Welcome to Barley Head Brewery
Nestled underground in the heart of Mystic, Connecticut, Barley Head Brewery offers a cozy escape from the bustling Main Street. Founded in 2017 by Drew Rodgers, this craft brewery reflects his journey from a home-brew enthusiast to an accomplished brewer. The unique name "Barley Head" pays homage to the essential part of the barley plant that defines quality brews. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of beers, from flavorful sours to rich stouts, all crafted with passion and precision. The intimate atmosphere invites visitors to savor beer flights while sharing camaraderie, making it a must-visit for both locals and travelers alike.
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12 Water St #1A, Mystic, CT 06355 Hotline:
Welcome to Barley Head Brewery, a charming craft brewery nestled in the heart of Mystic, Connecticut. Since its inception in July 2017, Barley Head has carved out a special place for itself in the local brewery scene. Founded by Drew Rodgers, a passionate brewer whose journey began with a humble home-brew kit gifted by his girlfriend, the brewery has become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors eager to enjoy quality craft beer.
The brewery's unique basement location offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a European "Rathskeller". It's a hidden gem, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Main Street, providing a warm retreat where you can relax and savor a good pint. Customer reviews highlight the friendly and accommodating staff, along with the intimate vibe that makes it a perfect spot for friends, families, and couples.
Barley Head Brewery showcases a remarkable assortment of brews, from light and fruity to rich and hearty. Guests frequently rave about their experiences sampling various beers through flights. This approach allows patrons to explore flavors like the distinct Gose with its slight sea salt tang, or the beloved Saison du Maison known for its balanced and delightful taste. For those who enjoy unique flavors, offerings include the Wombat Combat IPA and the crowd-favorite Dave the Great Belgian Dubbel, often lauded for its hints of chocolate and raisins.
However, it's not just the beers that make Barley Head stand out; it's the overall experience. The brewery's intimate setting fosters a sense of community and connection. Customers have mentioned its kid-friendly atmosphere, making it a suitable stop for families exploring Mystic. While the seating may be limited, the brewery compensates with a welcoming charm that invites you to sample and savor your selections.
If you find yourself in the picturesque town of Mystic, Barley Head Brewery is a must-visit. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking for a place to enjoy a good drink, this brewery promises a memorable experience. Indulge in a flight, engage with friendly staff, and take a moment to appreciate the craft that goes into each brew.
In conclusion, Barley Head Brewery is not just a place to grab a drink; it’s a delightful escape into the world of expertly crafted beers, where every sip tells a story and every visit feels like returning home.
Very friendly and cozy brewery to grab a good pint. Enjoy trying their different options! There is a good amount of seating, but space is limited. Also a note for visiting families - they were kid friendly!
Cute little place hidden underground from the hustle and bustle of Main Street in Mystic, CT. Grabbing some beers to go as the location is small we were fortunate that some people were heading to other locations like we were and offered their seats to us. Able to enjoy the counter and sun we opted for a flight which is our go to preference to enjoy the list before exploring more of the town. I decided to grab the drinks that we didn't get cans for. The Gose was the most distinct with some sea salt in it that provided a unique flavor to my sips. The light flavorful drafts were a great start to the day in downtown Mystic!
Barley Head Brewery is a craft brewery that opened in Mystic, Connecticut in July 2017. It was founded by brewer Drew Rodgers. He first got into brewing when he was living in Harlem, after graduating from Vassar College. His girlfriend (now wife) bought him a home-brew kit. He moved back to Southeastern Connecticut in 2008 and got a job at Jonathan Edwards Winery, working both in the cellar and the vineyard. Rodgers then worked his way up from sales and bottling to become the head brewer at Cottrell Brewing Company in Pawcatuck, where he worked for seven or eight years. Rodgers goal was to always open his own brewery, so he found and renovated a basement space in Factory Square in Downtown Mystic. He chose the name "Barley Head" for the brewery because it is the scientific name for the "part of the barley plant that's useful, and it just seems like a good fit, and it had a nice ring to it." My wife and I first visited Barley Head in December 2018. We were heading to Mystic Seaport to see their holiday lanterns display, but decided to stop in at Barley Head and sample some of their brews first. The basement location definitely made us feel like we were entering into a European "Rathskeller". We ended up splitting a flight that included "Wombat Combat" (IPA), "Crantankerous" (Cranberry Saison), "Dave the Great" (Belgian Dubbel), and "Hypnotized Hippo" (Nitro Stout). The Dubbel was my favorite! It had nice hints of raisins and chocolate. I ended up getting a half growler of it to go. We enjoyed our visit to Barley Head and recommend stopping in if you find yourself in Downtown Mystic.
Barley Head is such a cute little brewery! I loved that they had a variety of beers including some really good sour and dark beers. I got a flight and enjoyed trying several of the beers. It wasn't super busy, but the space is tiny, so I can imagine it could get cramped in there. Despite that, we had a nice time trying their beers!
Great selection, several choices to chose from and beers to "taste test" before making a final selection. I had the apple cider and it was great. Staff was friendly. Space is smaller but cute.
When in town, near town or simply looking for a place to grab a quality tasting well crafted brew, check out Barley Head Brewery in Mystic, CT. I opted for the Saison du Maison and it was a absolutely delicious, so well balanced in flavor. If/when in town again definitely would pop in again. z