Mystic Hidden Treasure: Nano-Brewery Barley Head

Like a lot of people I’ve loved the explosion of craft brewing in virtually every city and town I’ve visited over the past few years.  Bring it on!  Awesome beers, cool venues, dog-friendly, kid-friendly…..its completely changed the nature of the old “neighborhood bar” to something much more interesting, and frankly more wholesome.

One of the more unique entries I’ve encountered Barley Head Brewery, right in downtown Mystic.  They are actually a “Nano-Brewery” (new term to me but I love it), because they only produce 2 barrels per batch.  The founder and owner is Drew Rodgers,  a Noank-raised local who spent years at Jonathan Edwards Winery and Cottrell Brewing before opening Barley Head right on Water Street in downtown Mystic.  They poured their first pint on July 22, 2017.

In their crazily tiny but crazily cozy cellar space, Drew and his team serve up a constantly rotating selection of hand-crafted ales

Often these concoctions are made with local and homegrown ingredients.  I’ve been in there probably 6 times in the past year, and each time there is an almost completely different line up and a broad variety of styles.  Great quality stuff.  No TV’s, only draft beers, tasting flights and half-pints available (if someone wants wine, they do carry Jonathan Edwards, a local winery).

Though tiny, you can BYO food which is awesome, and Drew’s wife Marcail manages a rotating art show on the walls featuring local artists (and their social media!).  Because they brew early in the week, they are only open Thursday to Sunday. Half the people I talk to in Mystic don’t even know this place exists……they should.  Mystic Revealed tours will stop in and say hi to Drew whenever we can!

For a unique walking tour, food tour, historic tour or guided tour of Mystic, Stonington or Noank, please contact [email protected] the founder of Mystic Revealed.