Charter Oak Brewing and Taproom in Danbury, Connecticut, is a standout spot for anyone who loves craft beer. Since opening in 2011, this family-owned microbrewery has built a strong reputation for brewing fresh, tasty beers in small batches. Located at 39B Shelter Rock Road, Danbury, CT 06810, it’s easy to find and welcoming to both locals and visitors.
The brewery operates out of a spacious 10,000 square-foot facility along the Still River, featuring a 20-barrel brewing system and a pilot 5-barrel system. This setup allows them to produce nearly 4,000 barrels of beer annually with room to grow. The taproom has 10 rotating draft lines, including cask-conditioned beers, which means there’s always a fresh and interesting selection available. Whether you prefer a classic lager or want to try a bold IPA or sour, Charter Oak offers something for every taste.
Brewing Philosophy and Beers
Charter Oak Brewing takes pride in brewing small batches—about 250 to 280 cases at a time. This approach guarantees that the beer you drink is always fresh and full of flavor. They mill their barley the day they brew to maintain quality and use only natural ingredients, including fresh hops and pure water.
This care shows in their flagship beers like the 1687 Brown Ale, Wadsworth India Pale Ale, Stubborn Yankee Lager, Royal Charter Pale Ale, and Little Charter Session IPA. Seasonal and experimental beers are also part of their lineup, offering sours, New England IPAs, stouts, and barrel-aged varieties.
The Taproom Experience
The atmosphere at Charter Oak Brewing is friendly and relaxed. The taproom is open Thursday through Sunday with these hours: Thursday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. They also offer curbside beer pickup Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it convenient to take home your favorite brews.
Visitors often mention the warm hospitality of the owners, Scott and Michelle Vallely, who are frequently behind the bar chatting with guests. This personal touch makes the brewery feel like a community hub rather than just a place to drink beer. The taproom also features a gift shop where you can pick up branded merchandise or growlers to fill with your favorite beer.
On weekends, the brewery comes alive with live local music and rotating food trucks, adding to the lively and welcoming vibe. There’s also a shaded Biergarten outside, perfect for enjoying a beer on a warm day. Pets are welcome in the outdoor seating area, so you can bring your furry friends along.
Location and Contact
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Address: 39B Shelter Rock Rd, Danbury, CT 06810
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Phone: (203) 616-5268
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Email: info@charteroakbrewing.com
Taproom Hours
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Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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Friday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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Saturday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Curbside Beer Pickup
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Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Recognition and Distribution
Charter Oak Brewing is proud to have been voted the #1 Brewery & Taproom in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine, a testament to their quality and community focus. Their beers are available in over 400 locations across Connecticut and are expanding into neighboring states like Massachusetts and New York, bringing their fresh, small-batch beers to a wider audience.
Tours and Tastings
If you’re new to craft beer, the staff at Charter Oak is happy to help you find something you’ll enjoy. You can try sampler flights to taste several beers at once, which is a great way to explore their range. For those interested in learning more, the brewery offers tours where you can see the brewing process up close and hear about the care that goes into each batch.
Visit Charter Oak Brewing and Taproom
Charter Oak Brewing and Taproom is a great place to enjoy quality craft beer in a friendly and inviting setting. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pint, picking up beer to go, or spending an afternoon with friends enjoying music and food trucks, Charter Oak offers a genuine and enjoyable craft beer experience in Danbury. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Source: charteroakbrewing.com
Header Image Source: newstimes.com
