Thimble Island Brewing Company is a must-visit spot on Connecticut’s shoreline. Located in Branford, this popular craft brewery offers a welcoming atmosphere for both beer lovers and families. With locations in both Branford and Old Saybrook, Thimble Island combines great craft beers with delicious pub-style food that has recently gotten even better.
When you visit Thimble Island Brewing Company, you’ll find both indoor seating and an outdoor drinking and dining area where you can relax and enjoy your experience. Their menu has been updated with flavorful dishes that pair perfectly with their beers. The brewery has become a local favorite, earning high ratings from customers who appreciate both the drinks and food options.
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Thimble Island Brewing Company
Thimble Island Brewing Company has been crafting quality beers in Branford since 2012. You’ll find a wide selection of handcrafted ales, stouts, and other brews perfect for every taste preference.
When you visit this local brewery, you can enjoy tours of their brewing facilities and free tastings of their latest creations. If you find something you love, grab a growler to take home or check out their convenient grab-and-go cooler for packaged options.
The brewpub atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to relax with friends while sampling their year-round offerings and specialty releases. You can also find Thimble Island brews in stores throughout Connecticut if you want to enjoy them at home.
The brewery regularly hosts events and releases new specialty beers, giving you plenty of reasons to return. Be sure to tag #ThimbleIslandBrewing on social media to share your experience with other craft beer enthusiasts.
Rating: 4.4 (412 reviews)
Location: 16 Business Park Dr, Branford, CT 06405
Contact: (203) 208-2827
Website: Visit Website
About Thimble Island Brewing Company
Thimble Island Brewing Company stands as one of Connecticut’s beloved craft breweries, offering both exceptional beers and a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Named after the picturesque Thimble Islands off Connecticut’s coast, this brewery combines local inspiration with craft brewing expertise.
History and Founding
Thimble Island Brewing Company began in 2009 when two passionate homebrewers, Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett, decided to turn their hobby into something bigger. They shared a simple vision: create great beer for their local community. The brewery officially established itself in Branford, Connecticut in 2010.
From these humble beginnings, Thimble Island has grown substantially. What started as a two-person operation has expanded into a full-fledged brewery with multiple locations. Today, you can visit their main brewery in Branford or their second location in Old Saybrook.
Their American Amber Ale quickly became their flagship beer and remains their best-selling craft brew to this day.
Unique Brewing Techniques
When you visit Thimble Island Brewing Company, you’ll experience craft brewing that balances tradition with innovation. The brewery has developed its distinct character through careful attention to brewing methods and quality ingredients.
Their brewing process focuses on creating consistent, flavorful beers that appeal to both casual drinkers and beer enthusiasts. The flagship American Amber Ale showcases their skill in balancing malt flavors with just the right hop character.
Beyond beer, Thimble Island has expanded into a full dining experience. Their restaurant offers pub-style food that pairs perfectly with their craft beers. Recent menu upgrades have improved their food offerings, with standout dishes like their flavorful shrimp entrées complementing their brews beautifully.
Both Branford and Old Saybrook locations are family-friendly, making them perfect spots for your next Connecticut outing.
Visiting the Brewery
Thimble Island Brewing Company offers visitors a chance to experience Connecticut’s craft beer scene firsthand. Their welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to spend an afternoon learning about brewing processes and sampling their popular beers.
Brewery Tours
Want to see how your favorite brews are made? Thimble Island offers tours of their brewing facility in Branford. You’ll get an up-close look at the brewing equipment and learn about the process from grain to glass.
Tours are educational and fun, with knowledgeable staff explaining each step of the brewing process. You’ll discover how Thimble Island was founded in 2010 by friends Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett, who turned their homebrewing passion into a successful business.
The brewery got its name from the Thimble Islands, Connecticut’s largest island group located just off the coast. This local connection shows their commitment to the community.
Tours don’t require reservations for small groups, but it’s best to call ahead if you’re bringing several friends.
Tasting Room Experience
The tasting room at Thimble Island Brewing Company is where the magic happens! With over 24 beers on draft, you’ll find something to please every palate. Their spacious room features long tables perfect for groups and a friendly, casual vibe.
Open from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, the tasting room serves more than just great beer. You can enjoy delicious pub-style food that pairs perfectly with their brews. The full-service restaurant is family-friendly, so feel free to bring the kids along.
Flight samplers are a popular choice if you want to try several different beers. Don’t miss their seasonal offerings, which showcase the brewers’ creativity and use of local ingredients.
The staff is always happy to recommend pairings or tell you about the inspiration behind different beers. Many visitors appreciate the relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to spend an afternoon here.
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