Alden C.

Recently got to try OEC Brewing. OEC is an abbreviation for Ordinem Ecentrici Coctores. That is quite a mouthful and I can see why the abbreviation is often reverted to by other customers and possibly staff alike. Steve and I had one particular beer from this brewery and we enjoyed it pretty well. It was their Maibock beer and it was very pleasing to us. It kind of brought in some Old World flavors with it's rustic, grainy and malty flavors which often brought in a nice but subtle sweetness to the flavor bouquet as well. Definitely a crushable type of beer so you could easily have more than one. It was very refreshing and I'd love to investigate more of their beer options as I do like the Old World type beers as they are a nice change of pace from so many beers in the beer industry that take on cookie cutter characteristics.

Susan K.

I visited OEC Brewing to pick up some cookies from the Cookie Maven of West Hartford. I had been introduced to Rachel's cookies during a Yelp holiday celebration that had been hosted by another brewing company, and jumped at opportunity to try out some I had missed during OEC's special holiday market event. I understand that OEC specializes in sour and generally unusual beers. (They do identity themselves as being eccentric!) The location is a strange combination of remote and industrial, with two large rooms to gather -- one quiet with games, and another loud with heavy metal music blasting. Parking is limited, requiring street parking the day I visited. Conventional beer food is available -- pizza, pretzels, chips -- but the company invites folks to bring their own, which is generous. Flyers posted on the main tap room door brought to mind that OEC periodically hosts a variety of events. I booked a ticket to tour their coffee fermenting process, as well as try their coffee... rumored to be good. From what I've read, OEC strives to surface fruity aspects of coffee. One of the brewers, Tony Pellino, gave a one hour long small group tour of the coffee fermentation, roasting, and brewing process. As anticipated, tremendous amount of curiosity, detail, and creativity contributes to the OEC line of products. Passion for innovation is the primary driver, largely led by founder, Matthias Neidhart, as an offshoot of his beer distribution company, B. United International (Matthias was referenced several times). The tour was capped by a cup of their unique coffee. Fellow tourists appeared very familiar with coffee brewing process, and OEC products, reinforcing the notion that this site draws in customers who appreciate the founder's passion. Several purchased small bags of rarely available coffee (and pricey at around $30), which had been thoughtfully reserved for this group. Before I left I tried the white ale with strawberry syrup after seeing someone who appeared to be a regular customer walk off with one from that bar. Not something I would normally have tried, but it enticed and did not disappoint. It also brought to mind that conventional beer types, such as white ale, are in fact available. A large, warm pretzel and roasted peanuts were purchased to accompany. Will be back ... this is a special place to meet friends.

Julio H.

The beer scene in this beautiful state is alive and thriving, and even though there are many amazing breweries, there are plenty of really good ones. OEC would be one of these cases. The brewery is far off in a space dedicated to offices but towards the back where the woods meet civilization. There is a nice walking area and lots of trees, this brewery is tucked away in a very green area. Actually, the perfect scenario would be walking around, going for a mini hike, and then sipping on these beers. The beers here are pretty good, they have a large list plus guess taps and, I can't remember well, but I think there is also wine. They also have some food items, although very basic stuff like cold cuts, popcorn, etc.

Jason P.

Sometime ago, I came across an article from Food and Wine Magazine called "19 Craft Breweries Worth Going Out of Your Way For". I clicked on the link to see if there was a brewery within driving distance. That's when I first learned about OEC in Oxford. I asked some friends who are knowledgeable about New England craft beer if they had been to OEC. Most people hadn't heard of it. A person or two knew it by reputation, but hadn't been because they don't like OEC's specialty - sours. One person had been to OEC. He had a strange and enthusiastic tale about sours, baked goods, beer importing and experimental coffee. I stored this info away to ferment. By March 2021, I had cabin fever and was ready for a short drive and a solo socially-distanced adventure. I arrived at OEC. I felt like I was at the Willy Wonka beer compound. There were multiple buildings (including one that looked octagonal), what looked like fenced-off vineyard grape trees, beer nerds, nearby walking trails, and a crazy number of canned and/or bottled European beers that I had no frame of reference for. They were literally, foreign to me. #dadjoke Indeed, OEC was selling coffee beans that they roasted in connection with a "complex fermentation and aging method" described as the "next frontier" of "outrageous coffee". I ordered a few small cups of beer to sample. I didn't try to remember the names, but they included their house Pilsner, an ale, and some recommended sours. I asked the knowledgeable and outstandingly friendly OEC expert about their famous sourdough bread. I was told that they didn't have any at the moment, but that I could get a Zuppardi's pizza. "You mean the famous Zuppardi's Apizza in West Haven?" Yeah, that one. I didn't ask how a beer maker in Oxford had Zuppardi's pizza, but I did order a small. It was good. Now is the time I have to admit that I respect sours, but they are not really my thing. I'm more of a New England IPA guy that loves a cool new experience. I don't normally order pilsners either, but this one was really good. The sours were in fact sour and fruity in a complex way, but they didn't convert me. I enjoyed sitting outside on the large deck trying them, and I think fans of sours would be in beer heaven. Alchemists. That word comes to mind for the OEC creative team. Although I did not love the sours, I feel unqualified to pass judgment on them, and alchemists on the next frontier of outrageous coffee always get 5 Stars in my book. It's kind of my slogan. If this information sounds compelling, pick a small group of companions and a nice day to sit outside and drive to OEC. To be safe, maybe make the person you like least get there early to grab a table.

Jen C.

We were able to share a bunch of 4oz pours. The beers at this place are interesting and different because they are wild ales. While most beers were not our style, we definitely enjoyed the Nepenthes and Antioch and would definitely be back to try others. They also will start making bread again in May. The staff there was super friendly and even made sure to walk us through the beers and keep them in the order on the board so we can taste them in the right order. Arrive early so you can beat the crowd. Since it's so close to another brewery, it tends to fill up with those who don't want to wait.

Leah S.

If you don't like sour beers, we can't be friends anymore. If you do like sour beers, come join me here, and savor the flavor! OEC is the king of the castle when it comes to CT sours, and all in a relaxing, friendly atmosphere, and impeccable flavor palates. We were pretty sure (and by we, I mean me) that we were lost on our way here. The GPS took us the long way through many residential areas, lush greenery, and copious forests. Just when we thought all hope was lost, we saw the makings of an industrial complex and gained excitement for the sour that beckoned. OEC is at the very end on the left of a long road, and is a classy establishment, with new designs, and clean lines. I was surprised at hw many people were there, given its selective nature, and how many people there brought their kids (at a brewery!? bad form). We sat in the sun on the wraparound patio and gazed excitedly at our taster. The first was the Exilis, which is a Berliner Weisse and probably the most one note sour of the bunch. They accompany this with a house made raspberry syrup to cut with some sweetness for those who can't handle it, but I thought it was quite good. The second was a Gose with salty notes, aged in tequila, gin, and pinot noir barrel. Third was the Rye Saison which was very sage--forward and savory, but not my favorite. The best in my opinion was #4, the Tempus Blend 4, a delightful lambic/tempus/saison blend aged in wine barrels and is guaranteed to make your eyes light up and immediately buy a growler. The fifth was probably the best Stout I've ever had, aged in Syrah wine barrels from the Napa valley, and had the classic coffee/chocolate/earthiness to it, but also creamy and sour. My husband's favorite was the last in the sampler, the Phantasma #2, a multidimensial porter barreled in pinot/sherry/whiskey/zin casks, and absolutely the most full-flavored beer on tap. This had exceptional midpalate sweetness, front palate tang, and back palate bitterness, that all faded into a creamy apple/tanic zing that was amazing. After our tastings, we purchased some of their library beers that they have brought in from all over the world (not necessarily sours tho), and we tried a Japanese beer that was malty and reminiscent of breakfast cereal and prunes. Hmm. We couldn't possibly leave without growlers, so we chose a box full to savor until the next time we could make the drive out. Quite an amazing place with innovative and exciting brews, a dream come true for sour lovers, and an adventure for beer enthusiasts.

Lauren O.

I didn't like this brewery. I love sours and couldn't find any that I liked, none were fruit based either. Prices were sky high with a 12 oz pour coating you like 9-13 or more. No thanks! The lay out is OK. They had coffee on the menu but aren't serving coffee, bummer. There were app food options and some pizza on the menu. There were these annoying signs everywhere that rubbed me the wrong way of what to do and what not to do, I thought they were unnecessary and there were almost 8 of them. Other breweries don't have these signs and seem to survive. It's in the middle of no where, cool spot though.

Maureen M.

I love love love this place. The beers are some of the best I've ever had! We went for our first bottle release there. It was organized and fast. The staff was really great! Then we went in for flights and a bite to eat. The flight had a list that was in order of how the beer was poured. They were so good. We ordered cheese and landjaeger that was incredible. It came with a roll that was also delicious. The overall experience there was well beyond expectations. Will go back again!

Paul D.

I thought I had been to the best breweries around before, but after today I think this one is by far above them all. Tony helped my friend and I. He was extremely knowledgeable about all the beers (even the ones that weren't brewed there). The atmosphere was incredible, seating outside only due to covid-19 but nonetheless it was as if that didn't matter. Beers are very unique and flavorful. They had a beer or wine or beverage for everyone. 100/10. Would recommend to anyone who loves or even dislikes beer.

Ronald S.

My new favorite CT brewery .. if you like funky and sour beers, this place is heaven. When we were in we had the Exilis Berliner Weisse with a shot of fresh raspberry syrup .. this beer was heavenly. The Experimentalis with Raspberries was also nice. A few sours and saisons rounded out the tasting flight and all were top notch beers. I have been to about 100 breweries, pretty much every one in CT now, and OEC is one of my favorites nationwide. The place is beautiful and has a friendly, clean ambience. The guys behind the bar was super cool and could talk about their beers forever in a way even a non beer geek would appreciated. Tables outside will be nice to enjoy beers when its cool enough. The grounds don't look huge but they have some gardens where they will be growing a lot of the ingredients they will be using. OEC is part of B. United, one of the best beer importers in the country. In the fridges at OEC there are some super-rare and ever changing bottles from europe and i am pretty sure this is the only place in the USA you can get them. Sample flight ended up costing about $15 .. it was worth it, decent size pours, great beers, nice place. Got a few growlers to go and this is definitely a place I will be back.

Hiram G.

Four stars????? Whaaat I don't where all these people has been before, but this is one of the best, more authentic and pretty brewery I ever been. Yes I said pretty cause you cannot beat the view around the building and the awesome decor of the interior. That along the cool people that works there brewing one of the most amazing beer I ever had, and trust me I had a lot. I was visiting New Haven and I knew I have to take the drive to OEC(1:20 min). However, I had my doubts about it since they only open Saturdays, so what I contacted the guys early on the weekend and asked they if I could swing by to buy some bottles of their great elixir. They responded within hours saying that they were close that day. However, since they were going to be at the brewery all day making magic happen, they didn't have a problem with me to stopping by and pick up some goods. So after a long drive I made it to the mythical OEC! I was welcomed by one of their brewers and pretty much after crossing a few words they told me to make myself comfortable. I mingled around, chatted with the guys and bought each one of their bottles they had available and one growler of Exilis. Im glad I visited this place and took the drive, everything was worth it and if you want to go for an adventure this is your place. Awesome people, great beer and beautiful location. See you guys soon(I hope) cheers!!!

Deane M.

First outstanding service and great bartenders. Knowledgeable, friendly, courteous and personable. All traits that a lot of places seem to be lacking. This is a sour beer Mecca so plan accordingly. There is also wine and mead available and a surprising twist sake. There are some food choices available none fantastic but good fare for conversation. I would challenge anyone who likes beer made with passion and love to give this place a try. Btw they also have mead. Yea mead, fantastic mead, sorry it was that good!