As a gentle rain enveloped the evening, I found myself navigating the glistening streets of Branford, my senses still delightfully sated from a sumptuous meal at a nearby restaurant. My destination, however, was the fabled Caius Farm Brewery, a cherished gem nestled within the heart of the community. I had first tasted some of their legendary brews at the CT Beer Fest, hosted by the Connecticut Brewers Guild, and eagerly anticipated the chance to experience some new flavors. Upon arriving, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of the Dumpling Underground food trailer, a mobile purveyor of culinary delights. Despite the rain, a steady stream of patrons lined up to sample their mouthwatering creations. Alas, I had saved just enough room for the Vanilla - NITRO I had heard so much about, and reluctantly decided to forgo the dumplings for another time. Entering the family-owned microbrewery, I felt as though I had stepped into a warm embrace, an enchanting realm where passion for crafting unparalleled brews with a symphony of flavors danced gracefully upon the palate... The evening's first act began with a crescendo of indulgence as I sipped the velvety Commodus: Vanilla - NITRO, an imperial stout boasting an ABV of 7.8%. This luxurious libation, crafted with a medley of American, British, and German malts, along with classic American hops and ale yeast, was nothing short of a masterpiece. The cascading nitro bubbles painted a silky, frothy canvas, revealing an irresistible fusion of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Each subsequent sip unveiled delicate nuances of white chocolate, fudgy brownies, and sinfully luscious cake batter. This brew, named in honor of the Roman Emperor Commodus, truly evoked the decadence of a bygone era. As I basked in the sumptuous afterglow of the Commodus, the curtain rose on the next act: Apicius I: Peach, a fruited kettle sour with a 5.5% ABV. A veritable ode to the succulent peach, this tantalizing brew commanded my senses with its vibrant, sun-kissed hue. Conditioned on a bountiful orchestra of peach purée and crafted with a blend of American malted barley, white wheat, British torrified wheat, American hops, and a harmonious Lactobacillus culture, this delightful concoction transported me to a sun-drenched orchard. Each sip unveiled a symphony of flavors, from the sweet allure of peach rings and the comforting warmth of peach cobbler, to the delicate brush of peach skin. A soft wheat finish played the perfect encore, leaving me longing for yet another performance. Caius Farm Brewery's dedication to the art of brewing was evident in every delightful sip, and their passion for using locally sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques truly shone through in their exquisite creations. The Commodus: Vanilla - NITRO and Apicius I: Peach were but two members of the illustrious ensemble of seasonal selections offered at this charming brewery, and I eagerly anticipate my return to sample the rest of their repertoire. As the evening drew to a close, I stole a final glance at the Dumpling Underground food trailer, its queue of patrons still braving the rain for a taste of their delicious fare. Resolving to return for a proper review, I knew that my next visit to Caius Farm Brewery would not only be a continuation of my enchanting journey through liquid artistry but also an opportunity to savor the culinary creations that so captivated the appetites of my fellow beer enthusiasts.
