ALVARIUM BEER COMPANY

Welcome to the newest section of AMP. In Watering Holes we will be reviewing wineries, breweries, tap rooms and taverns in the tri-state area. Hopefully you will find the pieces informative and interesting and we’ll have fun doing the research.

The first brewery and tap-room for Watering Holes is the Alvarium Beer Company. Why are they the first? It’s because I’ve been there several times and not only are the brews excellent but the tap-room is impressive.

Alvarium opened June of 2017 in a 5,000 square foot space at 365 John Downey Drive, Suite B New Britain. It is the brainchild of three friends who began home brewing in 2013 and felt their individual talents catered to a commercial endeavor.

Brian Bugnacki (sales/taproom manager), Chris DeGasero (Head Brewer) and Mike Larson (Operations/Mechanical Engineer) each capitalized their skills and experience to build Alvarium from the ground up. In the process they created an array of outstanding beers and an extremely cool tap-room.

The tap-room is airy with a large bar, tables and multiple games. The environment is casual and the clientele is an all age mix.

More importantly their beers are top-notch. Alvarium’s first brew was the porter, “Fade”. Today’s selections will satisfy all palates. From IPA to traditional Ales and Porters the brews are exceptional. I’ve had quite a few and each was on point,

Alvarium’s sublime beers and lively tap-room makes for a pleasant evening or afternoon. I’ve enjoyed all my pop-ins to Alvarium and recommend a visit or two or three.

The following is a brief interview with Chris DeGasero (Head Brewer).

AMP: Alvarium’s birthday is this month. How was year one?

CHRIS: It was amazing. Better than anticipated. We projected our numbers for the first few years and we reached year three in our first 8 months. We started with three tanks and currently have six with two larger ones on order.

AMP: Your first brew was the porter, “Fade”. How many brews are on tap today?

CHRIS: We currently rotate 8-10 beers depending on production. Plus we are constantly creating new ones. We like to be creative but favorites like “Cremo” always return.

AMP: Unlike breweries like Two Roads, Alvarium seems to stress a local neighborhood scene as opposed to mass production and distribution.

CHRIS: That’s the exact formula we are striving for. Tap rooms have become the new neighborhood and family meeting place. The new generation wants to enjoy a welcoming social environment. Alvarium and other tap rooms supply a family and pet friendly atmosphere.

AMP: Where else can someone find Alvarium brews?

CHRIS: We have a few spots at the moment. The Frosty Mug here in New Britain is one. Wood and Tap and Sliders are Alvarium locations. We also have a tap-room at the New Britain Stadium which is home to the New Britain Bees. You can watch the game from our upper deck tap-room and delight in some excellent brew. When we install our new tanks we’ll be able to increase our presence and can for take out from our tap-room.

AMP: Your tap-room is festive and always packed. Any plans for expansion?

CHRIS: We now have our patio open and hopefully we can expand within our current facility sometime in the near future. We definitely have plans.

I want to thank Chris for his time. Also Paul Zocco for his excellent article on Alvarium in Yankee Brew News. If you get a chance give it a read.

ALVARIUM BEER COMPANY

365 John Downey Drive Suite B New Britain, Ct

Thursday-Friday: 4 pm-10 pm

Saturday: Noon-10 pm

Sunday: Noon-7 pm

Chris DeGasero (Head Brew-Master}

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