When We Went: June 24, 2020
Where: 1296A Blue Hills Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Back East Brewing Company opened way back in 2012, which is ancient in the Connecticut craft beer scene. They are one of the most recognized breweries in the state and it seems every package store carries them. Over the years they have gone through a number of expansions, most recently they renovated their brewing capacity and taproom. Shannon and I went to their old tap room awhile ago, and it was a little small, but that is not a problem anymore. Their brand new taproom and outdoor patio fits tons of people, and during Covid they have sectioned off part of their parking lot for even more spaced out seating. The taproom boasts plenty of wooden high tops and high ceilings that makes you feel like you have plenty of room even if its crowded. The bar itself is massive in comparison of what it used to be, and they will be able to deal with big crowds with ease. If you haven’t been to Back East in awhile, head on back to check out the new space.
Shannon: It makes me really happy to see that Back East was able to pull off a total taproom renovation and grand re-opening during the Covid-19 shutdown. That is some really impressive stuff, especially in the world we are living in. Despite all of that planning, they continuously pumped out new beers, keeping their canning line BUSY. In my fridge right now is a 4-pack of their mango IPA called Suzy Greenberg. I wasn’t expecting this beer to be as good as it is, but I’m really enjoying it! This 5.6% brew is fruity, juicy, and just hoppy enough that it rates a 3.8 overall on Untappd.
Chris: Have a mentioned that I like dark beers before? Back East is known for their IPAs but they aren’t very well known for their stouts or porters. They do have a few like their uniquely named porter, “Porter.” To be honest I have never been impressed with their dark beer, but Shannon keeps telling me there are other styles of beer so I ended up liking the one kind she doesn’t, sours. Back East is much better with their sours than they are with their dark beers, in my personal opinion. Last time we went I got their Pomegranate Berliner Weisse and this time I was very impressed. It was perfect because we went on a very sunny and hot day, and with its low percentage (3.5%) it ended up being very refreshing. Back East has enough variety that you will be able to find a style you like, and you will especially love them if you like IPAs.
Other Cool Stuff:
- In April, the brewery released All Together IPA as part of a worldwide collaboration to raise money for local hospitality workers!
- Pre-pandemic they released Ooooooh, Berrycuda for the Pink Boots Society, an organization that supports women in the beer industry!
- Beer-to-go, plus indoor and outdoor seating
- Free Wi-Fi – you know you love to see it
- Grab some grub at their guest food truck
- Dog friends welcome on the outdoor patio
- They started to make their own seltzer, because that is the new thing apparently
- Through the end of the summer, Back East is donating 50% of all their draft sales to community organizations that advocate for equity in education, mental health accessibility for disadvantaged communities, social justice, the elimination of racism, sexism, and discrimination, and helping the children of the Greater Hartford community!!!!
- ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR BACK EAST!!!
What We Drank:
Shannon: Audacity (Brown Ale) 8.1% – 3.5 out of 5
Chris: Pomegranate Berliner Weisse 3.5%- 4.5 out of 5
Brewing Persuasion: rating 3 out of 5
Feeling persuaded yet?
Brewing Persuasions 