Matthew L.
Yelp
Berlinetta Brewing Company is a craft brewery that opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut in June 2021. It was founded by brothers Rich and Chris Ruggiero. Rich developed a deep admiration for Czech beer and culture on his trips to the Czech Republic with his wife (a Czech native). Eventually the brothers decided to open a brewery with a focus on European style lagers. The location they chose to house their brewery was the newly refurbished Jayson Building, which was the first dedicated automobile showroom in America (circa 1920s). They chose the name "Berlinetta" (Italian for 'little saloon') as a reference to European culture and their love of cars (i.e. Ferrari Berlinetta, Chevy Camaro Berlinetta).
I stopped in at Berlinetta last Thursday afternoon not long after I finished work for the day. I arrived right when they opened. I was met by head brewer Rich Ruggiero who talked about the beers with me. I absolutely loved the interior of the brewery! Not only is it a place that appeals to craft beer drinkers, but also audiophiles. The place was filled with vintage analog stereo equipment, a DJ station, and plenty of vintage vinyl records that were for sale. They frequently book guest DJs to perform in the taproom. This place was right up my alley! Ruggiero explained that the brewery's wolf logo was a reference to the Latin name for hops (Humulus Lupulus, meaning "the little wolf that comes from the Earth"). He was amused when I mentioned that my last name was Lupoli (Italian for 'little wolf'). Rich gave me a sampler flight that consisted of a Pale Ale, an Amber Lager, a Czech Pilsner, an Imperial Red Ale, and a Vienna Lager. Everything was excellent, but my favorite was the Pilsner (named "Velvet"). They were playing a nice eclectic mix of tunes as I enjoyed my flight. I ended up leaving with some cans of the Pilsner, as well as a bottle of their Tripel which I enjoyed at home. In a state where most breweries are focusing on New England IPAs, Sours, and Barrel-Aged Stouts, it's nice to see someone doing something different. I look forward to returning!