Brewery Profile

Hoax Brewing Company

In New Haven’s craft beer landscape, Hoax Brewing Company is best understood as a small Connecticut producer with a backstory tied to homebrewing, local beer bars, and hands-on distribution. Established on March 24, 2018, it grew out of 5-gallon batches brewed in founder Sean Ricci’s kitchen with co-founder Austin Scott. Visitors should not expect the profile of a brewery built around outside capital or a large corporate rollout; the first official production batch was financed with the founders’ personal savings, without external investors or bank loans. Even the name reflects the company’s informal beginnings: “Hoax” was first used as a temporary placeholder and then stayed.

Travelers exploring breweries in this part of Connecticut often look for a sense of how local producers fit into the state’s broader beer network, not just a single flight of beer. Hoax fits that route because its presence extends beyond one room in New Haven. The brewery uses a self-distribution model, with beer delivered by hand to more than 500 accounts across Connecticut, often directly by co-owner Austin Scott. That detail gives a visit some context: this is a brewery whose public reach has been built through direct relationships with bars, restaurants, and retailers. Specific beer names and a fixed style lineup should not be assumed in advance; the useful approach is to treat the visit as a chance to see what is currently being poured or packaged.

For practical planning, confirm the day’s hours, draft list, and any on-site details directly with the brewery before going, since amenities such as food service, outdoor seating, tours, or event programming are not specified here. If you are already in New Haven, Hoax can work as one stop within a broader local beer or food itinerary, but the taproom is the place to verify the current pours. Visitors interested in brewery operations may find the self-funded origin and self-distribution model as notable as the beer itself. The main thing to know before arrival is that Hoax’s story is grounded in small-batch beginnings, commercial beer experience, and the day-to-day work of getting its beer across Connecticut without a traditional distributor.

Hoax Brewing Company, established March 24, 2018, developed from a small-scale homebrewing operation run by founders Sean Ricci and Austin Scott. The initial concept originated from 5-gallon batches brewed in Ricci's kitchen, eventually leading to a commercial operation built without external investors or bank loans. Ricci and Scott utilized their personal savings to finance the first official production batch. The brewery's name, Hoax, was initially intended as a temporary placeholder during the early stages of development but ultimately remained permanent. Hoax operates under a self-distribution model, delivering its products by hand to over 500 accounts across the state of Connecticut, a process often handled directly by co-owner Austin Scott. Prior to founding Hoax, both owners gained experience working in the commercial beer industry and local beer bars.

Website available

687 State St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511

Website: http://www.hoaxbrewing.com/

Hours: Monday 5PM–12aM Tuesday closed wedneSDAY 5PM–12aM THURSDAY 5PM–1aM FRIDAY 12PM–2aM SATURDAY 12PM–2aM SUNDAY 12PM–10PM

Popular Beers

A quick look at notable pours currently tied to Hoax Brewing Company.

Beer Styles at Hoax Brewing Company

Hoax Brewing Company brews across a range of styles. The current lineup includes India Pale Ale, Munich Dunkel Lager, Emotional support lager, New England IPA, Hot Chocolate Imperial Milk Stout, American Lager, SOUR ALE, Double IPA, Milkshake IPA, Rainbow Sherbet SOUR ALE, Italian style Pilsner, and strawberry Wheat. Specific pours rotate over time — check the taproom board on the day of your visit for what is currently available on tap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hoax Brewing Company located?
Hoax Brewing Company is located at 687 State St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your visit.
What are Hoax Brewing Company's hours?
Current hours are: Monday 5PM–12aM Tuesday closed wedneSDAY 5PM–12aM THURSDAY 5PM–1aM FRIDAY 12PM–2aM SATURDAY 12PM–2aM SUNDAY 12PM–10PM. Hours can change on holidays and during private events — call ahead if your visit is time-sensitive.
How can I learn more about Hoax Brewing Company?
Visit http://www.hoaxbrewing.com/ for the brewery's own information about beers, events, and operations. Beer.Social aggregates public data and visitor-facing details to help with planning a stop.