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?

Warped Wing Brewing Company

When Shannon Went: August 5, 2020

Where: 26 Wyandot Street, Dayton, OH 45402

Located at the heart of downtown Dayton, Warped Wing Brewing Company made its home in the former site of the Buckeye Brass & Iron Factory, circa 1938. Seriously, this building looks indestructible. Thick, concrete walls come together to brace an incredibly high ceiling and the foundry’s original 10-ton industrial crane lines the interior of the taproom, still sitting on the steel tracks it once used to hoist metal during it’s manufacturing days. Directly below this steel giant sits Warped Wing’s brewing tanks, taking up a good portion of the taproom floor. Despite the obvious industrial vibe, the brewery gives off a slight German beer hall vibe too – that’s probably just because of the long tables though. They even have a large glass garage door that opens up during the warmer months. It was closed when I visited but I imagine it’s pretty neat!

Shannon: Industrial yet welcoming. Sitting in the taproom I could instantly tell that Warped Wing really cares about Dayton and its history. One of their beers, Ermal’s Belgain-style Cream Ale is brewed in celebration for Ermal Fraze, the Dayton local who invented the first pop-top can in the early 1960s. One of their other beers, 10 Ton Oatmeal Stout, is dedicated to the Buckeye Brass & Iron Company and their enormous steel crane. Even Warped Wings name is a subtle nod towards Dayton’s connection with the Wright Brothers and the unique airplane wing they designed only a few miles down the road from the taproom. I’d love to go back to Warped Wing and try more of their beers. They had about 15 beers on draft but I only had enough time to try Ermal’s Cream Ale, which did not disappoint. Light, creamy, and oh so citrusy in all the right ways, this 5.4% beer really is a refreshing, classic cream ale.

Other Cool Stuff:

  • They have a special lager series and a barrel aged beer program!
  • House made sodas!
  • Brewery tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday afternoons
  • In-house kitchen
  • Merch available in the brewery and online

What Shannon Drank:

Shannon: Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale (Cream Ale) 5.4% – 4 out of 5

Brewing Persuasion: 4 out of 5

Feeling persuaded yet?

Willimantic Brewing Company

When I Went: September 4th, 2020

Where: 967 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226

If you know Connecticut craft beer you know Willimantic Brewing Company, or Willibrew as everyone calls them. They started brewing their own beer in 1997 making them the oldest brewery in the state, which makes me feel old. Willibrew is a full service restaurant and pub that is located in a former post office that was built in 1909. The brewery has done its best to preserve the early 20th century architectural feel. Maybe the idea of drinking in an old post office sounds boring, but let me tell you this place looks nice both on the inside and outside. They kept a considerable amount of post office memorabilia, they have a giant mural depicting 1920’s Main Street, a 60′ mahogany bar, and frogs everywhere! Take a full 3D tour here! If you don’t know why the town of Willimantic is covered in frogs, just look up the Battle of the Frogs.

Chris: Do I need to keep putting my name here? Either way, I was excited to go to Willibrew both for the beer and the food. I had never been to any breweries in Windham county and now that I have gone here, I have been to 20% of them! I feel very accomplished for once. When it comes to their beer they only had 6 of their own beers on tap and three of them were IPAs, so of course I got their stout. You can imagine my excitement when they had an oyster stout on tap, Six Shooter Oyster Stout, and it was smooth and light. I also got their Overseas Mail Octoberfest, a Marzen, which got me ready for all the Octoberfest celebrations that have already been cancelled. Overall, I liked the atmosphere and my beer, but I wish they had more of a selection to pick from but a lot of breweries selections have been more limited during Covid.

Other Cool Stuff:

  • They have a full bar of assorted liquors
  • Full restaurant
  • Private dining room in the old Postmaster’s office

What I Drank:

Overseas Mail Octoberfest (Marzen) 6.4% – 3.5 out of 5

Six Shooter (Oyster Stout) 5.9% – 4.5 out of 5

Brewing Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Feeling persuaded yet?