Liquid Hoptimism DIPA Review and Launch Party @ Half Full

When we found out that Half Full had a brand new brewer, Tom Price, back in January, we were pretty psyched. As some of you might remember, we have been following Half Full before they oven opened up shop at 43 Homestead Avenue right in Stamford. So, we were excited and hoptimistic to see the evolution after their first brewer, Jen Muckerman left.

Our first taste from the new brewer back on February 27 (gotta love Untappd) was Liquid Hoptimism, a new DIPA. While it did seem like an improvement, the beer didn’t live up to our expectations, so we didn’t bother trying to find it again. Honestly, we didn’t feel the hoptimism.

Rise & Shine Collabo w/ Half Full and Rise Coffee Brews in Stamford; Special Release Friday

It’s National Coffee Day, people. So, while you’re sipping that cuppajoe, take a look see at this: Half Full in Stamford is introducing a brand new series of collabo beers with local brewers and businesses. The first release in the Community Sourced Ales Project is Rise Coffee who is putting out some killer good nitro-infused cold brew coffee (you’ve undoubtedly seen them on tap at your local watering hole). The cold-brew coffee porter packs a punch at 8.5% ABV and will be released tomorrow right at Half Full from 6-9 and will also be in stores on a limited basis. 

Tom Price from Brooklyn Brewery Hired as Headbrewer @ Half Full in Stamford

 

Hmmm . . . Buffalo Trace barrels, a dark beer, a wanton, aloof look whilst smoking a pipe. Yeah, something’s going down! Picture of Tom Price from Half Full.

Although Jen Muckerman has been with Half Full Brewery in Stamford since the start of it all, she left mid-year in 2015. We talked with some of the crew at Half Full during their Halloween party and were told that they were in serious talks with a new headbrewer who’s had a ton of experience and comes from Brooklyn Brewery. We were excited at that notion and what it could mean for Half Full . . . especially for how people see their beer and brand. 

Look Forward to More w/ 4 Recipes Made with Half Full Beer from Marcia Selden Catering

Apparently, we have a problem. So much so that our friends at Marcia Selden Catering thought it’d be awesome to share a new set of recipes with us that feature beer. Yeah, sure, beer is awesome to cook with, but it’s even more fun when you’ve got some extra to drink while you’re cooking. So, our suggestion? Check out Half Full Brewery in Stamford Friday-Sunday, get some growlers, then let loose with these four killer recipes that Marcia Selden Catering created featuring Half Full. Also new at Half Full is their Crowler fill station which is basically a 32 oz. beer in a can that can last for weeks or even months as opposed to a couple of days with a growler fill.

However you get the beer to your kitchen, you’re gonna die for Beer, Bacon and Cheddar Soup, Beer Braised Pulled Chicken Sliders with Spicy Slaw, Korean Crispy Braised Pork Belly with Pickled Onions, and Big Boy Franks and Beans. Let’s do it . . . and thanks again to Marcia Selden Catering for the great recipes! 

Special Half Full Rare Beer Night + My Resolution Bottle Release Party

Mark this, and mark it well: on 1/21/15 Half Full Brewery in Stamford is hosting its first ever Bottle Release Party/Rare Beer Night. Yes, that’s news enough and great enough by itself to see Half Full take the next step in production, but if you remember back to our post last year, you might remember something about these bottles. Rare Beer Night attendees had a chance to try four different beers that the Hoptimists at Half Full would barrel age. By the end of the night, people picked the Scotch Ale and the Half Full staff picked the Barleywine. Then, each person was asked to write one resolution on rice paper then drop it in the barrel where the Scotch Ale would be transferred to. The result was the “My Resolution” ale that has been aging since January 2014.

Shebeen Brewing Company Expands Beer Base to SC, NY Soon Too

Shebeen Brewing Company, based out of Wolcott, Connecticut has met with great success since they opened in May 2013. Since then, you can find their beer in more restaurants and package stores than ever. Also, they’ve definitely stepped up their game with a better tasting room experience and food trucks. They are putting out plenty of brews, too, like their newest 10% ABV Double Rye Porter that comes out only at the brewery on 11/26 from 12-7. And, why yes, they are expanding their reach. You can also celebrate with them on, appropriately enough, Black Friday  from 2-9 downing said beer . . . if there are any left, that is. 

To Do: Two Roads Sourcopia Beer Release Party and Sourcopia Beer Dinner with Chef Plum

For a two year old brewery that has become the biggest in the state, Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford has been putting out impressive beer…especially when it comes to their special and limited release brews. Take Igor’s Dream, for example: when they held a special release event on January 25, hundreds of people lined up for hours to get their own bottles to take home—including us! And this year there is going to be a special release party with food trucks on 10/25 from 12-9 at the brewery where you can get to try and take home two lambic beers (Kriek and Gueuze) as well as the highly-anticipated Philsamic. Beer can be purchased by bottle (max of 2 per style) and will be on tap at the brewery while supplies last. Here are some descriptions from their site along with pricing: 

Sink Your Teeth into Half Full Brewery’s 3rd Annual Halloween Bash

Jordan and Conor of Half Full at the 2013 Halloween Bash

We a founda da princess! Yes, that’s us and another Mario and Luigi at last year’s party

We’re giving you notice way in advance here, so take advantage of this:  10/25 from 5-10.  Set it aside for an awesome Halloween party that just so happens to include lots of beer.  That’s when Half Full Brewery in Stamford will be throwing their 3rd Annual Halloween Bash which serves dual purpose as their 2nd anniversary celebration! Like last year, Oh Cassius! will be back, and did we mention that there will be beer? Yup, they’ll have at least 8 of their brews on tap open to you all night long including their nummy Pumpkin and their Rum Pumpkin, too! They’ll have their life-size Jenga out for playing and will also have a tent so you can sprawl out and have the best time ever.  In addition to all the games, music, and beer, you’ll also get your own trick-or-treat bag filled to the brim with awesome Half Full goodies such as cozies, pint glasses, key chains, and stickers. 

Can It: Half Full Brewery Begins Canning, Soon to Hit Stores

Introducing….cans! Pic from Half Full’s FB page

Congrats go out to Conor and crew of Half Full Brewery in Stamford.  Look at that beaut!  It’s their flagship beer that helped to put them on the map:  their Bright Ale.  And, as you can see it’s in a can.  Yes, the moment has finally arrived and production is happening.  According to Half Full, the Bright Ale will hit shelves in the middle of May with their Toasted Amber to follow in June or July.  They also have plans to release another brew in cans by mid-Summer, making three brews available…and year ’round at that.

What else do they have planned?

All we can say is, “Look forward to more”!

 

Half Full Hosts Monster Jenga Tournament w/ Prizes

Think you’re good…think you’re the best?  Put you and a partner to the test!  

Yup yup, the Half Full March Madness Jenga Tournament is nearly at hand!  This legendary tournament is taking over the Half Full brewing floor on March 29 from 5-10, though the first game begins at 5:30.

If you’ve ever been to a Half Full Open House or event, chances are you’ve seen the giant Jenga set.  We’re not talking about your typical, lame-o teeny-tiny Jenga set either…this one’s got thickness, this one’s got height, this one’s got cojones.  There’s a serious weight to each block and when the tower collapses after a shaky or ill-pulled move you know it…CRASH!

Here’s how it works: