
- Fresh hops from nearby farms
- Locally harvested fruits and herbs
- Connecticut-grown grains
This commitment to local sourcing not only creates distinctive flavors but also reduces their environmental footprint. The brewery’s relationship with local farmers creates a sustainable cycle that benefits the entire community.
The family-owned operation honors its location’s heritage by maintaining connections to the 150-year-old factory that previously occupied the space. This respect for history extends to their brewing philosophy, blending time-tested methods with innovative approaches.
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