Action in the Nutmeg State

There seems to be a lot of action lately fermenting in our own backyards here in Connecticut!

First, there has been a craft beer movement forming among many of the state's breweries and brewpubs as local legislators introduce a new bill which, if/when passed, will establish official state support for the development of the CT Beer Trail. The purpose of the legislation is to promote "…the manufacturing and sale of Connecticut made beer" and would help to bring greater distribution to many of Connecticut's fantastic breweries. In addition, 90% of Americans now live within 50 miles of a craft brewery (according to figures released by Beer Marketer's Insights) and implementing a CT Beer Trail would help in supporting and leveraging local businesses. Just as it has already been done on the wine side with the collaboration of 20 Connecticut vineyards, I hope that the creation of a network such as the CT Beer Trail will help to connect local beer enthusiasts and attract out-of-state visitors alike.

While living in Connecticut, I have been able to sample the suds from three local breweries and was thrilled, with the implementation of this organization, to learn about even more teams brewing here in the state. So, secondly, I was thrilled this week to read an article in the Hartford Courant about a team in Manchester, Onyx Spirits, that is producing a limoncello, vodka, and - most intriguing to me - moonshine. While there is still much to unearth about this start-up distillery and when their products may first be available in local package stores, restaurants or bars, it is refreshing to see that there are other passionate liquor entrepreneurs in Connecticut.

I look forward to following the continued news about all of these local organizations!

Cheers! SJ