By Sharon Challenger.
(January 26, 2020) — On a Saturday evening, a cold and rainy Connecticut winter evening, people are tempted to stay home. However, it was not just an ordinary Saturday evening. It was the weekend of the Grand Opening for the BarrelHouse Craft Beer and Wine House in Killingworth CT. As I stepped inside, I was immediately greeted by a warm and friendly staff member, Amanda. “Welcome!” she exclaimed. I immediately felt as if she was a family member, which is always a good thing in New England! She introduced me to the owner Keith Nairn, who was, as you can imagine, quite busy working behind the bar. Originally from Madison, Keith and his family decided to put down roots in Killingworth because of the small town feel it has for them. People are “down to earth,” friendly, and enjoy gathering for conversation and fun. Which is exactly why he wanted to create a place for people in and around the area to come to.
As I looked around the room, it was clear that Keith had done exactly what he set out to do. The space is warm and lively. There are several tables, some round, some square, each capable of seating four people. The bar is L-shaped and capable of seating eight people. Did I mention that every seat was filled? Twenty-four oak barrels in rows of 8 long by 3 tall solidly stand along the front wall. The “on tap” menu has a wide selection to choose from. The list includes beer from CT, CO, ME and RI. The wine list includes Reds, Whites from CA, CT, and CO. Amanda told me about the legend behind the wine called “King Chancho Bandito’s Blood Red Blend.” The list also includes non-alcoholic beer and beverages as well.
After taking some photographs, I took a moment to chat with patrons. At one table four women sat enjoying wine, beer and some of the treats that they brought to share with one another. It was clear they were having a very good time as smiles were all around. At another table, I thought I spied Killingworth’s First Selectman Cathy Iino. She was with two friends and to my delight they were sharing what looked like some sourdough bread with their wine. Having recently started baking sourdough bread myself, I could not resist a conversation with them. They welcomed me, again as if I was family! We discussed the tricks of sourdough breadmaking, while we munched on bread and venison sausage. We spoke about the importance of places where people meet and enjoy good times together. In a world where everything is going at breakneck speed, we need moments where we slow down, look one another in the eye, and “break bread” together. By the end of my evening at the Barrelhouse, it was clear that this was just such a place. Good beer, good wine, good people, and you can bring your own snacks! It doesn’t get any better.
Tavern Hours:
- Friday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Closed Monday – Thursday
Address 76 RT 81 building 1, Killingworth, CT 06415
https://www.barrelhousect.com/
info@barrelhousect.com
Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/barrelhousect/
Photos by Dave Challenger.
