Phantom Brewing Company began as a daydream between two friends just 2 years ago. Jon and Bo would throw ideas back and forth as they stood in the store sipping and evaluating their latest creations. What could a brewery look like right here in the store? Would there be a way to connect our homebrewing customer base with the professional industry? Could we teach aspiring professional brewers, while running our own brewery and taproom? We’ve met so many great Connecticut Brewers who started their dream with us, and now we’d like to join them. We have designed a dual-use space, where we can have our store serving and mentoring our customers, and our brewery serving delicious beer! This funding will allow us to do all of the things we love, right here in one space. We want to bring people together, collaborate, share, learn, and explore!
Bo Kolcio bought Beer and Wine Maker’s Warehouse in Hartford in 2012. An Ohio native, Bo comes from a family of engineers, and has been brewing for over 30 years. He settled in Higganum, CT with his wife and two boys, and built his entire house with his father. He has helped a number of brewery start-ups in the area, ordering equipment, supplying ingredients, and most importantly providing valuable brewing knowledge to brewers all over Connecticut. Bo openly shares his crafting experience with his customers and also teaches classes in beer brewing, wine and cheese making, kombucha, mead, and more! He has been a valuable asset to the brewing community in Hartford and surrounding areas.
Jon started homebrewing as a hobby in 2013. He went into Beer and Wine Maker’s Warehouse and met Bo, who recently acquired the store. They spent a couple hours together that day, and quickly became friends. Jon has immersed himself in home and professional brewing since then. He’s participated in many of the state’s homebrew festivals, serving delicious styles, and getting excellent feedback from drinkers and professionals alike. Jon hosts Homebrew Happy Hour at Beer and Wine Maker’s Warehouse once a month, where he and Bo share their latest styles. Homebrewers bring their creations and they share ideas and give feedback to each other. This event fosters community and brings brewers together in a unique way. Jon is always learning, refining, and brewing when he’s not working his day job as a physical education teacher, or raising his two boys.
With the funding received, we will be able to complete our taproom and brewing areas. There are just a few finishing touches to put on our place, and we’d love you to be a part of that! Thank you for your support!
With over 100 breweries in Connecticut, Phantom Brewing Company understands the market is rapidly growing in our state, and there are challenges to find a place in this market. We seek to provide a unique connection with the homebrew store and the brewery in one space. We believe Hartford is still in need of more craft breweries, and Phantom Brewing Company will be the 4th to open in the city of Hartford. Jon and Bo want to give customers an incredible taproom experience, with a “neighborhood bar” feel, and allow customers to explore the craft industry right here in our space. This funding will help us complete the taproom space and stay on track for a projected opening of 1Q 2020.