Willimantic Brewing Company

The slice of Americana that is Willimantic Brewing Company is undeniable. One of the oldest, consistently running brew pubs in the state, Williamantic is certainly historic, and certainly a destination. Taking up the equivalent of a city block, the stunning building from 1909 that houses the brewery was an old post office; it was abandoned in 1967 and left vacant for nearly thirty years.

It is a massive, almost majestic piece of property that draws attention. But in 1996, proud owner David Wollner did not just stroll up the block from his bustling cafe/deli,  e Main Street Cafe, and say, “I’ll take it!” As we sat on the patio on a bright summer afternoon, he shared details about the real upheaval necessary to move from their bustling business down the street to one of the town’s most impressive landmarks.  ere was a lot of legal tugging and growing pains to make Wollner’s dream a reality.

Learning more about the history of getting the brewery on its feet, and growing into the operation it is today, made tasting their popular Certified Gold, a crisp blond ale, all the richer. From the seven barrel brewery right in the center of the dining room, to the pub that used to be the post office lobby or the private dining room which was the former Postmaster’s Office, visitors can’t get away from the building’s history. And who would want to? Even much of the wood in the center of the brewery stands solid from the original structure despite much of the renovations completed over the years. Walk through the center of the dining room and visitors are greeted by a 12‘ by 17‘ mural, created by Gordan MacDonald, which depicts a 1920‘s Willimantic Main Street scene. And the 60‘ mahogany bar, crafted by Peter Huckins, is a substantial centerpiece in the pub.

Affectionately called Willibrew by regulars, and with a giant, diverse menu befitting the building’s size, the brew pub has numerous humorous nods to the post office past on the food and drink menus. From Mail Slot Sliders to a Junk Mail IPA, Willimantic brings the past to the present in a very fun, vibrant, delicious way.

In a place where the beer is the star, with countless Willibrews on tap, and a slew of local, seasonal, or specialty brews to try, you’d think the food might take a back seat as it often does in a brew pub. Not at Willibrew. Customers have been vocal about their favorite accompaniments. In addition to being listed as one of the state’s top brew pubs, the nachos have been featured on several “Best Of” lists including Thrillist’s Top 21 in the country in 2016. And with sandwiches, sliders, salads, and burgers, wraps, ribs, steak, or catfish, there’s no end to the great selection for soaking up your brew.

The brewery even seems to host some special or event for every night of the week. There’s Happy Hours and Guest Brew Nights to Industry Parties or Stein Days. Or, Books and Brews, in collaboration with the local library, which would be a highlight on my list.

“This place rocks!” or “This is the only place I’d fly to CT for,” to the very sentimental: “Willibrew is my favorite place in the world. Everything about it just speaks to my soul. The beer, the eats, the bartenders - it's all wonderful. I met the love of my life here. It feels like home to me,” are just a few of the love notes people have left for this special place. Another even remembered being there long ago with their grandfather when it was still a post office and standing in line for stamps. They also showed appreciation for how the brewery has maintained the essence of the original, beautiful architecture of its former life.

I can now attest, going to Willimantic Brewing Company is an experience. It is a history lesson, a gathering place, a museum of sorts, and a celebration of taste and service.

ON TAP FROM THE WILLIBREW BARRELS
 

• Cask Hazelnut Octoberfest
  Lightly hazelnutty and served at 55°
• Certified Gold
  Flagship ale with Munich malt, Goldings hops, and a touch of Hallertau hops
• Glacier IPA
  Unfiltered IPA w/CT Thrall Family Malt and Cascades and CTZ hops
• Junk Mail IPA
  Citrus forward with a hoppy finish. An unfiltered IPA featuring Simcoe, Mosaic and Amarillo hops w/2-Row/Munich/Maize
• Lou’s Legacy Ale
  Using local Thrall Malts and Ales for ALS hops. Unfiltered and hoppy
• RMS Rye Stout
  European Dark Ale with malted Maris Otter, Crystal Rye, and Roasted malt.
• Saison Du Fume
  A smoked Rye farmhouse ale brewed with European beechwood & peat smoked malts, Pilsner, Rye and Stonewall Apiary honey.

SEASONALS ON TAP FOR THE FALL
 

• Bronx Brewery Das Bronx Oktoberfest (Bronx, NY)
• New Holland Ichabod Ale (Holland, MI)
• Samuel Adams Octoberfest (Boston, MA)
• Southern Tier Cold Press Coffee Pumking (Lakewood, NY)
• Stony Creek Festbier (Branford, CT)
• Two Roads Rosemary’s Baby (Stratford, CT)
• Weihenstephaner Festbier (Freising, Germany)
• If that’s not all, Willibrew also has a slew of additional local, national, and international ales, porters, stouts, ciders, meads, and IPAs on hand.

TOWN LORE SEEN AT WILLIMANTIC BREWERY

In addition to being known as the “Thread City” since the American Thread Company was one of the largest employers in town at one time, newcomers will see frog symbols all over. The brewery pays homage to some of the town’s history with old photos on the walls, and relics of the past in every nook and cranny. But what’s with the frogs? Apparently in 1754 folks in the town were awoken in the middle of the night by very loud noises, so settlers quickly prepared for battle thinking the town was being attacked. As they moved in the direction of the sound, they came to a pond surrounded by dead bullfrogs. The frogs still alive were making their way to the Willimantic River. Visitors to the brewery will see references to the famous Bullfrog Battle everywhere, including the most impressive ceiling of lily pads in the dining room directly above the barrels. A blessing perhaps?