WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

The Little Red Barn Brewers is a tale of two brothers and their high school friend turning their dreams into reality. Matt and Nate Day, known as the Hop Brothers, have been lifelong friends. Their passion for craft beer sparked when Matt received a Mr. Beer Kit for Christmas, although their initial brews didn’t meet their current standards, igniting their ambitions. Shortly after, they joined forces with Greg Hoffman, whose rich experiences made him the perfect mentor for the group.

Under Greg’s guidance, the brew crew learned the vital aspects of precision, sanitation, documentation, and the invaluable life lesson: cherish what you do, as our time on this planet is fleeting. Nils Johnson eagerly joined the club, drawn in by the prospect of ‘free beer’—his lack of formal training compensated by his well-tuned taste buds.

As their craft flourished, the confines of the kitchen stove became inadequate. The next step beckoned—a new home for their passion. Generously, Nils’s parents, Nils and Gail Johnson, offered an old horse barn in Barkhamsted, CT, setting the stage for their brewing endeavors.

HISTORY WAS MADE

On March 9, 2013, the brew crew marked a historic moment by crafting their inaugural beer batch at the iconic The Little Red Barn. The Johnsons’ generous donation played a pivotal role in transforming the brew crew’s aspirations into reality. If you chance upon them at the tap room, consider extending your gratitude with a pint.

After meticulous research across various towns in the Northwest Corner, The Little Red Barn Brewers settled on 32 Lake Street, Winsted, CT as their future abode during the summer of 2017. What became evident was that The Little Red Barn Brewers wasn’t simply erecting a brewery; rather, it was becoming an integral part of the community. The overwhelming support from the community, local businesses, and town hall has been instrumental. Contributing to the revival of a once-thriving town is an exhilarating prospect.

Winsted isn’t just a town; it serves as the gateway to both the picturesque Litchfield Hills and the Berkshires. The Little Red Barn Brewers has been synonymous with ‘Brewing up Good Times’ in Winsted, CT since March 2019.

THE LITTLE RED BARN BREW CREW
[from left to right]

Matt Day
Co-founder, Marketing and Assistant Brewer

Nils Johnson
Co-founder, President

Nathan Day
Co-founder, Head Brewer