Five Churches Brewing

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: Nashville Edition

Tailgate Brewery, Harding House Brewing Co., & Diskin Cider

Tailgate Brewery

Visited: September 19, 2020

Where: 7300 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209

Tailgate began brewing beer in 2014 and is considered one of Nashville’s most successful brewing companies. They have three different locations spread out across the Music City. Each Tailgate location has a full service taproom with 20 or so beers on draft at a time. A full service kitchen is also serving up appetizers, pizzas, wings, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. During my visit, I paired pretzel bites and beer cheese with a peanut butter milk stout. A cult classic beer in Nashville, the peanut butter milk stout is a smooth, sweet, and creamy 5.8% ABV with a subtle peanut butter taste and aroma.

Harding House Brewing Co.

Visited: September 19, 2020

Where: 904 51st Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209

Harding House Brewing Co. is a taproom-focused nanobrewery that began pouring drafts in the Music City in 2018. They are focused on creating beer that is unique to Nashville by using local and regional ingredients, while also taking inspiration from southern food culture. Harding House Brewing Co. aims to bring the people of Nashville together in a taproom that encourages community, sustainability, and enjoyment. When I visited, I tried the first in their Pre-Prohibition series, Jimmy Red lager. This 5% ABV beer is crisp and easy to drink.

Diskin Cider

Visited: September 20, 2020

Where: 1235 Main St, Nashville, TN 37203

Diskin Cider is a local hot spot and Nashville’s only craft cidery. Their tasting room is home to multiple events throughout the year and boasts a tap list, food menu, and specialty craft cocktails. Diskin’s owners studied under an English Cider Master, learning how to make craft cider the traditional way with fresh pressed apples. You won’t find anything artificial in these cans! Not only are all of their ciders made gluten-free, but there are also no added sugars. When I went to Diskin Cider for a drag brunch event, I fell in love with their blackberry vanilla port cider, Local AF, and their fruit tea cider, Six One Five. I loved Diskin Cider so much that I ended up bringing home a four-pack of their semi-sweet southern style cider, Lil’ Blondie.

Feeling persuaded yet?

Phantom Brewing

When We Went: July 24, 2020

Location: 290 Murphy Road, Hartford, CT 06114

Phantom Brewing is a brand spanking new brewery located in Hartford that Shannon and I visited right after it opened in July. While the taproom is new, the two guys that run the place have been in the craft beer business for awhile, but on the supply and education front. They started as Beer and Wine Maker’s Warehouse suppling aspiring breweries and teaching brewers how to make beer, wine, mead, kombucha, and more. Eventually they decided to start their own brewery, while still selling supplies. The taproom isn’t very big, but it still has that new space shine to it. In addition, they have a large mural showing Hartford from across the Connecticut River that was very well done.

Chris: I was glad to see another brewery come to Hartford after Hanging Hill shut down permanently because of the pandemic. Shannon and I made sure to check them out as soon as we could. The taproom is not very big, but they have high-tops and couches as well as outdoor seating. Their variety was pretty good for a place that just opened up. As it was still in the middle of summer, I made sure to get a wheat beer which had a nice raspberry taste and was quite refreshing. Maybe, once I have money, I will go back and take some homebrewing classes as that is something I have always wanted to do.

Shannon: I really love the idea of a brewery and a supply store all in one. It’s a really great concept! If we weren’t in the time of Coronavirus, I would have taken the time to look through the supply store because it seemed to have some really good quality equipment and ingredients. I have no doubt they sell and use the best stuff for their beers too! For my first trip to Phantom, I took a big swing and decided to get a flavor style of beer I don’t typically enjoy – fruity. Now, just because I didn’t totally love my beer, doesn’t mean it’s not good! On Untappd, their Raspberry Pi has an overall rating of 3.99. This brew is sweet, a little tart, and PACKED with raspberry. If you haven’t had a chance, head over to Phantom Brewing. It’s one of Hartford’s newest hidden gems.

Other cool stuff:

  • Merchandise available!
  • They sell craft brewing supplies
  • Classes on how to homebrew!!
  • Hot food and light snacks available
  • Mug club
  • Cans to-go
  • Flights too!

What We Drank:

Shannon: Raspberry Pi (Blonde Ale) 6% – 2.5 out of 5

Chris: Secret Summer (Wheat Beer) 5.1% – 4 out of 5

Brewing Persuasion: 3.5 out of 5

Feeling persuaded yet?