Stony Creek Brewery

Last week, Stony Creek Brewery opened its new facility in Branford, just a couple exits up the road from #NHV. With craft beer so hot the past few years, it's fun to see so many of the smaller breweries able to offer experiences like this; a nice, clean bar with freshly-rotated beers on tap, where you can spend an afternoon with friends drinking and chowing down on whatever snacks you want to bring.

Stony Creek's new spot is especially well-situated on the water in Branford and, when 100% completed, will have a nice deck to sit out on and watch the boats drift by while you down a few oat sodas. While that part of is still completing construction, the inside bar is up and running, and I've found myself there two Saturdays in a row.

Day 1 was packed, but still plenty of places to sit and enjoy the beer/view.

In addition to pints of changing beers, the bar also sells "Crowlers," or canned growlers. I've never seen these 32oz. fresh poured canned beers to go before, and I was very intrigued.

It all starts with a blank, topless can, which they fill at the tap upon request.

That's 2 16oz pints right there.

Then they pop a top on and put it in this contraption to seal it up.

Last, they roll on a label for you.

Voila, beer to go, fresh from the pint.

The Crowler costs $8, and contains 32oz (2 16oz beers).

Porter21

 

The internet continues to amaze me every day. As I scrolled around online and on Facebook, I came across Porter21, which in short, will deliver alcohol to your house. That's right, you don't have to make the trek to the liquor store (let's face it, in New Haven the only good liquor store is The Wine Thief anyway), because all you have to do is pick out your booze and beer online and they will deliver it in 60 minutes or less. Amazing!!!!To top it off they have a great beer selection including craft beers and my personal favorite, Coors Light. Everything is decently priced and there is no extra costs or fees. Basically your summer party just got awesome. You're welcome.

Middletown

Now that my favorite bar/restaurant is gone (RIP Delaney's), I have to head all the way to Middletown, CT to visit my second favorite bar, Eli Cannon's. Eli Cannon's has a great selection of beer, cheap and tasty food, and a funky atmosphere that can't be beat. At it's core it's just a dive bar, but something about it makes you like you're in the know to even be there. A few favorite menu items include the soft pretzel with three dipping sauces, the BLT, and any of the wing flavors.

As Middletown is about a twenty minute trek from New Haven, it's exciting that Eli Cannon's isn't the only thing worth going there for anymore. After lunch, head across the street to NoRa cupcakes where you can sample amazing flavors like 50 Shades of Chocolate, Fat Elvis, and Fluffernutter. They have ample cafe space to kick up your feet and eat a few cupcakes before you head down the street to Middletown's newest craft brewery, Stubborn Beauty.

The brewery is dedicated to brewing unique, full flavored beers. They aren't into "cookie cutter" beers and are known for their eclectic style. Grab a few tastings and a growler fill before you make the drive back to New Haven.