Popular Connecticut Craft Brewery Is Closing At the End of May

Thimble Island Brewing Company, one of Connecticut's most well-known breweries, will be closing its doors later this month.

Justin Gargano, Thimble Island's president and CEO, shared the news in a Facebook post on Friday. Gargano had opened the company's original Branford, Conn. location in 2012.

"This is one of the harder messages I’ve ever had to write," Gargano said. "After a lot of thought (and a lot of emotion), I’ve decided to close Thimble Island Brewing Company. Our last day of service will be Saturday, May 24.

"Like many small businesses, we've faced some tough challenges over the past several years. Industry declines coupled with a strategic partnership that didn’t go as planned had a significant impact on our business. At the same time, I’ve been navigating some personal health challenges that made it clear I needed to pause, reset, and re-evaluate."

Thimble Brewing, known for such beers as its Hero pilsner, Sea Foam pale ale, Ruby tart blonde ale and Poseidon's Porter, previously shut down its Old Saybrook satellite location in January after only eight months of operation. The company cited problems with the building in which the establishment was located.

The Old Saybrook outpost was one of three breweries in the Nutmeg State to close in January alone, joining Problem Solved Brewing in East Windsor and Stubborn Beauty in Middletown.

"This business has been such a huge part of my life — not just professionally, but personally," Gargano said last week. "It’s been full of long days, proud moments, and most importantly, incredible people like you who supported it, believed in it, and helped it grow. It has been a joy and a privilege to serve this community. Thank you for your support, trust, and encouragement.

"Though this chapter is coming to a close, I’m looking ahead with gratitude and hope for what’s next."