Dipping my hand into the Box of Destiny, Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt emerges! What a pick! The Thomas Hooker Brewery makes excellent beer and is one of the CT OG’s on the craft brewery scene dating back to 1996. The original brewery is located in an industrial building in Bloomfield. They expanded to this location in Hartford a few years back. It combines the best of both worlds: history and beer.
A Little History
Samuel Colt, of the Colt arms manufacturing (think the Colt .45 gun) built this factory, known as the Colt Armory in 1855. Although Colt died only a few years later, the company stayed in Hartford until 1994. For years, the Colt complex lay dormant, with the only defining feature the bulbous onion dome which sits atop the former armory. This oddity is viewable from Interstate 91. The fate of the complex was in question for years but luckily has been rehabilitated into residential and commercial space.
When Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt opened, it was a meeting of Hartford’s past and present. In the building of the former gun manufacturer is the branch of the Hooker brand.
Drinking
Although the history is fascinating, since this is a Box Pick article, we’re here for the food and drink. I’ve always been a fan of Thomas Hooker beer. As an early craft brewery, they began with a steady lineup of different styles, including an Irish red ale and a stout made with local chocolatier Munson’s chocolates. When the IPA wave surged over the craft beer scene, they stayed true to their diverse portfolio but added some spectacular IPAs including the #NoFilter New England-style IPA.
During this visit, their extensive beer menu included popular styles such as sours and even a shandy. Prior to my dinner and drinks at Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt, my crew and I caught a Hartford Yard Goats game at nearby Dunkin’ Park. For my game time brew, I chose a Goatade, a Thomas Hooker shandy–a pale ale with lemon. Given that the day was warm, it was the perfect choice. Goatade is a play on Gator Ade with even the same font and color scheme.
Eating at Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt
To match my flight, I needed food. I chose the Adobo steak tacos to accompany the beer. Delish. My son ordered the cheeseburger sliders which he also enjoyed very much, along with his soft drink
The interior is industrial but inviting and spacious, with an array of seating options. There’s also an outdoor patio that overlooks the onion dome and the parking lot. In addition to beer, there’s a full bar as well as seltzer available. Nearby is Thomas Hooker Cafe which serves breakfast and lunch. Also Thomas Hooker Live is a music venue just a few steps away.
Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt is an excellent addition to the box pick series and is highly recommended for anyone visiting the capital city.
For more box picks; check out: Box Pick 7, Box Pick 6 or Box Pick 5
