Samplings: Half Full @ Litchfield Saltwater Grille

Conor Horrigan
Conor Horrigan

Hearing a brewery owner talk about his beer is like hearing a director discuss one of his films.

The stories about each decision – the use of Cascade hops or choice to add oak chips – reincarnate the process for the brewer, just as recalling how he got the perfect light at sunset for the goodbye kiss scene does for the director.

Beer dinners can be like a director’s commentary feature of a DVD, and the one last night at Saltwater Grille in Litchfield that featured Stamford-based Half Full Brewery was quite engaging. Continue reading “Samplings: Half Full @ Litchfield Saltwater Grille”

Time for wine

Liz, Casey, Beer Snob, Maddie
Liz, Casey, Beer Snob, Maddie

Even beer snobs need to go outside the pint once and a while.

I recently had a chance to affordably (half-price at $35 for four…thanks, Groupon!) double-date my way into a wine-tasting experience that I highly recommend.

At Haight-Brown Vineyards, in Litchfield, Conn., they’ve got a cozy ground-floor tasting room with knowledgeable staff ready to answer any of your questions. The one that my fiance and I took, along with a pair of lovers, focused on wine, chocolate, and cheese.

The winery’s Picnic Red (bold and fruity) was a favorite, as was the Honey Nut Apple (just sweet enough).

The best chocolate by far was the one that had the chili kick.

As for the cheese… let’s just say that, for me, most gratefully hid behind the wines.

So, don’t fear the wine! True, it doesn’t match up to beer’s flexibility on the palate, but it deserves our respect.