BetterBev - A Green Craft Beverage Recognition Program Launches in New England

Introduced by Coalition of New England States with Support from the Environmental Protection Agency

A coalition of New England states announced the BetterBev Green Craft Beverage Recognition Program, a sustainability initiative funded in part by grants from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Pollution Prevention (P2) Program.

BetterBev was created to help beverage producers throughout New England fully understand their environmental practices, principles, and impact, with the goal of reducing production inefficiencies, improving health and safety, and conserving natural resources. Participating companies drive their continuous improvement by tracking waste generation and measuring the use of energy, water, and material inputs. For beverage producers that invest time and resources in sustainable practices, BetterBev will help them gain efficiencies, reduce costs, and receive recognition as a “green” business.

New England is a craft beverage powerhouse with one of the highest concentrations of craft breweries in the country. According to the Brewers Association, the region is home to over 600 craft breweries, not including other craft beverage producers such as distilleries, wineries, cideries, and meaderies. While these businesses create jobs, boost tourism, and promote economic development, they also use resources intensively. Breweries constantly heat, cool, and clean their operations, presenting excellent opportunities for cost savings. Similarly, side-streaming, reuse, and recycling strategies can minimize the environmental impact of spent grains, wastewater discharge, and packaging. 

“We must constantly assess the impact our actions have on the environment, so we believe a beverage producer’s focus should be on continual improvement,” explained Luke Truman, Sustainability Coordinator for the Craft Beverage Sector Program at the New England Environmental Finance Center, located at the University of Southern Maine. “We’re grading ourselves against a constantly moving target, so we created the BetterBev program with a mindset of consistent effort, striving for improvement over time.”

Since 2022, the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island have received funding from the Environmental Protection Agency to establish Pollution Prevention (P2) technical assistance initiatives that help craft beverage producers improve their environmental performance. State-based Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) have reached out to hundreds of craft beverage manufacturers to assess their production practices and provided recommendations to improve process efficiencies. Some states built very effective initiatives around these efforts, such as the New Hampshire Sustainable Craft Beverage recognition program (NHSCB) run by its Department of Environmental Services.

In 2023, building on the success of the NHSCB, state P2 programs decided to launch a sustainability recognition program for craft beverage producers throughout all of New England. This regional approach, which grew into BetterBev, has the potential to increase visibility, drive business participation, and disseminate environmental best practices.

“We were all moving in the same direction, working on similar initiatives, so it only made sense to partner and work together,” added Kathy Black, Pollution Prevention Program Manager for the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. “The BetterBev Program amplifies the work each state is doing and raises awareness about how businesses can care for the environment and worker’s health and safety while making tasty craft beverages.”

BetterBev recognition can be earned after a beverage producer’s state oversight organization works with them to perform an audit and assessment of their environmental practices and impact. The audit and assessment covers 10 performance criteria:

  • Environmentally responsible sourcing

  • Water usage

  • Wastewater reduction

  • Stormwater management

  • Energy efficiency and conservation

  • CO2 use and emissions

  • Cleaning and sanitizing

  • Waste reduction

  • Packaging format and materials

  • Environmental culture

Beverage producers reaching specific performance thresholds over the ten areas will earn the BetterBev recognition. Those that don’t reach the required thresholds will be supported by their state oversight organization and receive the technical assistance necessary to improve their performance and receive recognition. The goal of the BetterBev program is to place every business on the path of continuous improvement, even if they are beginners looking for some basic tips or high achievers that want to invest in the latest green technologies.

The oversight organizations responsible for managing the BetterBev program in their respective state are:

  • Connecticut: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

  • Massachusetts: University of Massachusetts Boston

  • Maine: New England Environmental Finance Center at the University of Southern Maine

  • New Hampshire: Pollution Prevention Program at the Department of Environmental Services

  • Rhode Island: Department of Environmental Management

  • Vermont: New England Environmental Finance Center at the University of Southern Maine

To learn more about the BetterBev Green Craft Beverage Recognition Program, including how a producer can participate, visit the BetterBev program page at www.betterbev.org.

About BetterBev

The BetterBev program is managed by a group of state and university environmental organizations that provide a free sustainability assessment to craft beverage producers in New England, including but not limited to breweries, wineries, and distilleries. The goal of the program is to help companies improve environmental performance, reduce operational costs, and build recognition from peers and customers. Companies that meet the BetterBev sustainability criteria are eligible for BetterBev recognition, which includes a certificate, window signage, use of the BetterBev logo, and inclusion on a BetterBev map. Learn more at www.betterbev.org.

The Mass Craft Brewers Festival returns to Boston with peace, love, and all the best beverages

The festie on 4/20 is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Massachusetts Brewers Guild

On the heels of another successful Mass Beer Week, the state association for craft brewers is thrilled to remind you we’re throwing another party next month.

The Massachusetts Craft Brewers Festival returns to the Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama in Boston on Saturday, April 20, featuring more than 40 Bay State breweries (and seltzer, and cider makers). The biggest fundraiser of the year for the Massachusetts Brewers Guild, ticket sales go right back to the craft beer industry by supporting the MBG’s programs and initiatives. The non-profit, membership-based MBG promotes and protects the interests of craft brewers in Massachusetts through industry and educational events, by providing resources and marketing support to brewers, by highlighting the Bay State as a top travel destination for craft beer, and by working at the legislative level to be a voice of craft brewers on Beacon Hill. 

During the Mass Craft Brewers Fest, brewmasters and bosses from across Massachusetts will be serving up beer, cider, and seltzers they are most proud of: This annual event is truly by beer lovers, for beer lovers. Across two sessions from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 to 9:30 p.m., ticket holders will have the chance to try unlimited samples from participating breweries  (responsibly, of course) — all under one psychedelic, circular, sun-dappled roof. 

The Sausage Guy, Wild Fox Pierogi, and Phyghit Pretzel Necklaces will return as featured food vendors for this year’s Mass Craft Brewers Fest. Outside snacks and pretzel necklaces are permitted, as are empty canteens to refill with water or sealed water bottles. Remember: H2o is your friend.

Tickets to the Mass Craft Brewers Fest are $55 and include unlimited beverage samples and good vibes. Designated driver tickets are available for $10. Last year’s event was completely sold out, so we highly recommend getting your tickets in advance so you can be sure to join the grooviest beer fest of the year!

Get ready to get down with these featured breweries:

  • 7th Wave Brewing

  • Aeronaut Brewing Co.

  • Altruist Brewing Company

  • Amherst Brewing

  • Amory's Tomb Brewing Co.

  • Aquatic Brewing Co.

  • Bent Water Brewing Co

  • Bright Ideas Brewing

  • Castle Island Brewing Co.

  • Coastal Mass. Brewing

  • Dirigible Brewing Company

  • Dorchester Brewing Company

  • Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Co.

  • Flying Dreams Brewing Co

  • Harpoon Brewing Co.

  • Hopothecary Ales Brewery and Kitchen

  • Hot Plate Brewing Co.

  • Jack's Abby Craft lagers

  • Lamplighter Brewing Co.

  • Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company

  • Mayflower Brewing Company

  • Medusa Brewing Company

  • Mighty Squirrel

  • Naukabout Brewing Co.

  • Night Shift Brewing

  • Oakholm Brewing Company

  • Penny Pinchers Brewing Co

  • Pigeon Cove Ferments

  • Portico Brewing

  • Rockport Brewing Company

  • Roundhead Brewing Co.

  • Rushford & Sons Brewhouse

  • Sam Adams Brewery

  • Shovel Town Brewery

  • The Brewery at Four Star Farms

  • The Girls Brewery

  • The Tap Brewing Company

  • Timberyard Brewing Company

  • Tree House Brewing

  • Twisted Fate Brewing

  • Untold Brewing

  • Wormtown Brewery

Follow #MACraftBrewersFest on social media for updates as the fest approaches. Breweries will be sharing their pouring plans as the event gets closer. Whether you’re jazzed for juice bombs, stoked for stouts, or fervent for farmhouse ales, the Massachusetts Craft Brewers Festival will have something for you. See you there!

Peace and love ✌️

Mass Beer Week returns March 2-9 with plenty of events on tap

The statewide celebration of craft beer isn’t just for breweries.

Since the Massachusetts Brewers Guild began sponsoring Mass Beer Week in 2017, the number of craft breweries operating in the Bay State has increased exponentially — and the annual celebration of them all is keeping pace. 

Mass Beer Week is back March 2-9, 2024, with live events across the Commonwealth at breweries — and beyond. This year, keep an eye out for in-store tastings, discounts and special signage through Mass Beer Week at locations of Roche Brothers, Market Basket, Whole Foods and Total Wine & More. 

Restaurants, package stores, movie theaters, bowling alleys and any establishment that sells Massachusetts-made beer can get involved in the fun by making a Facebook event and adding Mass Beer Week as a co-host. Is your establishment hosting a #MassBeerWeek event? Tag us on Instagram and we’ll share!

Of course, local breweries are the heart and soul of Mass Beer Week. The calendar of events is already stacked with happenings across the Commonwealth.

Here are some highlights:

Get your limited edition glassware

Mass Beer Week comes with an exclusive pint. The stylish Sidra tumbler is available to buy for $6 at dozens of craft breweries throughout the state. The pint includes this year’s Mass Beer Week dates and hashtags, and features a whimsical, 360-degree landscape designed by local artist and craft beer industry insider, Zach Manza.

“In the brewery space, anybody with a creative thing will end up wearing different hats. I love being in it,” says Manza, who won a contest sponsored by the Mass Brewers Guild to design this year’s commemorative glass.

Complete the Marlborough/Hudson Brewery Passport

Visit six breweries in this Central Mass. region for a chance to win a free limited-edition Mass Beer Week glass. Passports are available and can be redeemed at six participating breweries:

Medusa Brewing in Hudson is part of a regional passport you can complete during Mass Beer Week.

  • Clover Road, Hudson

  • Flying Dreams, Marlborough

  • Lost Shoe, Marlborough

  • Medusa, Hudson

  • Tackle Box, Marlborough

  • Wild Hare, Hudson

The first 200 people to complete the Marlborough/Hudson Brewery Passport will earn the exclusive glass. (It’s also available for purchase at any participating brewery.)

Check out a Mass.-made beer fest at Cape Cod Beer

Kick off the weeklong celebration with a Mass Beer Week Brew Fest at Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis on Saturday, March 2. Across two ticketed sessions (noon-3 p.m. or 4-7 p.m.), ticket holders can sip 12, four-ounce samples from more than a dozen breweries and keep their souvenir tasting class. Full pints are also available for purchase. Access to food trucks and more fun is in store. Tickets range from $30 to $38 with a $15 designated driver option also available.

Support Berkshires youth and community

Shire Beer Co. hosts the ninth annual Bianchi/Barbarotta Family Foundation Beer Tasting to kick off Mass Beer Week on Saturday, March 2. The event has raised thousands of dollars to fund scholarships for graduating high schoolers over the years and always promises a fun time. This year’s event at Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield features live music; famous meatballs, appetizers, a dessert table, and other food for purchase; and a cash bar in addition to the beer samples. Tickets are $25.

Tasty beer pairings

The Craft Beer Concierge — aka Boston resident and certified Cicerone Allo Gilinsky — and local bakers are matching beer with cupcakes at Boston-area breweries. Check out sweet pairing events with the Craft Beer Concierge at Portico in Somerville, Remnant in Somerville, and Distraction in Roslindale. Vanished Valley Brewing Co. and Manchester Cheesecake Company also team up with indulgent desserts and drinks during Mass Beer Week. 

For those craving savory, check out cheese and beer nights with Mullahy's Cheese Shop at Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company in Marlborough, and 7th Wave Brewing in Medfield. 

Go all in on the final day of Mass Beer Week at Buzzards Bay Brewing in Westport with Farm & Coast, a lunch event exploring local flavor sourced from Farm & Coast Market in nearby Padanaram. Courses like deviled eggs with tasso ham and pickled chilis, Eva’s Garden greens with an apricot dressing, kielbasa served with fresh sourdough from Little Moss Restaurant and more are all matched with beer or cider pairings and a discussion led by Buzzards Bay founder Bill Russell.

And much more!

Brewery book fairs, trivia, craft nights, live music, open art studios, beer release parties, comedy shows and family-friendly events round out the calendar—and there’s more to come.

Any event highlighting Massachusetts-made beer can get on the calendar by adding Mass Beer Week as a co-host on Facebook or tagging #MassBeerWeek on Instagram. Check out the full lineup of events via the Mass Beer Week Facebook page, and keep checking back for fun things to do throughout Mass Beer Week.

However you celebrate Mass Beer Week, just remember: #DrinkMassMadeBeer.

And make sure to take a pic! The Mass Beer Week Photo Contest returns with three cool prizes. The first-place winner will receive two tickets to the Massachusetts Craft Brewers Fest on April 20; second place earns a $50 gift card to the Mass. brewery of your choice; and third place will get MBG swag including a cooler, hat and glassware. To enter, simply post pictures of anything Mass. craft beer-related to social media between March 2-9, using hashtag #massbeerweek2024 and tagging @massbeerweek and the brewery or breweries pictured. Photo contest winners will be announced on Tuesday, March 12.

Meet the Industry Insider Behind This Year's Mass Beer Week Artwork

Mass Beer Week returns March 2-9 with a logo designed by one of the industry’s own. Zach Manza, founder of Manza Media and an employee at Shovel Town Brewery in Easton, is the winner of the second annual fan-voted art contest hosted by the Massachusetts Brewers Guild. Manza’s original artwork will be used on collectible glassware available at participating breweries throughout Mass Beer Week, and across all promotional materials for the statewide celebration of craft beer.

Illustrator and Shovel Town Brewery cook Zach Manza designed the 2024 Mass Beer Week logo.

Manza, a lifelong illustrator, took inspiration from scenes across the Bay State for this year’s Mass Beer Week design. The Mashpee resident explains, “the western part is a can, and then it spills over” into the South Shore and Cape Cod. He credits his wife and muse, Stephanie, with the idea to center the landscape on a spilled can of beer, which relates to his day job and fits in with his playful, whimsical style. 

Manza works in the kitchen at Shovel Town, takes photos for the brewery’s social media, and also collaborates with the marketing team to design label art. He started as a line cook two years ago, and has since reimagined the Easton company’s branding to feature a shovel-shaped template on every can. Consistent imagery is more marketable than the outsourced, can-by-can artwork Shovel Town previously commissioned, and collaborating with their employees fits the vibe of a local craft brewery, Manza says. His bosses, coworkers, and fellow craft beer fans “love that kind of community, where a guy who works here does the cans.”

Shovel Town Brewery’s redesigned cans. / Art and photo by Zach Manza

In January 2023, Manza also painted a full-scale wall mural inside the Easton taproom. The large, hand-drawn piece was a challenge for the self-taught illustrator, who likens his style to mid-century children’s books like Corduroy and Harry the Dirty Dog and typically uses pencil and watercolor (or, their digital equivalents on the illustration app Procreate). 

Manza, who grew up in New Jersey, moved to Massachusetts after high school and has been a freelance illustrator ever since. He has illustrated many children’s books, including the Puffa the Lionhead Bun series, but publishing is a competitive industry with fairly low pay for artists, he shares. “In the brewery space, anybody with a creative thing will end up wearing different hats,” says Manza, who is also a musician. “I’m being compensated, and I love being in it.”

Zach Manza designed and painted an indoor mural at Shovel Town Brewery. / Photo by Zach Manza

Manza’s art will emblazon social media fliers, glassware and T-shirts to highlight Mass Beer Week and help drive traffic and tourism to our state’s breweries. Sales of the collector's glass—this year, 17-ounce Sidra tumblers—are a fundraiser to support the Mass Brewers Guild’s mission to promote craft beer in the Bay State.

Besides bragging rights, the artist received cash and a prize pack from the MBG for submitting the winning design. 

Mass Beer Week runs Saturday to Saturday during the first week of March. Visit breweries throughout the state to get this year’s collectible glassware. To learn more about Mass Beer Week, check out massbeerweek.org

OSHA Consultation Program offers free health and safety support

Craft brewers, we know your employees are like family and that you want them to go home safe at the end of every shift. But maybe you need safety and health assistance with the chemicals used during the brewing process, with confined spaces in the brewing area, or with machinery used during daily operations at the brewery?  The Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) can help with those and any other hazards.  DLS offers free safety and health consultations for small and medium sized businesses to recognize and control potential safety and health hazards.  This service is provided by the Massachusetts On-Site Consultation Program.

Consultations are at no cost and are confidential.  You, the employer, determines the scope of the consultation services you want to use, which can range from answering a specific safety or health question to providing a complete wall to wall worksite safety and health survey.  We can even provide air sampling and noise monitoring also at no cost. 

All the services provided by the On-Site Consultation Program are free, confidential, voluntary, and completely separate from OSHA enforcement. How it works:

1) An employer requests assistance from the On-Site Consultation Program by calling (508) 616-0461 (Option 2) or emailing MA-OSHAConsultation@mass.gov.

2) A Consultant from DLS will work with the employer to answer questions and schedule an on-site visit.  During on-site visits the Consultant will review any required safety and health programs and identify any hazards in the workplace.

3) The Consultant and the employer will come up with a timeline for the employer to correct any serious and imminent hazards identified during the visit.  Any identified serious and imminent hazards are required to be abated.  While actively working with the On-Site Consultation Program, employers are granted a deferral from OSHA-programmed enforcement inspections.  

Annually, On-Site Consultation Programs across the U.S. conduct more than 20,000 visits at worksites nationwide.  Every year, more than two million workers are removed from hazards after employers take corrective actions identified during consultation visits. Shouldn’t your brewery be one of those worksites?

Participating in the consultation program can result in enhanced worker morale, and reduce injury/illness rates, lost workdays, workers’ compensation costs, equipment damage, and product losses. Read Benefits of the OSHA On-Site Consultation Program, An Economic Analysis (August 1, 2018) for more information.

 

"We've participated in MA DLS's Consultation Program two times with exceptional results. As our brewery has grown and processes have changed, we've found it necessary to revisit and regularly update safety protocols. During both consultations, Justin helped us identify workplace hazards and develop a robust set of OSHA-approved training programs to address and ensure employee safety. He also put us in touch with Deborah, a hygiene specialist, to review chemical use and best practices for maintaining employee health. Even after the consultations, Justin has remained a helpful resource for one-off safety questions and to provide advice on special scenarios. We're so grateful to Justin, Deborah, and the entire Consultation Program for their attention to detail and collaborative approach. We encourage companies from all industries to take advantage of this incredible resource."

Jack Hunsicker, CEO, Lamplighter Brewing Company

 

For more information go to www.mass.gov/on-site-consultation-program or read the Consultation brochure.

NEW Workplace Wellbeing Portal Available to Breweries

Infinite Ingredient, Hazelden Betty Ford collaborate to provide substance use, mental health resources to craft brewing industry employees

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - January 23, 2024 - The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and Infinite Ingredient, a non-profit working to support the mental and physical well-being of people working in the craft beverage industry, today announced a collaboration to help the craft brewing industry address substance use and mental health concerns among its workforce.

Beginning today, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Workplace Wellbeing Portal, launched in 2023, will be available to the more than 150,000 U.S.-based people working for craft breweries, offering a confidential avenue to discuss and address substance use and mental health challenges.

 

Hazelden Betty Ford is the leading nonprofit system of substance use treatment, mental health care and family services — with sites and services across the U.S. as well as an acclaimed graduate school, publishing house and research center, and a global reach and reputation.

Founded in 2021, Infinite Ingredient has been focused on removing common barriers to mental and physical health resources and making resources available to everyone working for craft beverage producers across the world, starting with craft breweries in the United States.

 

“The craft beer and craft beverage industry is often treated both inwardly and outwardly as a giant party, in spite of the fact that each facet of the industry requires hard work and can often be grueling,” said Katie Muggli, founder and executive director of Infinite Ingredient. “The question I keep coming back to is: how can we demonstrate and cultivate a healthy relationship with alcohol, when producing, selling, and serving it is our job? This is our first step in providing answers to that question, and we're excited to launch this resource in collaboration with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.”

 

Mental health challenges, especially substance use and addiction, have long been ignored and under-discussed in the craft beverage industry. Providing people working in the industry with a safe space to explore such challenges and creating conversations around overall health in the alcohol industry have been goals of Infinite Ingredient since it launched.

 

“Most folks in the industry have seen or have even personally experienced the effects of consuming too much too often,” added Muggli. “Being able to collaborate with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation to offer these resources and provide access to this Wellbeing Portal for folks to confidentially have these conversations will be really important for providing that safe space.”

 

This is the first of what Infinite Ingredient hopes to be many tangible resources it can offer to individuals in the craft beverage industry.

 

“When an employee of a U.S.-based craft brewery signs up for the Hazelden Betty Ford Workplace Wellness Portal or calls, they will be able to explore a whole suite of resources including assessments to determine substance misuse risk, receive personalized recommendations, and connect to resources and services from Hazelden Betty Ford and elsewhere,” said Muggli. “The best part is that it isn’t just for the individuals working in the industry–it’s for their families and loved ones too–so help and guidance is available whether you’re exploring resources on behalf of yourself or someone else.”

 

This service allows employees to seek help confidentially.

 

“We don’t want anyone to struggle alone or avoid help out of fear, so we’ve designed our portal to provide people with resources they can access immediately and confidentially, and a place to call for additional help whenever needed,” said John Sakacs, outreach manager and large employer solutions specialist for Hazelden Betty Ford. “Help could be as simple as talking to somebody over the phone about what’s going on and receiving some feedback and direction.

 

Help could be guidance on assisting a loved one. Help could be learning about options available to those who are suffering and feeling alone. And help could also include direct assistance with initiating a treatment admission as a pathway toward recovery and a healthier, happier life.”

Calling the collaboration a “perfect marriage,” Sakacs—whose professional experience is supplemented by 21 years of personal lived experience in recovery—said Hazelden Betty Ford’s Workplace Wellbeing Portal helps remove the barrier of stigma and creates a healthier, more productive workforce.

 

“I know a lot of employees are suffering and need help. But they’re often afraid to get help in the workplace,” Sakacs said. “By creating these types of partnerships, providing confidential resources and also openly encouraging their use and access, we can reduce stigma as a barrier and help more people. Together, we’ll be able to get more people to walk through the door to help. Because the Workplace Wellbeing Portal and our specific collaboration with Infinite Ingredient includes many resources to support, nurture and educate families, we’ll be able to help them, too.”

 

To learn more about the Workplace Wellbeing Portal offered by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and Infinite Ingredient, visit infiniteingredient.org/wellbeingportal

 

About Infinite Ingredient

Infinite Ingredient is a non-profit founded in 2021 whose mission is to actively support the mental and physical well-being of individuals working in the craft beverage industry through outreach, education, and access to resources. To learn more, visit infiniteingredient.org.

 

About The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Harnessing science, love and the wisdom of lived experience, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a force of healing and hope for families and communities affected by substance use and mental health conditions. As the nation’s foremost nonprofit provider of comprehensive behavioral health care, the Foundation leads the way in helping society rise above stigma and overcome addiction. With a legacy that began in 1949 and includes the 1982 founding of the Betty Ford Center, the Foundation now has treatment centers and telehealth services nationwide as well as a network of collaborators throughout health care. Charitable support and a commitment to innovation drive ongoing advances in care, research, programs and services to impact more lives. In addition to clinical care, Hazelden Betty Ford encompasses a graduate school of addiction studies, a publishing division, a research center, thought leadership and advocacy, professional and medical education programs, school-based prevention resources and a specialized program for children—with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its endeavors. Learn more at HazeldenBettyFord.org.

 

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Massachusetts Brewpubs Team Up to Bring Attention to "Common-Sense Legislation"

15 brewpub brewers from Massachusetts pose at Vanished Valley in Ludlow during a brew day for H.401 New England IPA.

Since the dawn of the United States, people have come together over beer to make progress. So to get their point heard on Beacon Hill, Massachusetts brewers recently came together to brew two beers to draw attention to Bill H.401, designed to give brewpubs the power to self-distribute a limited amount of their own beer.

Vanished Valley Brewing Co. in Ludlow hosted fellow pub-brewers from Amherst Brewing, Antimony Brewing, Hot Plate Brewing Co., Northampton Brewing Co., Shire Brewing, Skyline Beer Company, and New City Brewery in November to produce H.401 New England IPA. Also in November, Gardner’s Moon Hill Brewing collaborated with Lost Towns Brewing and Thirsty Robot Brewing to make H.401 Pale Ale. Both beers are available in limited quantities at Vanished Valley and Moon Hill Brewing Co.

The Massachusetts Brewers Guild spent much of the last year circulating a petition in support of Bill H.401, and also encouraging the passage of separate legislation that would allow local craft brewers to sell their beer at retail at farmers markets. (Currently, beer can’t be sold to-go at farmers markets, but wine, cider and mead can.)

Caleb Hiliadis, director of brewing operations at Amherst Brewing, which supplies five Hangar brewpubs in Western Mass., sits on the board of the Mass Brewers Guild and chairs the Events, Government Affairs & Membership Committee. He has been advocating for changes to the state’s brewpub license laws for six years.

“It feels like we're at a turning point. We're effectively communicating to our customers that these bills are important to us,” he says. “In the world we live in, there are a lot of other things that take up a lot of the political capital at the state level. So we have to be more vocal than ever in communicating our needs as small businesses.”

Thanks to much campaigning by Hiliadis and other MBG members, such as Rick Walton, owner of Moon Hill Brewing Co. and Gardner Ale House, Gardner Rep. Jonathan D. Zlotnik re-filed Bill H.401 in 2023 (for a third session). In May, it was referred to the State House’s Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, where it remains. 

Meanwhile, 1,708 Massachusetts beer fans from across the Commonwealth have signed the MBG’s pub brewer petition. Another 508 have added their names to support updating the farmers market legislation.

Hiliadis is optimistic that this legislative session is the time for change. “The biggest thing is to keep attention” on the craft beer industry’s priorities, he says, because when people hear about these issues they agree, “both of these bills are common-sense legislation.”

What’s the issue around H.401? 

Currently, breweries with a pub-brewery license like Amherst’s must go through a third-party distributor to move any product, even from their own brewery to a sister pub, or to a neighboring business. “The beer has to go to Chicopee before it can go next door,” Hiliadis says, describing the protocol to deliver his product to the liquor store and restaurant that share Amherst Brewing’s parking lot. Breweries that hold a farmer brewery license can self-distribute up to 10,000 barrels. Pub-brewery license holders are the only brewery class in Massachusetts that cannot self-distribute their products. It’s a limitation that results in lost revenue, more trucks on the roads, and added administrative burdens for pub-brewery owners.

Bill H.401 would only allow a pub brewery to self distribute 50,000 gallons of beer a year - roughly 3,000 kegs. So passage of this bill will not replace brewpubs like Amherst’s wholesale relationships, Hiliadis says. In fact, being able to self-distribute the relatively small amount of beer it sends to its own brewpubs and neighbors will allow Amherst Brewing to grow its statewide distribution. “We could invest more to keep up with the demand and do more with our distributors,” Hiliadis says. 

Amherst Brewing’s wholesale partners are well aware of the industry’s proposed changes to brewpub self-distribution guidelines and have presented no opposition to H.401, Hiliadis notes. For years, his company’s distribution contract agreements have outlined the brewpub’s intent to self-distribute a limited amount of beer, should the bill pass. “I still don't know where the opposition is at the state level,” Hiliadis admits. “At some legislative hearings, you talk to people, and they're like, ‘I thought you were already doing that.’ So we have to keep educating and using whatever voice we have,” he says, to bring attention to these issues.

Thankfully, Hiliadis says, the local beer industry has a supportive and vocal community. “Leaning on that as craft brewers and saying to our customers, ‘We need you to let your legislator know that this would be important to us,’ is bringing a lot of attention to these priorities.”

Limited amounts of both H.401 beers are available at the participating brewpubs. Call ahead if you want to be sure to try it—and please, contact your legislators about these issues today.

Discover Holiday Markets, Craft Nights and More Festive Fun at Massachusetts Breweries

Photo courtesy of Lamplighter Brewing Co.

The best way to spread holiday cheer is by shopping locally and making memories with friends and family. Breweries make this possible year-round, but throughout December there are even more reasons to check out a local taproom near you. Sip-and-shop markets make holiday shopping as easy as ordering a beer. Family-friendly parties keep the cookie-decorating mess out of your home kitchen. Trivia nights dig deep into seasonal-favorite songs, movies, and more. The list goes on—check it out below. Members of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild update us on how and where to celebrate the holidays this season.


MBG members, did we miss your holiday party? Fill out this form to be included in our next update.

Northeast

East Regiment Beer Company

On Saturday, Dec. 9 and Sunday, Dec. 17, East Regiment hosts a Vintage Market curated by the Felt Fanatic from noon until 6 p.m. A collection of retro sports memorabilia from mainly New England teams is in the cards. Dog parents, you’ll want to bring the fam to visit the Salem taproom on Saturday, Dec. 16, for a Pet Ornament PAWty to make and decorate a memorable paw-print clay ornament. Kits will also be available to buy and bring home to share with your cat or other pets. Proceeds from the event support Massachusetts dog rescue Gals Best Pal and a TBD local cat rescue organization. Let’s go!

Gentile Brewing Company

The season gets underway at Gentile Brewing with the annual Christmas Ale bottle release on December 7. On Friday, Dec. 15, the Beverly taproom hosts an ugly sweater party with Birria Gordita Tacos and a food drive. On Thursday, Dec. 22, Gentile sets the stage for a reading of the Christmas Carol. Arrive on Saturday, Dec. 23, to air grievances at Festivus party. Let’s go!

Hopothecary Ales

Before he gets really busy, the real Santa is stopping by North Reading’s Hopothecary Ales on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 3:30 until 6:30 p.m. for photos and fun. On Wednesday, Dec. 20, the taproom hosts Christmas Trivia and an ugly sweater party. The best ugliest sweater will earn the wearer a Hopothecary Holiday Beer Box Advent Calendar that includes 24 cans of beer. Let’s go!

Notch Brewing

The German Holiday Market returns to the Salem Tap Room on Sunday, Dec. 10. Free to attend, it features local makers of botanical and magickal ephemera, glass art, neckwear, beautiful and inspiring visual art and prints, and artisan soap. (Salem already welcomed the annual Krampus parade, but the seasonal beasts are headed for the Brighton taproom on December 9. See more in Metro Boston.) Let’s go!

Metro Boston

Arlington Brewing Co.

Bring a friend, grab a beer, buy a present or two, and relax in Arlington Heights friendliest spot - 4-9:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until Dec 30. They'll be pouring a selection of fan favorites including Spy-P-A, Jedermann, and Zwolf, as well as introducing new brews to the lineup such as Marley's Ghost Christmas Ale!

The Roasted Granola Café will be serving food throughout the evening, including simple sandwiches, salads, chips, popcorn, and more. These are family friendly events. Bring everyone! Let’s go!

Aeronaut Brewing Company

At two Greater Boston locations of Aeronaut, holiday activities abound. On Sunday, Dec. 17, build your own gingerbread house at the Somerville spot. Tickets are required to reserve a kit and a session time, either from 2 to 3:30 p.m. or 3:30 to 5 p.m. Aeronaut Somerville also hosts a holiday special drag night on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 8 to 10 p.m. Dykelangelo hosts the holiday spectacular with local performers Severity Stone, Lilly Rose Valore and others. Tickets are $15 (plus tips for the queens!), and arriving early is recommended. On Friday, Dec. 23, the Aeronaut Cannery in Everett hosts an evening with Neon Calypso’s the Grinch. The local drag queen stars and festive costumes are encouraged. Show starts at 6:30 and tickets are required. You are the one dressing up on New Year’s Eve for NYE Prom at Aeronaut Somerville. DJ Knife, food from Big Pig and other surprises celebrate the Class of 2023. ~*~ Prom Royalty~*~ will be crowned at 11 p.m. before a midnight toast.  Let’s go!

BearMoose Brewing Company

Santa Paws is coming to town—well, to BearMoose Brewing. On Saturday, Dec. 9, it’s a dog’s day out in Everett with a pet-centric local market pop-up and a pet meet-and-greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Suggested donations of $10 (cash only) will benefit Last Hope K9 Rescue. The market is on from 1 to 4 p.m. with Sant on site between 2 and 4 p.m. Let’s go!

Distraction Brewing Company

There are so many opportunities to make something special for somebody on your list, with a Distraction brew in hand. The Roslindale brewery and taproom hosts Ain’t Easy Candles for a cheeky candle-making class on December 10. Thursday, Dec. 14 brings Crafts & Drinks in for a sea glass craft workshop, and on December 17, cartoonist Rob Lynch leads Home Alone Paint Night. There’s really no excuse for a boring gift card! After the gift-giving frenzy, unwind at Distraction on New Year’s Eve, when the New Grown-Ups bring their blend of traditional folk, country, blues, celtic, and bluegrass to the taproom with live music from 8 to 11 p.m. Let’s go!

Idle Hands Craft Ales

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, opera-crossover singer Natalja Sticco performs Carols for a Cause at the Idle Hands taproom in Malden, which is accepting cash donations, non-perishable food items, and winter clothing on behalf of the Malden Warming Center. No donation is too small, and donors can sign an ornament to hang on the tree! Let’s go!

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

Inspired by everyone’s favorite comfort competition-show, the Great Brewery Bake Off brings 10 amateur bakers to Lamplighter’s Broadway taproom from 7-9 p.m on Friday, Dec. 8, to have their treats judged by an all-star local panel of bakers. The friendly throwdown will benefit Cambridge non-profit On The Rise, which supports femme folks getting their feet on the ground. Tickets are required. Separately, the Broadway taproom is planning a Ugly Sweater Party on Friday, Dec. 15. On Saturday, Dec. 16, visit Lamplighter’s Cambridge Crossing taproom from 3 to 7 p.m. for a Happy Hour Holiday vendor market. Let’s go! 

Long Live Roxbury

A winter market with appearances by Rahim Gray Art and his cool coasters, Spicy Boy Jerky, Ain't Easy Candles, and food by Kush Mediterranean is happening at Long Live Roxbury on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. Stay later for live music. Let’s go!

Lord Hobo Seaport

For those of you making a list and checking it twice, why not work on your handwriting? You can on Sunday, Dec. 10, at Lord Hobo Seaport, which hosts a Holiday Sip and Script workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The festive event introduces modern calligraphy and covers the basics—with beer in hand—so you can add special lettered details to your holiday table, gift tags, holiday cards and more. Let’s go! 

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

Through December 11, visit Mighty Squirrel’s Waltham taproom anytime to drop off a donation for Toys for Tots. The goal is to fill up the brewery van with gifts to help kids have a brighter holiday season. Let’s go!

Night Shift Brewing

Between two taprooms in Boston and Everett, there are plenty of ways to be merry with Night Shift this season. Everett HQ hosts An Elf-ing Good Holiday Party on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 7 to 10 p.m., channeling the holiday spirit of Buddy the Elf. A Family Holiday Party follows on Sunday, Dec. 10, from noon until 5 p.m., with activities and entertainment like a visit from Santa (1 to 3 p.m.), face painting and balloons, cookie decorating while supplies last, and a kids’ ugly sweater contest. At the Lovejoy Wharf taproom on Sunday, Dec. 10, enjoy Holiday Drag Brunch from noon until 3 p.m. Back in Everett on Wednesday, Dec. 20, Tony’s Tulips is hosting a holiday floral arrangement class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All supplies will be included. Finally: Get ready for a Super Mario-themed New Year’s Eve. Let’s go!

Notch Brewing

Warn the children: Krampus is coming to Notch Brighton on Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 6 p.m. Costumes are highly encouraged for the Krampusnacht costume parade (Krampuslauf) and competition. There will be a Krampus-themed holiday card making station, and music and a liquid light show supplied by The Dregs. Notch is also collecting toys and gifts for donation. Families are welcome all day before 7 p.m. but then it’s 21-plus. Let’s go!

Sam Adams Boston Brewery

The annual Winter VIP Beer Dinner returns to Sam Adams HQ in Jamaica Plain on Thursday, Dec. 14. From 6 to 8 p.m., enjoy an elegant winter feast by No Joke Smoke in the intimate Bier Keller room, complete with exclusive holiday beer pairings. Tickets are required. Let’s go!

Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom

The State Street beer hall by Sam Adams is decked out and pumping the holiday jams for a holiday market pop-up on Wednesday, Dec. 13. With a special Oaked Vanilla Porter Hot Chocolate in hand, you can shop holiday goodies from Trident Booksellers, Sniffs of Adventure, Why Not Jewelry By Kirsty, and Bri's Sweet Treats. Plus: drag queens Sasha Stone and Pancake will perform around the keg tree. Let’s go!

Southeast

Break Rock Brewing

The Marina Bay Holiday Market is happening Sunday, Dec. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. at Break Rock and other businesses along the boardwalk in Quincy. More than 20 vendors will be spread out at host businesses along the scenic walkway, with hot chocolate giveaways, drink specials and more. On New Year’s Eve, Break Rock invites Hott Smoke and Blacks Creek BBQ over for dinner, with live entertainment by Saltwater Sons. Let’s go!

Brockton Beer Company

Make something to deck the halls during Brushes & Brews: Winter Wonderland at Brockton Beer on Sunday, Dec. 10. Instructor Ariel Lyneese, owner of Artzy X Ari, will lead this beginner-friendly paint night. Let’s go!

Castle Island Brewing Co.

Castle Island Norwood is basically Santa’s workshop this month. On Sunday, Dec. 10 head there for a holiday pottery workshop. Photos with Santa for humans and pups are on Saturday, Dec. 16, Elf-themed trivia is happening Tuesday, Dec. 19, and there’s a Grinchmas flower workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Check out the full calendar for individual event details and ticket links. Let’s go!

Mayflower Brewing Company

Plymouth’s Hometown Holiday Market is happening at Mayflower December 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days. Shop locally made items for the holiday season! On Thursday, Dec. 21, shop at a holiday farmers market from 2:30 until 5:30 p.m. Let’s go!     

Trillium Brewing Company

The Trillium Canton Winter Market presents more than 20 local vendors, live music and seasonal drink specials. Check it out Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Let’s go!

Untold Brewing 

Get in the spirit with a holiday cookie decorating workshop at Untold Scituate on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., with Blackbird Baking Co. Tickets include cookies, decor materials, and a beverage. On Saturday, Dec. 16, Totally Coral is in the house for a jewelry and art sale. On Sunday, Dec. 17, shop for lovers of locally made beef jerky at the Spicy Boy Jerky pop-up from 1 to 4 p.m. Let’s go!

Vitamin Sea Brewing

From chunky blankets (Dec. 13) to charcuterie boards (Dec. 11), Vitamin Sea hosts a slew of workshops this holiday season. The Weymouth taproom also offers a holiday market on Sunday, Dec. 10 from noon to 4 p.m.; and is throwing an Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on December 21 with live music by Paul and Dela of Slightly Stoopid from 6 to 8 p.m. Let’s go!

Cape Cod & Islands

Cape Cod Beer

Free live music and local vendors are heading to Cape Cod Beer for a Very Merry Market December 9 and 10 from noon until 4 p.m. both days. Delicious bites from Poor Boy Fisheries are also on the menu. Find the full vendor list here. If you’re lucky enough to live down the Cape, celebrate at the Locals’ Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 16, with the Dirty Water Dance Band taking the stage from 7 to 10 p.m. Bring the dogs to Yappy Hour with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 17. From 1 to 3 p.m. pups can pose with the big guy for photos; and Zoeby’s Custom Creations will be onsite creating pet pawtraits for purchase beginning at noon. Let’s go!

Naukabout Brewery and Taproom

The Christmas season continues weekly throughout December at Naukabout in Mashpee. Mondays are Holiday Movie Nights with BOGO pizza. Wednesdays are Holiday Movie Team Trivia Nights with $1 wings. Fridays mark the release of the 12 Beers of Xmas. Saturdays feature craft workshops with Santa, and Sundays see a Naukabout Beer Garden at the Cape Cod Christmas Market at Mashpee Commons. Find all the details here. Let’s go!

MetroWest 

Exhibit 'A' Brewing Co.

A lineup of local vendors is headed for Framingham’s Exhibit ‘A’ on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 2 to 7 p.m. Jollof Masters will be in the house with West African cuisine, and the brewery is pulling $5 cask pours of Grateful for the Grainshed, the newest 5% pub ale made in collaboration with farms and other local breweries. Let’s go!

Jack's Abby Craft Lagers

Beginning with a visit from Santa and a tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 8 and running through December 17, the third annual Jack’s Abby German Christmas is a festive tradition. Local vendor markets set up each weekend while drink and food specials, live music and entertainment continues throughout the week. Find the full lineup of events and details here. Let’s go!

Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company

Shop locally in Marlborough on Sunday, Dec. 10, with Lost Shoe and Jake McGee Glass, Tiny Leather Co., The Crafted Cookie Company, Ruff House Barkery, Upcycle Records, Worcester Candle and more artisans from the area. A pop-up holiday market runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the taproom—so you can go from coffee to beer, as the beverage pros intend with their dual-purpose facility. Let’s go!

Central

Dirigible Brewing Company

Get the whole family in the holiday spirit at The Crafty Girls Holiday Party at Dirigible on Thursday, Dec. 21. The family-friendly event from 5 to 8 p.m. welcomes Santa for photo opps and offers ornament painting for all. A charcuterie table laden with snacks and a hot chocolate station keep spirits bright throughout the night. Let’s go!

Oakholm Brewing Company

In the spirit of the season, Oakholm Brewing Co. is collecting unopened items on behalf of Toys For Joy to support families in the communities of Brookfield and East Brookfield. With a calendar through the season of live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and a visit from Santa to the Oakholm Farm Estate, visit on a weekend to find the collection box for donations. Let’s go!

Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

Think you know a thing or two about festive films? Head to Holiday Movie Trivia at Redemption Rock on Friday, Dec. 22. Tap up to six friends per team to try and sleigh the competition about all kinds of seasonal movies. The quiz begins at 6:30 p.m., but you’ll want to get to the Worcester taproom early to register your team. Braised food truck is onsite from 4 to 9 p.m. serving up tacos, sandwiches and more. Let’s go! 

Sterling Street Brewery

Head into the new year with winning energy and play holiday trivia at Sterling Street. The Clinton brewery hosts the annual event—which touches on topics like holiday movies, music, sweet treats and more—on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 7 p.m. Let’s go!

Western Mass. & the Berkshires

The Brewery at Four Star Farms

The annual holiday market at the Brewery at Four Star Farms is happening again on Saturday, Dec. 16, from noon to 4 p.m. The cozy taproom in Northfield is all aglow with displays of locally made artwork, jewelry and more. There will also be a wrapping station so you put a bow on your gifting to-do list. Let’s go!

White Lion Brewing Company

The Grinch is gracing us with his presence on Sunday, Dec. 10, for lunch and libations at White Lion Brewing Co. in Springfield. Kids can decorate cookies with the softened green guy and enjoy a family-friendly buffet. Photos, of course, are a must—but we can’t promise a grin from the Grinch. Let’s go!