🍸 Hartford's Biggest Food Fest Lineup

Good Morning Hartford County!

It’s the end of another month and August is usually an indication that Summer is driving to a close.

It’s bittersweet, but at least football starts in a few weeks.

I’ve also noticed the weather is cooling down a bit, which I’m not mad at. I tend to like Fall and Spring more than the other two.

Regardless, there are plenty of things to do in Hartford this weekend, and I’m looking forward to sharing them with you.

Now, in today’s edition of The Hartford Pour:

— Chris M.
Local Whiskey Nerd, Husband, Dad, Entrepreneur (Fun fact: Whiskey > Tequila)

P.S.: We are looking for sponsors for The Hartford Pour. If you are interested (or know someone that is) please forward this email or let me know and I can reach out.

(This place is amazing)

There are very few things better than a nice brewery.

But it gets better when that brewery has amazing food as well.

Thomas Hooker is a little hidden. It’s in Bloomfield right behind the Home Depot off Granby St.

They were closed for remodeling about a year ago, but since they’ve been back, it’s my favorite lunch spot.

My go-to “liquid-lunch” is their milky stout. It’s delicious.

For food, get their chicken Caesar wrap with curly fries.

The vibes there are pretty awesome as well. There are games you can play and an open floor plan so you can see the tanks holding the beer.

Have you been there since they reopened?

Check out the brewery right here, tell them The Hartford Pour sent you!

(This was surprising)

This story is a bit mind bending…

Back in 1875, a huge downpour cancelled the Governor’s Foot Guard picnic.

The problem was that Hartford's Heublein Restaurant had already started preparing the drinks for the picnic.

Back then, storage of drinks wasn't the biggest concern because they would finish drinking it and then pour out the rest. But because the storm had rained out the picnic, instead of pouring out all of the good mixed cocktails, they decided to store it.

To their surprise, when they came back the next day, the drinks still tasted amazing.

And that was an unlock… The Heublein family pivoted.

By 1890, they shifted operations from dining to mass-producing bottled, “ready-to-serve” martinis and stingers.

What started as a rainy-day rescue evolved into a spirits empire, eventually securing North American distribution for brands like Smirnoff vodka.

They eventually sold the idea for $1.2 billion (yes, billion with a “B”) in 1982, completely revolutionizing how America drank...

I told you it was a wild story… who would have thought a little restaurant in Connecticut is responsible for “ready-made” cocktails!

Do you like brief historical stories like this? If so, please let me know!

Produced by: Goose Island
Mashbill: Malt beverage
Age: 14 to 16 months
Proof: 29 (or 14.5% ABV)
Findability in Hartford: 6 out of 10
MSRP: $22 for the big bottle / $16 for smaller 4-pack

Chocolate milk notes, and lots of it! It’s dark and rich and very complex. Cola, maple, candied caramel, WOW.

I can breathe this in all day.

All around tasty! Full-bodied. Heavy. Rich. Sweet, but not too sweet.

Strong chocolate and hazelnuts. Dark fruits like plum or figs are very present and I’m here for it!

Surprisingly oily on the backend. And I found myself trying to scrape every bit of flavor off my tongue!

You can find this in most bigger liquor stores. You may not be able to find it in the smaller ones.

Be careful when asking for it, because if you just say that you're looking for Goose Island, they'll probably try to give you their regular beer. They come in the cool looking brown bottles you see above.

I don’t typically review beers, let alone stouts, but I just may start if they all taste like this. I’ve tasted my share of bourbon-enhanced or dark stouts and this one is BY FAR the most memorable and can’t wait to try them all.

But this one is dark and heavy and you will feel the alcohol even after a few sips, but that’s the point right? Lol.

Next time, I will buy the 4-pack as the big boy bottle is a bit too much for me in one sitting.

Finding this is the hard thing… so if you see it, grab one. I’ve tried the Chocolate Praline Stout and the Cherries Jubilee. Both are phenomenal.

T8KE Rating: 9/10 | Incredible | All time favorite

Things to do in Hartford County

Let’s be honest: your summer drink routine probably involves dumping tequila into lukewarm mixer and calling it a day (don’t worry I don’t judge, I do the same thing with whiskey)

But now, it’s time for an upgrade.

Friday from 6:30 - 8:00 PM, be sure to hit up Capital Spirits on Pratt Street for a hands-on cocktail workshop with industry pro Nicole.

You’ll shake up two custom summer drinks from scratch, learn how to balance flavors like a pro, and finally stop making drinks that taste like bad college decisions (I’ve made plenty of bad decisions, sheeesh…)

I don’t know why this thought entered my head, but I’d avoid wearing white (liquid courage + aggressive shaking = splash zone), and grab tickets early at 68 Pratt St before they sell out!

Other than being the first of August, Saturday has some fun despite a rainy week.

In West Hartford, you have to check out the Blue Back Square Craft Fair (12 PM–6 PM on Isham Road).

We are talking 25+ local artisans and handmade goods all with the goal of supporting Hands On Hartford.

Plus it Blue Back with tons to eat and drink afterwards. I’d hit up Fat Duck if you need a place to go. We did a review of them in a previous issue.

But since Saturday is so packed, I got something else for you.

In Downtown Hartford, there will be the 21st Annual Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza (1 PM–8:30 PM).

Don’t worry, it’s free to attend.

I’m married to a Jamaican so I have a special appreciation for the culture and food.

Authentic jerk chicken, tropical cocktails, live reggae, soca, and steel drum bands right along the Connecticut River.

If you work it right, you could get to both events since Blue Back is only a few minutes drive from downtown Hartford.

Sunday is still going to be our “chill recovery” day to get ready for the week… so I got a couple things you should be looking out for…

Sunday morning, we are back at Blue Back square for the Blue Back Farmers Market (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at West Hartford Town Hall).

There will be tons of local farms, fresh pastries, and live music by Brown Paper Sax.

There will even be a live cooking demo from Chef Giai of Artisan Restaurant!

This one ends a bit early, so you can also hit up Dunkin’ Park at 1:10 PM for a Yard Goats game. They play the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

Weather should be slightly better, but still a small chance of rain, so if you do go to the game, get seats that are under something so you don’t get rained on.

Do you know of an AWESOME restaurant or bar? Or something not included in this email you’d like to see?

REPLY to this email and let me know!