Thimble Island Brewery Company
Story:
Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline. Â As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love. Â With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.
In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford. Â Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft. Â They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up. Â
The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT. Â It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily. Â Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster). Â
Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.
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AARP Events for Branford
AARP Events for Branford
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A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga
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Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All
Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET
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Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET
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"Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the" name="description"/> <meta content="Thimble, Island, Brewery, Company, Branford, CT" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.2967"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.7659"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BRANFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the" name="description"/> <meta content="Thimble, Island, Brewery, Company, Branford, CT" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.2967"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.7659"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul 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content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.2967"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.7659"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/branford-ct/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Branford, CT</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/branford-ct/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/branford-ct/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/branford-ct/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/branford-ct/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/branford-ct/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/branford-ct/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/branford-ct/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/branford-ct/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/branford-ct/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/branford-ct/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/branford-ct/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/branford-ct/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BRANFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the" name="description"/> <meta content="Thimble, Island, Brewery, Company, Branford, CT" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.2967"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.7659"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the" name="description"/> <meta content="Thimble, Island, Brewery, Company, Branford, CT" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.2967"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.7659"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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</a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive 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data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BRANFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the" name="description"/> <meta content="Thimble, Island, Brewery, Company, Branford, CT" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Thimble Island Brewery Company"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Story: Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.2967"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.7659"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Thimble Island Brewery Company</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>16 Business Park Dr</div> <div> <span>Branford</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06405</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.thimbleislandbrewery.com/" target="_blank">Visit Website</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 203-208-2827</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Thimble+Island+Brewery+Company%2C+16+Business+Park+Dr%2C+Branford%2C+CT+06405" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <div class="main-content">Story:</div> <p></p> <div class="extra-wrapper"> <div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12"> <div class="row sqs-row"> <div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12"> <div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html"> <div class="sqs-block-content"> <p>Founders Justin Gargano and Mike Fawcett both grew up on the Connecticut shoreline.  As do most home brewers, the two friends shared the dream of one day opening a brewery to share their creations with the community they have grown to love.  With each experimental brew concocted in their Branford, CT apartment, their passion for well-crafted beer deepened.</p> <p>In 2010 they officially founded the Thimble Island Brewing company - named for the cluster of islands off the coast of Branford.  Both Justin & Mike worked in technology jobs by day, but they spent their nights and weekends in a rented garage working to build a business out of their hobby. With no formal brew training, it took a lot of trial and error to perfect the craft.  They learned quickly that the home brew system they were used to working with would not produce the quality and scale needed for a serious brewery. Slowly they pieced together equipment and built out the facility at 53 East Industrial Road from the ground up.  </p> <p>The dream became a reality in July 2012 when they sold their first pint of beer, American Ale, at KC's Pub in Guilford, CT.  It was received very well by the community and their business grew steadily.  Just six months later, the pair released their next beer, Coffee Stout, made with Willoughby's coffee beans (a local coffee roaster).  </p> <p>Thimble Island Brewing Company continues to expand their recipes, now offering several standard varieties available on tap at bars and restaurants throughout the Connecticut shoreline, as well as specialty brews found only in the brewery's tasting room.  Bottles of the flagship American Ale can also be found at select package stores.  Expansion is evident in the physical space as well.  Their space is now 6 times larger than it was when they first launched, and they are looking forward to opening the doors of a new larger facility, expected to be completed by the summer of 2015.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p></p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/branford-ct/report/place/thimble-island-brewery-company-branford-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/branford-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Branford</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/branford-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BRANFORD-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BRANFORD-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Thimble Island Brewery Company - Branford, CT</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Thimble Island Brewery 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