Our Process
Tradition Refined.
Craft Reborn.
At our distillery, we've discovered that several stages in the brewing process offer opportunities to capture and utilize ingredients like sugars, yeast-rich fermented beer, and flavorful solids. Instead of the costly process of recreating these flavors from scratch, we utilize these exceptional compounds from the brewing process. This approach marries sustainability and innovation, transforming "trimmings" into extraordinary spirits.
Our custom-designed stills are crafted from high-quality repurposed steel drums to ensure precision and consistency in our distillation process.
Step 2: Distilling
Brewery partners are key to our success.
By leveraging existing infrastructure from our brewery partners, Connecticut Distilling strives to make spirits using beer trimmings from beer production and limit our usage of water and new raw ingredients.
Step 1: Brewery Partners
Where is Connecticut Distilling located?
We are proudly based in Waterbury, Connecticut, where our small team handcrafts every bottle in a 7,000-square-foot facility. All distillation, blending, canning, and bottling are done on-site.
Do You Offer Tours?
Yes, Connecticut Distilling offers tours and tastings at our Waterbury distillery. These experiences provide an inside look at our unique distillation process, including how we repurpose local craft beers into bold, innovative spirits like Charred and our top-secret IPA-based gin.
During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to meet our dedicated team, explore our production area, and sample a selection of our handcrafted spirits. Please note that tours are available by appointment only.
To schedule a tour or inquire about availability, please book your tour experience on our tours page. We look forward to sharing our passion for distilling with you!
What spirits do you produce?
We produce a bold lineup including:
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Charred – a whiskey distilled from malt-forward beers
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Drops – a bright, hoppy, and floral spirit made from local IPAs
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Fort Hill – a robust bourbon finished in stout barrels with notes of caramel and coffee
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Waterville Vodka – a 4x distilled wheat vodka that's mellowed over sugar maple charcoal, giving it a smooth and slightly sweet finish
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Blueberry Fields – a blueberry rum with bold blueberry flavor
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What makes your distillery different?
We use beer from local breweries as the base for many of our spirits, adding layers of complexity and flavor that traditional grain-based distillation can’t match. We also prioritize small-batch production and handcrafted processes.
Can I visit the distillery?
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Where Can I Buy Connecticut Distilling Products?
Our spirits are available at select liquor stores across Connecticut, with new retail partners added regularly. Check our store locator or contact us directly for help finding a bottle near you.
Do You Offer Custom or Private Label Spirits?
Yes — we occasionally collaborate on custom spirits and private label projects. Reach out via our contact page to inquire about availability and minimums.
Is Connecticut Distilling a sustainable distillery?
Yes. We repurpose finished beer from breweries to reduce waste, source local ingredients whenever possible, and distill with intention — minimizing excess and maximizing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each bottle is a testament to our dedication to craftsmanship. Our mission is to craft unique spirits that reflect our strong partnerships with local beverage artisans, showcasing our commitment to excellence and innovation.
Step 4: Finished Product
Our spirits are aged to perfection in carefully selected second-use barrels. This process enhances the depth and complexity of our flavors, offering a rich and sophisticated taste.