Touring Avery's Soda Factory in New Britain, CT
Image from the Avery’s Soda Facebook page
In the heart of New Britain, Connecticut, Avery's Beverages offers a unique and delightful experience for soda enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. With a history dating back to 1904, Avery's Soda Factory stands as a testament to old-fashioned craftsmanship and a dedication to quality that has spanned over a century.
A Glimpse into History
Sherman F. Avery began his soda-making journey in a quaint red barn on Corbin Avenue during the summer of 1904. Utilizing a horse-drawn wagon, Avery delivered his handcrafted sodas to homes and stores in the surrounding area. It wasn't until 1914 that he purchased his first delivery truck, marking the beginning of a 100-year tradition of customer service and quality that continues to this day. Avery's Beverages quickly gained a reputation for its variety of flavors, including the popular Cream, Birch Beer, Root Beer, and Ginger Ale.
The Factory Tour Experience
Stepping into Avery's Soda Factory is like taking a step back in time. The factory, still housed in the same red barn where it all began, offers a fascinating look at the soda-making process using equipment that dates back to the 1950s. The factory's compact setup includes the Bottle Sterilizer, which gives each bottle a thorough 20-minute sterilizing bath, and the Bottling machine, which drops in two ounces of syrup and fills each bottle with carbon dioxide, creating the delightful bubbles in the soda. The process is simple yet captivating, preserving the traditional methods and recipes handed down through generations.
Make Your Own Soda
One of the highlights of visiting Avery's is the opportunity to create your own soda. The "Make Your Own Soda" experience allows you to go behind the scenes and see how soda was made 50 years ago. You can invent your own unique flavors, measure syrup into each bottle, watch as the bottles are filled and capped, and even hand-shake each bottle. At the end of the tour, you take home three bottles of your handmade soda and an official sodamakers apron.
This hands-on experience is perfect for birthdays, scouts, school groups, or a fun family outing. With a group size minimum of five and a maximum of 20 people, it's a memorable way to celebrate and learn. The tours are typically held on most Saturdays by appointment, but weekday tours can also be arranged with prior notice.
A Variety of Flavors
Avery's Beverages is renowned for its wide range of flavors. From classic choices like Birch Beer and Root Beer to the unique and quirky "Totally Gross Soda" line, there's something for everyone. Some of the more unusual flavors include Zombie Brain Juice, Dog Drool, and Worm Ooze, which are sure to delight and intrigue adventurous taste buds. For those who prefer traditional flavors, options like Cream Soda, flavored with vanilla extract, and Sarsaparilla, enhanced by star anise, are available.
Quality and Tradition
Avery's commitment to quality is evident in every bottle. Each soda is handcrafted in small batches using real cane sugar and the finest ingredients, ensuring an authentic and delicious taste. The sodas are packaged in glass bottles to preserve their old-fashioned flavor, a practice that has earned Avery's a loyal following across the country.
Visiting Avery's Soda Factory
Located in New Britain, Connecticut, Avery's Soda Factory is a must-visit destination for soda lovers and history buffs. The factory's nostalgic charm and commitment to quality provide a unique and enjoyable experience. Whether you're crafting your own soda or simply exploring the rich history of one of New England's oldest soda bottling companies, Avery's Beverages offers a refreshing journey into the past.
