New England Brewing Company is a craft brewery in Woodbridge, Connecticut that’s been making great beer since 2001. Located right on the border of New Haven, this small brewery started with a simple passion for creating beers that people would actually want to drink. Today, New England Brewing Co. (NEBCo) offers a variety of carefully crafted beers including traditional ales and lagers as well as unique interpretations of existing styles.
When you visit this Connecticut gem, you’ll discover one of the pioneers of putting quality craft beer in cans. Their commitment to brewing for local consumption has earned them a loyal following with over 32,000 fans on social media. If you’re looking for a taste of authentic Connecticut brewing culture, NEBCo provides a welcoming space where passion for good beer is at the heart of everything they do.
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New England Brewing Co
New England Brewing Co is a cozy, laid-back brewery in Woodbridge that beer lovers shouldn’t miss. With a stellar selection of craft beers ranging from crisp pilsners to bold IPAs, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Their menu features popular options like Sea Hag IPA, G-Bot Double IPA, and Elm City Pilsner. You can enjoy these brews in various sizes including 7oz tasters, 16oz drafts, or 12oz snifters depending on the beer style and strength.
The brewery has built a strong local following thanks to their quality craft beers. You can grab a seat at the bar, sample a few different brews, and even take home some cans or growlers of your favorites to enjoy later.
If you’re hungry while sipping your beer, they offer snacks to complement your drinks. Beyond beer, they also serve wine, cider, and soft drinks for those looking for non-beer options.
Rating: 4.8 (528 reviews)
Location: 175 Amity Rd, Woodbridge, CT 06525
Contact: (203) 387-2222
Website: Visit Website
History of New England Brewing Company
New England Brewing Company has deep roots in Connecticut’s craft beer scene, with a legacy built on passion and quality brewing.
Founding and Early Years
New England Brewing Company (NEBCO) started brewing in Connecticut back in 2001. The brewery began with a simple mission – to create beer that the founders themselves would want to drink. This passion-driven approach has been at the heart of their operation from day one.
In the fall of 2002, NEBCO signed a lease for a building on Selden Street in Woodbridge, Connecticut. This location would become their brewing home for many years to come. The brewery celebrated its official launch in June 2003 with a grand “tap party” at Delaney’s in New Haven, the first bar to ever purchase a NEBCO keg.
Rob Leonard played a crucial role in the company’s early days. He reinvented a closing brewpub in Norwalk as a small brewery in Woodbridge, focusing primarily on beer quality and keeping the business running.
Expansion and Growth
As NEBCO continued brewing, they gained recognition for creating quality craft beers. Their flagship beer, Sea Hag, became particularly famous in the Connecticut craft beer scene. This popularity helped establish NEBCO as a respected name in New England brewing.
Under Leonard’s leadership, NEBCO earned a reputation that positioned him as what some call a “godfather of the Connecticut craft brewing industry.” The brewery’s focus on quality over quantity helped them stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
In recent years, NEBCO has been looking toward West Haven as a potential new home, signaling their ongoing growth and evolution. Throughout their expansion, they’ve maintained their original goal of becoming one of the best and most respected craft breweries in New England.
Craft Beer Selection
New England Brewing Company offers an impressive lineup of craft beers that have earned them a devoted following since 2001. Their diverse selection ranges from traditional ales to innovative specialty brews.
Signature Brews
Sea Hag IPA stands as one of NEBCO’s flagship beers, beloved by hop enthusiasts throughout Connecticut. This crisp, hop-forward ale showcases the brewery’s talent for balancing bold flavors with drinkability.
Gandhi-Bot, their celebrated double IPA, has achieved legendary status among craft beer aficionados. With its robust hop profile and smooth finish, it exemplifies the brewery’s commitment to excellence.
NEBCO’s core lineup also includes several well-crafted traditional styles. You’ll find expertly brewed lagers that appeal to both craft newcomers and seasoned beer lovers alike.
When you visit the taproom at 175 Amity Road, you can sample these signature offerings straight from the source. The friendly staff is always happy to guide you through their beer selection.
Seasonal Offerings
Throughout the year, NEBCO delights customers with limited-release seasonal beers that capture the essence of New England’s changing seasons. These special brews often incorporate local ingredients and innovative brewing techniques.
Winter brings rich, warming stouts and porters perfect for Connecticut’s cold months. Spring and summer see the release of refreshing wheat beers and session IPAs ideal for warmer weather enjoyment.
The brewery regularly experiments with barrel-aging processes, creating complex flavor profiles you won’t find elsewhere. These limited editions often sell out quickly due to high demand.
You can keep track of upcoming releases by following NEBCO’s social media or visiting their website. The taproom rotation changes frequently, giving you plenty of reasons to return and discover new favorites.
Sustainability Initiatives
New England Brewing Company is leading the way in sustainable brewing practices in Connecticut. You’ll be happy to know they’re part of the BetterBev New England initiative, which recognizes breweries working to reduce their carbon footprint.
The brewing process typically uses lots of energy and water. New England Brewing Company has taken steps to address these environmental challenges while making your favorite craft beers.
They’ve partnered with the Connecticut Brewers Guild and Sacred Heart University to establish scholarships for Black students to attend Sacred Heart’s Brewing Science program. This shows their commitment not just to environmental sustainability but to social sustainability too.
When you visit their Woodbridge location, you might notice some of their eco-friendly practices in action. Connecticut has over 200 craft beverage manufacturers as of 2024, and New England Brewing stands out for their green initiatives.
Their sustainability efforts align with statewide goals to make the craft beverage industry more environmentally responsible. The brewery is one of more than 600 craft breweries across New England, but their dedication to sustainability makes them special.
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