When I went: August 28, 2020
Location: 193 Arch Street, New Britain, CT 06051
It all started when Peter was in his office looking out his window and asked Phil, “What should we do with the extra space in the building next door?” Phil (an avid craft beer drinker) answered, “How about a brewery?” Two years later, Five Churches Brewing was born. Their name and logo come from the five different church steeples that can be seen from the brewery windows. Earlier this year they celebrated their two year anniversary! Five Churches prides itself not just on its beer but also on its wood-fired pizza. The taproom feels like a pizza restaurant while still giving that upcycled industrial look.
Chris: Let me just say that my opinion of Five Churches has changed dramatically from when they first opened. I always liked the ambiance of the taproom and the location (right across the street from Riley’s Hot Dog!). But I was not always a fan of their beer, and it was not through lack of trying. I used to live in New Britain so I went there quite a few times, tried 10 different beers, and always left unimpressed. That being said, when I went for the first time this year, I was in love. I don’t know what happened! I went from liking 1 out of 10 beers before this visit, to 4 out of the 5 beers that I tried on that day. They had 15 beers on tap in a variety of styles so everyone could find a beer they like. Even though my previous experiences were bad, I am now willing to sing Five Churches’ praise all day, everyday.
Shannon: I have always really liked the location and design of the taproom at Five Churches, but like Chris already said, my first few visits didn’t leave much of a memorable experience. I haven’t been back since moving to Ohio, but I’m happy to give it another go! I’m easier to persuade than Chris, so if he likes them now, no doubt I will too. Of the 11 different beers I’ve had from Five Churches in the past, my favorite has been their double IPA, Steeple People. Coming in at a hefty 7.8% ABV, Steeple People is brewed with dry Citra hops and is loaded with grapefruit, melon, lime, gooseberry, and passionfruit. On Untappd this beer has a global rating of 4.16, so it’s safe to say Steeple People is a people pleaser!
Other cool stuff:
- Mug club
- 2nd story outdoor seating
- Pizza and pretzels made in-house
- Flights
- Avery soda
What Chris drank:
Chris: Milkshake Shack (Milkshake IPA) 6% – 4 out of 5
Chris: Lil’ Stouty (Stout) 5% – 4 out of 5
Chris: Holy Union (Sour) 4% – 4.5 out of 5
Brewing Persuasion: 4 out of 5
Feeling persuaded yet?
Brewing Persuasions 