Brewing Bonds: Ohanafy’s Support for the MBG and Local Brewery Scene

The local brewery scene in Boston and its surrounding areas is one of the most well-known in the country. This makes it more important than ever for supporting businesses to get involved and help protect that reputation. There's a ton of potential when we bring folks together from different backgrounds, all sharing the same goal of pushing the brewing community forward. By sharing our ideas and perspectives, we're working together to ensure that Massachusetts' brewing industry thrives. That's where companies like Ohanafy come into the picture.

Ohanafy is a relatively new cloud-based management platform for beverage producers and distributors, built on Salesforce. The founders of Ohanafy believed it was time to leverage the capabilities of tech giant Salesforce for the brewery industry, tailored to the specific requirements of small businesses, all while keeping costs in check. They're fully committed to helping these companies make smarter data-driven decisions. The result? Smoother processes, increased profits, and reduced expenses. Breweries of all sizes across the U.S. are using their system, a clear sign that they're dedicated to supporting the industry wholeheartedly.

One of Ohanafy's customers is none other than a member of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers. Jack’s Abby chose to partner with Ohanafy because they offer top-notch customer support, customized workflows to align with the brewery processes, advanced reporting, and scalability to grow along with them. Jack’s Abby has been instrumental in guiding Ohanafy toward product enhancements, such as connected lot tracking, contract brewing and packaging, dynamic pricing models, optimized batch packaging, advanced brew log and fermentation monitoring. Ohanafy listens to its customers and taps into its industry know-how to create the product they truly need. Everyone at Ohanafy is excited about what's coming down the pipeline and can't wait to see how Jack’s Abby continues to thrive with their help.

Together, Jack’s Abby and Ohanafy are fully committed to maintaining the growth and success of Massachusetts' craft beverage scene. We're thrilled about the journey ahead. For more details about our partnership, check out the press release here. To learn more about Ohanafy, visit their website when you're ready. Cheers to what's brewing! 🍻 

The MBG Member Guide to Dog-Friendly Breweries in Massachusetts

Casual spots offering something for every taste, craft breweries strive to be welcoming places for all—and yes, that often includes your dog! Breweries across the Bay State would love to meet your pup. Since August is National Dog Month, we asked members of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild to let us know about their dog-friendly offerings. 

So get ready to sit and stay at nearly 50 destinations for dogs. Good boys and girls must remain with a human at all times, and leashes are required. While some breweries provide water bowls and treats, bringing your own is always welcome. Other rules and conditions around dog-friendly restaurants can vary by town, so make sure to ask a brewery if you have any questions. 

Now, let’s go enjoy a treat!

Special thanks to the Mass. Brew Bros., who shared additional info with the MBG. (Look out for a new dog-friendly map coming soon from Mass. Brew Bros.) MBG members, did we miss your dog-friendly offerings? Fill out this form to be included in our next update.

Northeast

Bent Water Brewing Co.

Lynn’s Bent Water Brewing is dog-friendly anytime it's open, both indoors and outdoors, with water and treats for canine visitors. Let’s go!

East Regiment Beer Company

Take a break from walking your dog around downtown Salem and stop in at East Regiment Beer Company, which has a pup-friendly patio, water available, and dog treats. Let’s go!

Modest Roots Brewing Company

Though it’s open only on Fridays and Saturdays, Modest Roots will always welcome your dog. The Tyngsborough nanobrewery is dog-friendly inside and out. Let’s go!

Navigation Brewing Co.

Bring your dog to Lowell’s Navigation Brewing, which has a dog-friendly taproom and patio. Let’s go!

Notch Brewing

Along the river in Salem, you’ll discover Notch Brewing’s dog-friendly beer garden, which has its own pup-friendly entrance from the parking lot. The outdoor area at the Charles River Speedway, home to Notch’s Brighton beer garden, is also open to dogs. Let’s go!

Oak & Iron Brewing Co.

Andover’s Oak & Iron Brewing Co. is a family-friendly place. On the shaded patio, that includes the furriest of family members (dogs). Let’s go! 

The Tap Brewing Company

In good weather, your dog might want to join you on the deck at the Tap Brewing Co. in Haverhill. Let’s go!

True North Ale Company
Friendly pets are welcome on the patio at True North Ale Company in Ipswich. Let’s go!

Metro Boston 

BearMoose Brewing Company

Dogs are welcome in the spacious taproom as well as on the patio outside BearMoose Brewing in Everett. You can even get your pup some matching merch to go. Let’s go!

Break Rock Brewing

You and your pup will enjoy the waterfront views of Marina Bay from Break Rock Brewing. The Quincy taproom and its outdoor deck offer dog-friendly seating in the shade. Let’s go!

Cambridge Brewing Company

The patio outside Cambridge Brewing Company is always covered and dog-friendly. The Kendall Square brew pub has been known to craft healthy treats your pup will love—just ask your server. Let’s go! 

Castle Island Brewing Co.

Both locations of Castle Island Brewing Co. have dog-friendly options. The Norwood headquarters welcomes dogs inside and outside, while pups can remain on the patio in South Boston. Let’s go!

Dorchester Brewing Company

You might as well call it “Dogchester Brewing” because Dorchester makes beer for dogs. Canine friends are welcome at the outdoor areas at DBCo., and there are non-alcoholic options for them on the menu. Let’s go!

Drop Zone Brewery 

Winthrop’s Drop Zone Brewery has a dog-friendly patio with water bowls available. Let’s go!

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

The Cambridge Crossing taproom by Lamplighter Brewing has outdoor areas, which are open seasonally and permit dogs. Both locations sell dog-friendly merch to bring home to your best friend, such as squeaky-toy cans and collars. Let’s go!

Long Live Roxbury

The parking-lot patio at Long Live Beerworks’ Boston outpost welcomes dogs. You’ll all find shade under umbrellas. Let’s go!

Night Shift Brewing

Three locations of Night Shift Brewing welcome dogs outdoors: The Everett headquarters, and the Charles River-sde beer gardens on the Esplanade and in Allston’s Herter Park. Let’s go!

Southeast

Buzzards Bay Brewing

Bring along your dog to the bucolic Buzzards Bay Brewing farm in Westport. The grassy outdoor areas are dog-friendly and shaded by trees. Let’s go!

Canned Heat Craft Beer Co.

Canned Heat Craft Beer is dog-friendly inside the taproom as well as at tables overlooking the busy marina in Fall River. Let’s go!

Independent Fermentations

Spending time with family and friends is the focus at IndieFerm. The relaxing taproom is dog-friendly throughout. Let’s go!

Mayflower Brewing Co.
The tasting room and beer garden are always dog-friendly. Grab your leash. Let’s go!

Untold Brewing

Home base for Untold Brewing, a former schoolhouse in Scituate, is always family- and dog-friendly. Pups will find shade on the patio and special merch for them. Let’s go!

Vitamin Sea Brewing

The Weymouth taproom of Vitamin Sea Brewing is dog-friendly outdoors seven days a week. Inside, dogs can join their owners on Mondays and Tuesdays only. Whenever VSB’s beer gardens are open in Hull or Cambridge, they are dog-friendly, too. Let’s go!

Cape & Islands

Aquatic Brewing

Visiting Cape Cod with your dog? Bring them along to Aquatic Brewing in Falmouth, which welcomes well-behaved pups. Let’s go!

Cape Cod Beer

This year-round Cape Cod destination is dog-friendly inside and also has a spacious, seasonal patio with outdoor seating in the sun and shade. Cape Cod Beer offers plenty of fun merch with dogs in mind, and also offers dog treats. Let’s go!

Metrowest

7th Wave Brewing

Medfield taproom and pizza kitchen 7th Wave Brewing is dog-friendly. Let’s go!

Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company

At Lost Shoe in Marlborough, settle in on the shady patio with your pup for a round or two of water (them) and beer or coffee (you). Let’s go!

Mighty Squirrel

Attention, all squirrel lovers: Outdoor seating at Mighty Squirrel is dog-friendly. That goes for the Waltham brewery as well as the Watertown beer garden. Let’s go!

Central

Altruist Brewing Company

Sturbridge brewing company Altruist welcomes dogs in the taproom and in the beer garden. Let’s go! 

Bull Spit Brewing Company

The grassy “bull yard” at Bull Spit Brewing's Winchendon farm is dog-friendly whenever it’s open. Let’s go!

Dirigible Brewing Company

Let your pup lead the way to the patio at Dirigible Brewing Company. The Littleton spot is dog-friendly outdoors, with water on offer as well as a jar of dog treats. The nose will know, we’re sure. Let’s go!

Flying Dreams Brewing Co.
This Marlborough spot has pet-friendly outdoor seating open to all. Let’s go!

Milk Room Brewing Co.

Dogs are welcome at this Rutland brewery, assuming they’re good with other animals: The outdoor “beer pasture” at Milk Room Brewing Co., open seasonally, is home to a herd of bison, goats, donkeys, and cows. Let’s go!

Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

There are a few rules around dogs visiting Redemption Rock (which, we imagine, brewery cat Jimmy enforces): No barking, play well with others, and stay on the concrete floors inside or on the patio. Otherwise, have fun at this pet-friendly Worcester spot. Let’s go! 

River Styx Brewing

No doggy-paddling required to visit River Styx, which is a pet-friendly place along the Nashua River in Fitchburg. Let’s go!

Seven Saws Brewing Co.

At Seven Saws, dogs are welcome indoors and outdoors year-round. Be sure to check out the merch area to snag your pup some treats or some branded wears. Let’s go!

Timberyard Brewing Co.

The outdoor area at Timberyard Brewing in East Brookfield welcomes pets with dog-friendly accommodations, including a pet waste station to keep the area clean. Let’s go!

Wormtown Brewery 

Wormtown’s namesake location in Worcester has a dog-friendly seasonal beer garden with treats on offer. Let’s go!

West 

Berkshire Brewing Co.

The welcome sign for dogs is always hung at Berkshire Brewing Co., where well-behaved pups are welcome indoors and outdoors, year-round. Water bowls are available, but its never a bad idea to BYOB - bowl that is. Let’s go!

Brick & Feather Brewery

The easy-going vibes at Turners Falls brewery Brick & Feather extend to dogs, which are welcome indoors and out. Active animals will also be interested in the nearby Canalside Rail Trail, a scenic, 3.7-mile recreation path along the Connecticut River. Let’s go!

Drawing Board Brewing Company

In Florence, dogs can visit Drawing Board Brewing Company in the taproom or on the patio. Let’s go!

Four Phantoms Brewing Company

Dogs are welcome anytime, anywhere at Four Phantoms Brewing Company in Greenfield. Let’s go!

Iron Duke Brewing

This could be you. Ludlow’s Iron Duke Brewing always welcomes dogs. Let’s go!

Leadfoot Brewing

Indoor seating, outdoor seating—it’s all dog-friendly. Leadfoot Brewing in Chicopee is open every weekend and also offers a food menu for humans. Let’s go!

Lost Towns Brewing

Count on meeting some good dogs at Lost Towns Brewing, a pup-friendly taproom and beer garden in Gilbertville. Let’s go!

Pioneer Valley Brewery

A mulched picnic area overlooking a public park awaits at Pioneer Valley Brewery. The Turners Falls taproom is also dog-friendly. Let’s go! 

The Berkshires

Antimony Brewing Co.

With it’s logo prominently featuring two wolves, and a motto stating - “a wolf is a pack animal that thrives in the company of others” it’s no surprise that Antimony Brewing Co., is dog friendly. So hit the hiking trails with your pup and bring them along to the Antimony patio afterwards for great beer and food. Let’s go!

Big Elm Brewing

Both locations of Big Elm Brewing—the brewery and beer garden in Sheffield and the taproom in Great Barrington—are dog-friendly indoors and out, with shady options, dog treats, and more. Let’s go!

Bright Ideas Brewing

Your dog can’t go to Mass MoCA, but they can totally join you at the brewery next door to the museum. Bright Ideas is dog-friendly indoors and at its outdoor seating area. Let’s go!

Hot Plate Brewing Co.

The spacious taproom at Hot Plate has cozy public-house vibes and is a dog-friendly spot in Pittsfield. Let’s go!

New Partnership With Lyft Makes it Easier to Get to Your Favorite Brewery

Lyft Announced as the Official Rideshare Partner of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild

Massachusetts, October 24, 2017 -- The Massachusetts Brewers Guild  is proud to announce a partnership with Lyft, the fastest growing on-demand transportation service in the United States, to provide affordable, reliable transportation to more than  90 member breweries across Massachusetts. The partnership will provide a growing number of craft breweries, craft beer lovers, and Lyft passengers with special promotions and operational benefits from each organization.

As the official rideshare partner of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild, Lyft will have a presence at upcoming festivals and events as well as provide special benefits and promotions to Guild members throughout the year. Lyft is offering each member brewery unique coupon codes for new Lyft riders and a pool of Lyft credits so that breweries can guarantee employees, guests, and patrons a reliable ride home when they need them.

"Craft breweries are a huge part of Massachusetts’s culture. We’re excited to be the official rideshare partner of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild and to help support the brewers, employees, and patrons of the local craft beer industry. We look forward to supporting the Massachusetts economy with Lyft’s best in class transportation services,” said Tyler George, General Manager of Lyft New England. “This partnership ensures everyone can enjoy craft beers and on-demand rides across Massachusetts.”

The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is a non-profit organization that exists to both protect and promote the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth. The association is membership based and open to all licensed Massachusetts breweries.

“Visiting our breweries is the best way to support the craft beer community in Massachusetts and we are thrilled to have Lyft join the family and provide a safe and economical way for craft beer lovers to explore the MA burgeoning scene,” says Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild. “Breweries employ locals, drive traffic and tourism to the state and pour world-class craft beer to thirsty residents and travelers. We hope this new partnership helps craft connoisseurs find their next favorite brewery.”

To celebrate the partnership, Lyft is offering 10% off rides to Massachusetts Brewers Guild member breweries with code MBG17 between 10/24 - 10/29.

About Lyft
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S and is available to 95% of the US population. Lyft is preferred by drivers and passengers for its safe and friendly experience, and its commitment to effecting positive change for the future of our cities.

About the Massachusetts Brewers Guild
Founded in 2007 by a group of committed and passionate brewers, the Massachusetts Brewers Guild serves as the collective voice for brewers on Beacon Hill while also providing marketing and educational resources for breweries across the state. Promotion and protection are at the forefront of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild’s work. Despite the success of the craft beer industry, brewers face many challenges including access to market, cost of raw materials and ingredients, and operation in a highly regulated and taxed industry making protection an essential component of the organization’s mission.

###

Mass Fermentational Tickets Now On Sale!

“Mass Fermentational” Set to Take Over Worcester Common

Fresh off the heels of its successful Power Beer Fest, the Massachusetts Brewers Guild announces its second beer festival and fundraiser of the year, the Mass Fermentational.

Breaking tradition from its typical location, The World Trade Center in Boston, the fall festival is changing venues to the Worcester Common and expects to draw 2,500 patrons to the green on Saturday, Sept. 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. located at 455 Main St. Worcester, MA.

“We are excited to shift locations and offer a festival outside of Boston this year,” says Rob Burns, co-founder of Night Shift and president of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild. “There are craft beer fans in every corner of the state, it only makes sense to diversify and bring a great beer show closer to their doorstep. We are grateful to the City of Worcester for welcoming us and ready for another successful beer festival.” Discover Central Massachusetts and Provider Insurance are the events leading sponsors.

The Massachusetts Brewers Guild is a nonprofit organization that exists to protect and promote the interests of craft breweries across the Commonwealth. More than fifty breweries are expected to pour at the Mass Fermentational, which will raise funds to create educational and marketing programs for local breweries and support the organization’s government affairs work.

Participating Breweries Include: 3 Beards Beer Co., 3cross Brewing Co, Aeronaut Brewing Company, Amherst Brewing, Bad Martha, Barrel House Z, Battle Road Brewing Company, Bent Water Brewing, Big Alice Brewing, Big Elm, Bone Up Brewing Company, Boston Beer Works, Cape Ann Brewing Co, Castle Island Brewing Co., Clown Shoes Beer, Cold Harbor Brewing Company, CraftRoots Brewing, Down The Road Beer Co., Element Brewing & Distilling, Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company, Flying Dreams Brewing Co., Harpoon Brewery, Honest Weight Artisan Beer, Jacks's Abby Craft Lagers, John Harvard's Brewery & Alehouse, Lookout Farm Brewing & Hard Cider Co. Lord Hobo Brewing Co., Mast Landing Brewing, Medusa Brewing Company, Moon Hill Brewing Co., Night Shift Brewing, Riverwalk Brewing Co., Start Line Brewing, Tree House Brewing Co., Wachusett Brewing Company and Wormtown Brewery. (Brewery list is being updated regularly.)

Tickets are $45 for general admission and includes unlimited two-ounce beer samples from participating breweries. Non-drinkers who wish to enjoy the atmosphere and an afternoon with friends -- but are not sampling -- can purchase a Designated Driver Ticket for $10. Once inside the festival, patrons can purchase gourmet eats served up by several food trucks onsite; Big T's BBQ, Press’n It, Sabor Latino, Teddy's Lunch Box, Travelin' Bones BBQ and Trolley Dogs.

Massachusetts Brewers Guild events are organized by craft brewers for craft brewers. To date, more than 122 breweries exist across the state. Breweries employ locals, drive traffic and tourism to the Commonwealth and pour world-class craft beer to thirsty locals and travelers. Massachusetts’ breweries are ranked among the best in the world, country and region, with accolades and awards being announced weekly.

The Mass Fermentational is a 21+ event, no exceptions. Identification required at the door. No dogs allowed with the exception of certified service animals. To purchase tickets, visit MassFermentational.EventBrite.com.

Businesses Work Together for Western Mass Beer Week, June 10-17

The spirit of Western Mass Beer Week is best embodied when businesses come together for a collaboration, such as brewing a beer together or planning a thoughtfully paired dinner. 2017’s Beer Week is packed with special collaborative releases and food pairing events.

Exclusive Beer Week Collaboration Releases
(in order of release date):

Beer: “Abandoned at Lefty’s”
Breweries: Abandoned Building and Lefty’s Brewing
Details: An imperial stout aged on scotch barrel chips
Release Info: On draft at Abandoned Building beginning Saturday, June 10 with three different versions on tap--original, with cacao nibs, and with vanilla bean.16 oz cans will be distributed throughout the state at Lefty’s retailers during the week. Special versions will additionally be tapped at Beer Week events at the Brass Cat in Easthampton and Riff's North in Turners Falls on Thursday, June 15.

Beer: “A for Effort”
Breweries: Abandoned Building and Brewmaster Jack
Details: The second Beer Week collaboration from this duo is an IPA brewed and dry hopped with lupulin powder.
Release Info: Draft release Sunday, June 11, 1 to 6 p.m. at Abandoned Building Brewery with a special cask tapping at 2 p.m. Cans will hit Brewmaster Jack retailers beginning Monday, June 12.

Beer:  “Mo Way! Another IPA”
Breweries: Two Weeks Notice and Vanished Valley
Details: Two the newest western Mass. breweries combine their passion, love, and dedication to the art of brewing in the release of Mo Way! Another IPA.
Release Info: Sunday, June 11, 2 to 6 p.m. at the Hangar in Amherst. This will a very limited draft-only release.

Beer: “Manhan Trail Pale Ale”
Businesses: Abandoned Building Brewery and Beerology
Details: Brewed both on Abandoned Building’s commercial system as well as Beerology’s home-brew setup, this New England pale ale is named for the bike path that connects the two locales.
Release Info: Monday, June 12 from 5 to 9 p.m.  cans of Manhan Trail Pale Ale will be available for sale at Abandoned Building exclusively. Stop by Beerology any time during Western Mass Beer Week for a complimentary sample of the homebrewed version of this beer, and pick up the ingredients to brew it at home.

Beer:  “Toasted Coconut Creme Stout”
Businesses: Amherst Brewing and Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters
Details: Amherst Brewing’s third seasonal release with Shelburne Falls. For this batch they’re working with a crowd favorite, Toasted Coconut Creme, blended with Amherst’s Two Sisters Stout.
Release Info: Tuesday, June 13 at the Hangar Pub and Grill in Amherst during open business hours. Available for nitro pours on the bar and wax dipped bottles will be available for purchase.

Beer: Worthy’s 2016 Homebrew Winners’ Collaboration
Breweries: Two Weeks Notice, Drunken Rabbit and Amherst Brewing
Details: An IPA brewed with the best hops from each brewery’s award-winning homebrews plus some Idaho 7 to give it another unique flavor.
Release Info:  Thursday, June 15 at 4 p.m. #TapThatThursday at Smith’s Billiards as well as at the Worthy Brew Fest on June 17, upstairs at Smith's later that night, and at the Hangar in Amherst, Westfield, and Greenfield.

Beer: “Down to the Wire”
Breweries: Amherst Brewing and Vanished Valley
Details: A new unique IPA
Release Info: Released exclusively Thursday, June 15 at Europa’s Beer Dinner and on draft at the Hangar in Amherst, Westfield and Greenfield

For more information about all special beer releases during Western Mass Beer Week, visit this link.

Beer Pairing Dinners

Location: Taphouse Grille, West Springfield
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 13, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Details: A five-course gourmet beer dinner featuring IPA's from western Mass. breweries: Abandoned Building, Brewmaster Jack, Building 8, Fort Hill and Iron Duke.
Tickets:  Seats are $65/person plus tax & gratuity.  Call for reservations: 413-363-1000.

Location: The Bistro at Gateway City Arts, Holyoke
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 13, 7 to 9 p.m.
Details: Five courses paired with five local brews: Fort Hill Hera Pilsner, Abandoned Building Lola Saison, Building 8 IPA, Element Red Giant, and Berkshire Brewing Coffee House Nitro Porter. Tickets: Limited to 50 tickets at $50 each. Call The Bistro 413-650-0786 to purchase. June 9 is the last day to make reservations.

Location: Sevenstrong, Northampton
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 14, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Details: Chef Jonathan Adler, formerly of the 3-Michelin star rated Saison in San Francisco, will be serving a special seven course dinner paired with five Brewmaster Jack beers at his new Northampton restaurant, Sevenstrong. As the menu changes frequently at Sevenstrong, they will be waiting to finalize the menu until early June.
Tickets: $75 per seat and includes: seven courses, five beer pairings, and tax. Gratuity not included. Call 413-341-3395 for reservations. $50 deposit required with reservation (refundable if reservation is canceled by June 11). Beer flights will also be available at the bar for $19.

Location: Bistro 63, Amherst
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 14, 6 to 9 p.m.
Details: Taco + Beer pairing dinner, featuring 5 tacos and 5 local beers plus a beer-themed dessert.
Tickets: $40 plus tax and gratuity. Ticket link coming soon.

Location: Europa Black Rock Bar and Grill, Ludlow
Date & Time: Thursday, June 15, 6 to 9 p.m.
Details: Join Amherst Brewing and Vanished Valley Brewing Company as they feature some exciting beer and food pairings with the help of Europa Black Rock Bar and Grill. This is 5-course meal event with each course being paired with either an Amherst Brewing or Vanished Valley beer. One of the courses features the Western Mass Beer Week Amherst Brewing and Vanished Valley collaboration brew, Down to the Wire IPA.
Ticket: $50.00 per person (tax and tip included). Tickets are available at Europa for purchase or by calling 413-547-6443.

Other participating restaurants like Hope & Olive and Sierra Grille will feature daily menu specials with recommended western Mass. beer pairings. For information about all beer dinners and food pairing events, visit this link.

Events are still being confirmed for Western Mass Beer Week 2017. Please visit www.westernmassbeerweek.org for the most up-to-date calendar listings.

###

About Western Mass Beer Week
Western Mass Beer Week is a coordinated week of events mid-June at breweries, bars, retailers and restaurants in western Massachusetts celebrating the beer brewed in the region. Its mission is to call attention to western Massachusetts as a beer destination and to develop a stronger synergy between the breweries, beer venues and all of the exciting things happening in the region’s beer scene. For more information, visit www.WesternMassBeerWeek.org.

Mayflower Brewing Company to open new tasting room

PLYMOUTH — Mayflower Brewing Company, 12 Resnik Road, will host a grand opening for its new tasting room from noon to 8 p.m. April 22.

The celebration will include live music from local artists Jeff Hilliard and Ian Richardson. Food vendors will include Plymouth Waterfront restaurants, Blue Eyed Crab and Cabby Shack. Beer samples, flights, pints, growler fills and merchandise will be available. 
From noon to 6 p.m. April 23, the brewery will continue the celebration with food available from Farms to Forks.

When Mayflower first opened in 2008, tasting rooms in breweries were limited. Breweries were not allowed to pour full pints or samples. Mayflower focused solely on making beer and distributing it locally. While residents could visit the brewery to buy a growler or six pack, on premise consumption wasn’t part of the brewery until about three years ago. In reaction to efforts by Massachusetts Brewers Guild, the state created an additional license that which permitted Farmer-Breweries to pour full pints. Since that time, Mayflower has seen the interest in visiting the tasting room increase dramatically.

Mayflower will continue to support local food vendors and food trucks while still encouraging their customers to visit and support the downtown Plymouth restaurant scene. Mayflower has enjoyed highlighting the chefs behind some of these restaurants by including them in brewery events such as chef throwdowns, open houses and other fundraisers for the community. The tasting room will also be a Community Supported Agriculture pick up location for Plato’s Harvest this summer. 

“We’re proud to promote the brewery as a resource for the community when it comes to the farm to table movement. We’re partnering with everyone in the culinary community from the farmers who are able to use our spent grain to the bars and restaurants supporting local and seasonal food and beverages, right down to our customers enjoying farm fresh food from Farms to Forks on Friday nights,” Drew Brosseau, owner of Mayflower Brewing Co., said.
For more information, visit http://mayflowerbrewing.com.

Unique Tax Breaks for Breweries

Is your business familiar with the unique tax breaks available in the brewery industry?  AAFCPAs has provided for your convenience the top five tax insights that could have a major impact on reducing your tax burden:

Section 179 Depreciation

Breweries are capital intensive businesses, and equipment investments can be significant. Section 179 allows breweries to deduct the property placed in service in the year of acquisition as opposed to depreciating it over its useful life. There are dollar limitations on how much you may deduct in a single year, as well as business income limits, so we encourage you to consult your AAFCPAs tax partner.

Bonus Depreciation

Breweries may also take an additional 50% bonus depreciation deduction for qualifying property in the year the property is placed in service. There is no business income limitation for bonus depreciation, so in the early stages of business that often result in net operating losses, these can be carried forward to offset future taxable income.

Cost Segregation Studies

The shorter life span attributable to capital purchases, the quicker your company may realize the tax benefit. For build outs of your brewery, AAFCPAs recommends that you evaluate the benefits of a cost segregation study. In a cost segregation study, certain commercial building costs may be reclassified to shorten the depreciation time for taxation purposes, which reduces current income tax obligations.  This may add up to substantial savings

Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD)

The DPAD is a 9% deduction on qualified production activities, which could equate to a 3% reduction in your tax rate depending on the tax bracket the company falls in.

Research & Development Tax Credit

A credit is always better than a deduction, but AAFCPAs recommends a cost benefit analysis be performed to ensure it makes sense to take the credit. Breweries can qualify for R&D tax credits for certain activities such as improving brewing processes or creating a new beer.

When applying the above tax benefits, note that they are specific to brewing operations.  The existence of ancillary businesses, such as restaurants, retail, etc. may impact your ability to utilize them. In addition, certain states make tax benefits available to brewers who locate within their borders.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Dan Stanhope, CPA, MSA at (774) 512-4134, dstanhope@aafcpa.com.

Dan Stanhope, CPA, is a partner at AAFCPAs based in Westboro, Boston and Wellesley. He has over 12 years of experience providing tax, assurance and business advisory solutions to closely owned, privately-held businesses. Dan can be reached at 774-512-4134 and at dstanhope@aafcpa.com

For Beer Lovers: Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas & Event Round-Up

No plans? No problem. Whether you are single and ready to mingle, on lock down, or just looking to hang out with friends, we’ve got you covered:

Gardner Ale House is hosting a “Be Our Valentine Dinner,” on Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m., located at 74 Parker St. in Gardner MA. An elegant dinner for two for only $60 -- the menu boasts baked brie, a trio of steak medallions, shrimp cocktail, duck confit with risotto and much more. Reservations are encouraged. Check out the website, gardnerale.com, for the complete menu and details.

Night Shift Brewing in Everett is hosting Flight Night – a Valentine’s Day Cheese Tasting. Forget the chocolates and celebrate Valentine's Day with cheese and beer this year. Formaggio's Will Sissle will be onsite in the Annex on Tuesday, Feb. 14 for an evening of tasting and learning. Will is collaborating with the Night Shift team to put together a set of four amazing cheeses, expertly paired with 4 oz pours of Night Shift’s renowned beers. 5 p.m. session tickets are still available. For tickets, click here.

Not looking to get all sappy with the lovebirds this year? Head to Dorchester Brewing Co., and boycott the whole thing! Anti-Valentine’s Day Trivia starts at 7:30 p.m., entry is free. For more details, click here.

Roses are red, violets are blue, beer is cheaper than a dinner for two! Two local breweries have new releases on tap that will help set the mood and serve as the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day:

Cape Cod Beer is releasing its popular Vanilla Bean Porter for Valentine’s Day.

This drinkable dark beer with a chocolatey malt character is infused with Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Madagascar Vanilla Beans are known for their superior flavor and aromatic qualities making them the most popular and sought after vanilla variety. The label features a lemur, the most well-known wildlife from Madagascar. The flavor is rich, dark and creamy with a sweet, buttery aroma, pairing perfectly with the delicious dark chocolate malt flavor in our Porter. This beer is exclusive to the brewery and available in 750 ml bottles only. It’s delicious paired with chocolate or with vanilla ice cream as a beer float.

Love makes the beer-go-round! Happy Sol Blood Orange Hef, Slumbrew's most popular beer, started out as Caitlin's Valentine's Day gift from her husband Jeff. Five years later this duo runs Somerville Brewing Company and are making plans to expand American Fresh Brewhouse locations. They are also launching a new release called My Better Half -  an Imperial Cream Ale blend of half ale and half lager. The beer is often requested by newly engaged couples to serve as their “wedding beer.” 

However you are celebrating (or not celebrating) we hope its with a good local beer! Cheers!