#18 Counter Weight Brewing – Hamden, CT

Location: Hamden, CT
Brewery Type: Taproom
Opening Date: 2017
Website: https://www.counterweightbrewing.com/
Features: Patio, Bike Trail

Foreword: Every time I make a post it seems that the pandemic has taken an increasingly turn for the worse. Even with the vaccine currently being distributed it is going to take much of the year before a majority of people are inoculated. At the moment, the frigid winter has shut down many patios, leaving many breweries quite literally out in the cold, only able to offer beer to go. Before you pick up that 4 pack at the grocery store, consider purchasing directly from the source. Thankfully, some breweries like Counter Weight are still open for indoor and outdoor socially distance seating on a limited basis. If you’re in Connecticut, please stop by – respecting Covid restrictions of course.

Along the Farmington Canal Trail

It is early October and I had just biked to Kinsmen Brewing along the Farmington Canal Trail in Connecticut. After having my fill of a delicious lunch and a pint in the sunshine, my destination shifts South to Counter Weight Brewing, 14 miles away in Hamden, CT.

As mentioned in the last article, the trail is well maintained and relatively flat. However, as I rode farther South, the scenery became much more dynamic. The forested trail gave way to wooden boardwalks along streams, swamps and the old canal itself. The ever shifting views of the water made for a delightful ride.

As I started to approach Hamden, the trail got slightly mountainous, passing through ravines of rock, adding a welcomed additional dimension to the trail. While the Cape Cod Rail Trail boasted beaches and small towns, there was not a mountain or rock formation in sight.

Off Trail to Counter Weight

The issue with planning your trip with Google Maps is that it doesn’t provide you with elevation information. So while Counter Weight Brewing is only a short distance from the Farmington Canal Trail, the trail itself at that point is in a ravine. Thankfully there’s a steep and narrow path that winds up to Hamden Street.

Hamden Street itself was fairly busy with fast moving traffic, pedaling uphill. Yeah, you might want to walk your bike at this point if the thought of sharing the road with traffic intimidates you.

From there it is a right and then another right into a small industrial park and a little ways down the hill I finally made it to Counter Weight. After 18 miles of cycling for the day and climbing a hill with traffic rushing by me, I was ready to settle in.

Counter Weight has a bike rack up front for your ride. Of course I didn’t notice this until I was at the door so I ended up locking my bike up at a fence in the parking lot.

Today must have been a popular day with Counter Weight crowded with like minded beer lovers. And by crowded I mean busy, but everyone was properly socially distanced. I believe at this point indoor dining was prohibitive so the only options were the impromptu front parking lot beer garden or the proper side patio.

I put my name and number in to be sat and waited in the parking lot. After around 10 minutes, I get a call and was sat in the front beer garden, waiting until a space opened up in the patio area.

Obviously, no parking lot beer garden is going to be lavish, but I respect what they did with the space in light of the pandemic. I ordered a Fest Bier to celebrate a belated Oktoberfest and was delighted to find that it was served in a pint.

I used this time to order from the food truck parked out front. Today, lunch was being served by Lunch Box 23, specializing in gourmet sliders. Yes please, I’ll take several.

As I was enjoying my Fest Bier in the October sun and waited for my food, I was notified space had opened up in the patio so I shifted spots. The patio itself is extremely nice with a wooden deck, plenty of shade and green trellises hanging onto the walls.

After I polished off the Fest Bier, I switched to the Midnight Briar – a fruited berliner weisse. As I sipped the blueberry laden brew and finished devouring the sliders I ordered, I thought to myself that there was no better way to spend an October afternoon.

Riding Off Into the Sun Set

Unfortunately, all stories must come to an end, and the sun sets earlier and earlier so I hit the trail again in hopes of making it back to my car before sun down.

The golden light of the setting sun streamed through the trees and wind bellowing, I made it back to the parking area with plenty of time to spare. Connecticut, this may have been the first time seriously exploring your beautiful state, but it won’t be the last.

What’s on Tap at Counter Weight

• Fest Bier – Festbier – This solid festbier had a delicious light malty flavor that finishes clean and smooth. Oktoberfest or no, you’ll be shouting Prost!

• Midnight Briar – Fruited Berliner Weisse – Tart and sweet, it was the blueberries that came through strong with notes of other berries.

Final Verdict

A worthy detour if you’re traveling along the Farmington Canal Trail, offering a solid patio and beer to match. This stop makes for the perfect counter weight to a long day of cycling across the Connecticut countryside.

Information
Counter Weight Brewing
https://www.counterweightbrewing.com/
23 Raccio Park Rd
Hamden, CT 06514