Connecticut has many great places to enjoy craft beer, and Steady Habit Brewing Company should be on your list. Located near the beautiful Connecticut River, this small brewery offers a unique experience for beer lovers. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and locally crafted beers that showcase the spirit of Connecticut’s growing craft beer scene.
Steady Habit has been brewing for about half a decade, building a reputation among locals and visitors alike. The taproom in Higganum gives you a chance to taste their creations while enjoying the charm of this Connecticut community. It’s a perfect stop during your exploration of Essex and the surrounding area.
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Surfridge Brewing Co
Surfridge Brewing Co is a delightful taproom and eatery in Centerbrook, Connecticut that opened in 2019. You’ll find it nestled in the beautiful Witch Hazel Works property, where they create craft beers on their 10-barrel copper and brass system.
The space blends timeless New England charm with California influences, creating a natural, airy atmosphere perfect for relaxing with friends and family. When you visit, you can enjoy their fresh craft beers alongside wood-fired pizzas and local oysters. Their beer selection is often described as some of the best on the shoreline!
Beyond beer, Surfridge offers hand-crafted cocktails and Jonathan Edwards Winery wine. The family-friendly taproom welcomes groups of all sizes, and during summer months, you can bring your dog to enjoy the patio. Don’t miss the impressive mural by Trek6 that pays tribute to Connecticut’s whale history and blue butterflies.
Food at Surfridge focuses on seasonal menus with fresh, local ingredients. Guests particularly praise their tender meatballs, crispy wood-fired pizzas, and flavorful signature IPAs. The restaurant regularly hosts special events like mocktail dinners that showcase their creative food and beverage offerings.
Rating: 4.6 (189 reviews)
Location: 6 Main St, Essex, CT 06409
Contact: (860) 662-4038
Website: Visit Website
History of Steady Habit Brewing Company
Steady Habit Brewing Company has built a reputation as a cherished local brewery with deep roots in Connecticut’s craft beer scene. Their journey from small beginnings to becoming a riverside destination showcases their dedication to quality brewing and community values.
Founding and Inspiration
Steady Habit Brewing Company was founded with a clear vision – to pay homage to beer history while focusing on wise decisions and good values. The brewery’s name itself reflects this commitment to consistency and tradition in craft brewing. Their flagship India Pale Ale, aptly named “Our Daily Bread,” celebrates beer’s ancient origins as a naturally fermented beverage.
The founder’s inspiration came from the rich brewing heritage of Connecticut, wanting to create a space where quality craft beer could be enjoyed in a comfortable setting. When you visit Steady Habit, you’ll notice how their brewing philosophy honors traditional methods while still creating distinctive flavors that stand out in Connecticut’s competitive craft beer landscape.
Milestones and Growth
Steady Habit Brewing has experienced significant growth since its founding. A major milestone came when the brewery expanded to a new location at 201 Saybrook Road in Haddam, Connecticut. This move doubled their size and positioned them closer to Middletown, just about a mile-and-a-half from the town line.
Their current location sits beautifully on the bank of the Connecticut River, providing a scenic backdrop for beer enthusiasts. The taproom in Higganum has become a popular destination for craft beer lovers in the 06441 area and beyond.
You’ll appreciate how Steady Habit has grown while maintaining its status as an independent, locally-owned brewery. Their expansion has allowed them to welcome more visitors while staying true to their original mission of creating quality craft beers that honor brewing traditions.
Unique Brews and Flavors
Steady Habit Brewing Company offers an impressive array of craft beers that showcase Connecticut’s brewing excellence. Their selection ranges from bold IPAs to smooth lagers, each crafted with care and local inspiration.
Flagship Beers
Steady Habit’s core lineup features several standout brews you’ll want to try during your visit. Their Beer Belly IPA (6.2% ABV) delivers a hoppy profile with slight haziness that beer enthusiasts love. If you’re looking for something more easy-drinking, the FU Pils (5% ABV) offers a refreshing, crisp golden pilsner experience perfect for any season.
The brewery also produces Liquid Courage, a smooth mellow full-bodied lager at 5% ABV that’s gained popularity among locals and visitors alike. For New England IPA fans, you’ll find tropical flavor notes in their hazy offerings that showcase the brewery’s skill with this popular style.
Seasonal and Limited Editions
The brewing team at Steady Habit loves to experiment with seasonal ingredients and special techniques. Their FLH Spring Blend, an Imperial/Double IPA coming in at a robust 8% ABV and 63 IBU, has earned impressive ratings (3.8/5) from craft beer enthusiasts on Untappd.
You’ll find their seasonal rotation changes throughout the year, giving you new reasons to visit each season. Their partnership with multiple Connecticut distillers, vintners, and growers ensures fresh flavors and innovative brews regularly appear on tap.
Many of their limited releases sell out quickly, so checking their social media before your visit is recommended. The brewery’s location near the Connecticut River provides inspiration for many of their special releases that capture the essence of the region.
Visiting Steady Habit Brewing Company
Steady Habit Brewing Company offers a welcoming experience for craft beer enthusiasts. The brewery has established itself as a must-visit destination along the Connecticut River with its quality brews and friendly atmosphere.
Location and Ambiance
Steady Habit Brewing Company is located at 201 Saybrook Road in Haddam, Connecticut, specifically in the Higganum area. The brewery sits near the beautiful Connecticut River, creating a scenic backdrop for your visit. You’ll find it about a mile and a half from the Middletown town line, making it easily accessible if you’re coming from that direction.
The taproom has expanded to twice its original size, giving you more space to enjoy your favorite brews. When you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the small-town charm of Connecticut. The riverside location adds to the relaxed vibe that makes Steady Habit a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Brewery Tours and Events
Your visit to Steady Habit can include more than just sampling great beers. The brewery has been crafting quality beverages for over five years, building expertise you can learn about through their offerings. Though small, this riverside brewery provides an authentic craft beer experience.
When planning your visit, check their Facebook page for upcoming events and special releases. With over 6,800 followers and frequent visitors, their social media keeps you updated on what’s happening. The brewery has earned a solid 4.0 rating on Tripadvisor from 13 reviews, with many visitors rating their experience as “excellent” or “very good.”
You might want to plan your visit around their tap releases or community events that showcase local culture alongside their craft brews. The friendly staff enhances your experience, making you feel like part of the Steady Habit community.
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