Last updated: February 2026
Connecticut’s craft beer scene continues to evolve. New breweries are opening, established names are expanding, and familiar taprooms are stepping into fresh chapters in new locations.
For CT beer fans, 2026 is shaping up to be a year worth exploring. Here’s what’s opened, what’s changing, and what to keep on your radar.
New & Reopened Breweries
Creature Brewing Co. — New London
Opened in October 2025, Creature Brewing adds another destination to New London’s growing downtown and waterfront brewery lineup.
Mural at new CT brewery Creature Brewing Company in New London, created by artist Elisha Schauer (IG: @newlondonink).
Twelvenote Brew Co. — Bridgeport
Opened in late 2025, Twelvenote blends music culture with craft beer, featuring musically inspired beer names and a modern, social taproom atmosphere.
Phantom Brewing Company — Higganum
Another reason to visit the river valley, Phantom Brewing delivers craft beer and crave-worthy smash burgers in Higganum.
Vue Brewing Company — Southington
Vue Brewing held its soft opening in June 2025, quickly becoming a new option for central Connecticut beer fans.
5CB Brewing — New Britain
After a temporary closure, the New Britain brewery reopened in 2025 under the name 5CB Brewing, beginning a fresh chapter while continuing to serve the local beer community.
Problem Solved Brewing Company — East Windsor
Entered a new phase under new ownership in 2025 while keeping its Problem Solved name and local presence.
Lock City Brewing Company — Stamford
Also transitioned to new ownership, continuing to serve the Stamford community with renewed direction.
Valid at participating breweries. See full list.
Breweries Expanding or Relocating
New England Brewing Company — Branford
Expanded into the former Stony Creek Brewery space in Branford in 2025, creating significantly more room for brewing, events, and visitors.
Kent Falls Brewing — Northford (Second Location)
Already well known from its Falls Village farm brewery, Kent Falls expanded with a second location in Northford, making its beers easier to access for shoreline visitors.
Transcend Beer Crafters — Plainville
Moving from Southington to a larger 11,000-square-foot Plainville facility in May 2025, they’ll continue focusing on small-batch artisanal beers and a new craft kitchen featuring pizzas, smoked wings, and foldies.
New spot, same great beer — Transcend Beer Crafters is now pouring in Plainville.
Elicit Brewing Company — Danbury (Third Location)
Opened its third Connecticut brewery in July 2025 at 15 Backus Avenue in Danbury, located in the Danbury Square Shopping Plaza.
Still Hill Brewing Company — Middletown
After closing its original location, the brewery partnered with The Bergen Room (meadery) and reopened as The Common Room in Middletown, focusing on a more community-centered taproom experience.
Breweries in Planning — Ones to Watch
Lost Realm Craft Co. — Manchester
Sharing progress online as it works toward bringing a new brewery to Manchester.
With their new 3-barrel system now on site, Lost Realm Craft Co. (Manchester) gearing up for what’s next as build-out moves forward.
Progression Brewing Company Bar & Kitchen — Avon
Coming soon to 300 West Main Street in Avon, pairing a brewery with a kitchen concept.
Plour’d Brewery — East Hartford
Plour’d Brewery is planning to open in the former Paddle Creek Brewery space on Main Street in East Hartford, bringing new life to the location and another brewery back to the town.
Twelve Gods Brewery — Wilton
Development updates have begun appearing on social media as plans continue for a future Wilton brewery.
Why It Matters
Connecticut beer is not slowing down. New breweries create new destinations. Expansions mean more space to gather. Ownership changes keep legacy brands alive with fresh direction.
More breweries means more reasons to explore new towns, revisit old favorites, and support local businesses.
Final Sip
Know a brewery opening, expansion, or project in planning that we missed?
Send it our way. We’ll keep this list updated as Connecticut’s beer scene continues to grow.
