A Treehouse for Grown-Ups: Tree House Brewing of Charlton, Massachusetts

Around this time last year I made my first trip to Tree House Brewing. It was their original location in Monson, Massachusetts. I didn’t put much thought into the trip and planned it around existing plans, so I arrived on a Saturday afternoon. After my dog and I trudged through the wintery slush/mud parking lot… Continue reading A Treehouse for Grown-Ups: Tree House Brewing of Charlton, Massachusetts

Lock City Brewing Opens in Stamford

Lock City Brewing, which opened last month on Research Drive in Stamford, is founded by co-brewers Mike Bushnell and Patrick Casciolo who both share a passion for great beer. It should come as no surprise that Stamford’s newest brewery is no stranger to Alternative Control. We’ve been eagerly anticipating their opening since we first met at Beer… Continue reading Lock City Brewing Opens in Stamford

Alternative Adventures at Beer Conn 2016

I know you're hiding the Captain's Daughter back here

It was an honor to again be invited for the 3rd time for the 3rd Annual Beer Conn presented by Starfish Junction at the Webster Bank Arena.  We were also glad to see our friends from CTBeer.com and BeerFests.com, who have been instrumental in getting the word out about events such as this one. This year… Continue reading Alternative Adventures at Beer Conn 2016

Beer Conn 2016 Is Upon Us!

On Saturday December 10, Nutmeg-State beer lovers will descend on Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport for the third annual Beer Conn. Forty breweries are confirmed so far, both local and far-flung.  Here are a few we’re looking forward to: Fairfield Craft Ales (Stratford, CT) — Uh oh, Two Roads has some competition!  Let’s see what… Continue reading Beer Conn 2016 Is Upon Us!

Smoke in the Valley 2016 – Return of the Home Brew

A lot of beer fests tend to blend together; same thing with different scenery, but what sets Smoke in the Valley apart from most other fests is their focus on home brewers. Dollar for dollar I think your ticket money is best spent sampling the hidden treasures fermenting in random garages and basements speckled throughout… Continue reading Smoke in the Valley 2016 – Return of the Home Brew

Singlecut Beersmiths Like Guitars, and I Like Their Beer

It's a family affair

This past weekend I hit a new personal milestone: I mowed my first lawn and performed borderline cosmetic surgery to all its botanical elements. This level of accomplishment called for a celebration, so we took a family field trip to a place I’ve been meaning to visit for awhile – Singlecut Beersmiths in Astoria, Queens.… Continue reading Singlecut Beersmiths Like Guitars, and I Like Their Beer

GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY: Seaside Tavern, Your Favorite Neighborhood Bar and Heavy Metal Holdout

In the decade that I’ve been on the fool’s errand of playing metal in Fairfield County, I’ve seen the handful of consistently metal-friendly venues dwindle to one: Stamford’s Seaside Tavern.  It’s no secret to Alternative Control readers that my band Jimmy Junk Bird and the Stiffs plays there often; we’ve also been able to host… Continue reading GIFT CERTIFICATE GIVEAWAY: Seaside Tavern, Your Favorite Neighborhood Bar and Heavy Metal Holdout