By Jean-Luc Dube

Transcend Beer is NOW OPEN in their new location in Plainville; they are located at 45 Northwest Drive!

The move to Plainville after four years on Triano Drive in Southington will allow for a new taproom, kitchen, event space and state-of-the-art production facility. It also accommodate increased production capacity.

The brewery offers an amazing selection of beers including (but not limited too) Skiddle Me This (A skittle candy inspired sour), Elegy (a clean Lager), Brambles & Cream (Berry smoothie-style sour), Runway Approach Zone (Hazy IPA), Pilsners, and much more.

Find them at 45 Northwest Drive in Plainville or online at www.transcendbeer.com
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They are open:
Monday 11am-9pm
Wednesday-Thursday 11am-9pm
Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm
Sunday 11am-8pm
Closed on Tuesday

By Jean-Luc Dube

Two breweries have reopened their doors in Connecticut, while a Meadery has closed their doors.

-Phantom Brewing Company has reopened their brewery at 199 Saybrook Road in Higganum, CT! The brewery took over a space originally built for Steady Habits Brewing. Phantom previously operated in Hartford before closing to relocate. Phantom Brewing is open Wednesday-Thursday 11:30AM-9PM, Friday-Saturday 11:30AM-10PM, and Sunday 11:30AM-8PM.

-Lock City Brewing has reopened their doors at 54 Research Drive in Stamford! The brewery reopened in their original home, having temporarily closed their doors in January 2024. The brewery is open Wednesday-Friday 4:30PM-12AM, Saturday-Sunday 12PM-12AM, Closed Monday & Tuesday.

-The Bergen House has temporarily closed their doors at 725 Main Street in Middletown. The meadery announced their closure on May 1st, with plans to pause operations with plans to pivot their concept in the future. The meadery started in 2017 according to their website.

Thimble Island Brewing Company has announced their permanently closure on May 24th. The brewery is located at 16 Business Park Drive in Branford.

The brewery was established in 2010, creating a nautical-themed brewery and taproom in Branford. The brewery distributed their beer across Connecticut, with customers able to get their favorite brews at most liquors stores in CT. Thimble Island expanded into Old Saybrook, opening a second taproom and micro-brewery on Main Street in May 2024. This satelite location closed in January of 2025.

Owner Justin Gargano said in a statement: "This is one of the harder messages I’ve ever had to write. After a lot of thought (and a lot of emotion), I’ve decided to close Thimble Island Brewing Company. Our last day of service will be Saturday, May 24. Like many small businesses, we've faced some tough challenges over the past several years. Industry declines coupled with a strategic partnership that didn’t go as planned had a significant impact on our business. At the same time, I’ve been navigating some personal health challenges that made it clear I needed to pause, reset, and re-evaluate. This business has been such a huge part of my life — not just professionally, but personally. It’s been full of long days, proud moments, and most importantly, incredible people like you who supported it, believed in it, and helped it grow. It has been a joy and a privilege to serve this community. Thank you for your support, trust, and encouragement. Though this chapter is coming to a close, I’m looking ahead with gratitude and hope for what’s next. With gratitude, Justin"
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Stop by and check them out before they close on May 24th.