Break Rock Brewing’s Vilija Bizinkauskas Elected Chapter President of the Master Brewers Association of the America’s

The co-owner and Head Brewer of Quincy’s Break Rock Brewing Co. will lead the MBAA New England Chapter after being elected by her peers.

Quincy, Mass. – Veteran New England Brewer Vilija Bizinkauskas has been elected by her peers to serve as President of the New England Chapter of the Master Brewers Association of the America’s. She is only the second woman to hold this position. The Master Brewers Association of the Americas is a nonprofit (501 C3) professional, scientific organization dedicated to advancing, supporting, and encouraging scientific research into brewing malt beverages and related industries and to make that research available to the public through conferences, discussion groups, journals, publications and seminars.

The Brockton, MA native is the Co-Owner and Head Brewer of Break Rock Brewing, located in Marina Bay, Quincy, Massachusetts. As President of the MBAA New England Chapter, she will help advance the New England brewing community through the sharing of knowledge and best practices among brewers and industry professionals.

“I am honored to have been selected by my peers in the New England chapter to serve as President.”, said Bizinkauskas. “I am particularly excited about raising awareness within the New England brewing community about the tremendous value that comes along with being a member of the MBAA. Our members possess a depth of talent, information, and experience. Any brewer – new to the industry or a veteran – can benefit from being a part of the MBAA and tapping into its wealth of resources.”

About Break Rock Brewing
Break Rock Brewing is an ocean-front brewery and taproom located in Marina Bay, Quincy, MA. It opened to the public in March 2022 and produces and sells a line of high-quality craft beers and seltzers.

Six Pack Questionnaire Series: Harpoon Brewery

Meet Megan Baker Wilson, Director of Digital Strategy

Full Name: Megan Baker Wilson

Your title: Director of Digital Strategy

Brewery Name: Harpoon Brewery

Brewery Location: 306 Northern Avenue Boston, MA 02210

#1) What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?

Beer was something that I became passionate about in my early 20s. I loved the artistry and innovation behind craft beer, and I loved the community that came along with it. People in the craft beer community are passionate, hardworking, and fun – and I think that was something I really identified with. 

#2) Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why?

 Nothing beats Harpoon IPA. It has been our best-selling beer for decades for a reason – it’s crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. So many people have great memories attached to that beer. It’s certainly a go-to beer for a lot of people in New England. 

#3) What's your favorite thing about your brewery?

 The pretzels! (Just kidding). My favorite thing about Harpoon is our culture of employee ownership. As an employee-owned brewery there is a sense that we are all in it together and we are encouraged to always think about ways we can improve the business. There is constant ideation and innovation from all levels and departments – it’s what makes us special. 

#4) Besides your own, what Massachusetts craft beers or breweries impress you the most and why? 

As someone who lives in the south shore, I’m a big fan of Widowmaker Brewing. They have amazing packaging, and they do a lot of fun innovative beers of all different styles. I am also a big fan of the newly opened Break Rock Brewing in Quincy. The tap room is fun and laid back with gorgeous views of Marina Bay, and they make good, clean beer with a focus on classic styles which is totally my jam.

#5) What’s a little known fact about you or your brewery that you think customers would get a kick out of? Something unique, funny or unusual?  We take our employee owners on cultural trips as a reward for tenure. Starting at the five-year mark, you get to go on an all expense paid trip to Europe! After that, we do a mix of domestic and European trips every 3-5 years. 

#6) What’s a style that you think is under-appreciated that you’d encourage other craft beer drinkers to try? Cream Ale – hands down. As someone from Rochester, NY, Genny Cream Ale has had such an impact on my love for craft beer and whenever I go to a brewery and see they have one on tap I have to try it. 

Meet the Brewers: Freshman Class of 2023

The Mass Brewers Guild Highlights New Breweries
with a Roundtable Tasting Event
Saturday, March 4 from Noon to 3 p.m.

NATICK, Mass.| Kick-off Mass Beer Week and sample some of the newest suds being made in the Bay State at “Meet the Brewers: Freshman Class of 2023,” set for Saturday, March 4 from noon to 3 p.m. at Lookout Farm in Natick. The event brings together seven of the state’s newly launched breweries for an intimate, roundtable style tasting event with unique access to brewers.

The lineup includes: Break Rock Brewing Co., Dirigible Brewing Co., Hopothecary Ales & Kitchen, Hot Plate Brewing Co. Strong Side Brewing Co., The Girls Brewery and Twisted Fate Brewing Co.

Tickets are $50 and all proceeds will benefit the Mass Brewers Guild, the state’s trade association that exists to protect and promote the interests of craft brewers across the Commonwealth. The fundraiser aims to foster learning and education of the brewing process and inspire deeper connections between brewers and craft beer lovers.

“This is a full circle moment for some of the breweries that are being featured this year – many who attended this event as a craft beer fan, picking the brains of the brewer across the table to learn what it takes to open their own operation. Now, they’ll be the ones dispensing advice, sharing their start-up story and brewing history, ” says Katie Stinchon, executive director of the Mass Brewers Guild. “This is the first-time that we’ve had this event live and in-person since 2020. It’s one of our most anticipated beer tasting events and we are so glad to bring it back.”

How does the event work? Upon arrival, guests  be are broken up into groups of eight. Each group will then have twelve minutes with each brewer to enjoy up to three samples, ask questions, and hear the story behind the beer before rotating to the next brewer. Attendees will also receive a souvenir MBG tasting glass, a gourmet soft pretzel from Eastern Standard Provisions and additional refreshments throughout the afternoon.

Meet the Brewers: Freshman Class of 2023 will take place in the Lookout Farm Brewing Co. taproom located at 89 Pleasant Street South, Natick, Mass. Tickets are limited. For more information about the Mass Brewers Guild, or the state’s breweries, visit massbrewersguild.org. To purchase tickets to Meet the Brewers: Freshman Class of 2023, click below

###

BEHIND THE ARTWORK

Westboro Woman Wins Mass Beer Week Art Contest
Mass Beer Week happens March 4-11, 2023

WESTBORO, Mass. | If you’ve ever browsed the housewares department at Kohl’s, brightened up the season with a holiday item from Homegoods, or picked up a cozy bed for your pooch at Marshalls, chances are, you already own something designed by Westborough resident, Shawnna Lyons-Dambeck, age 35.

Lyons-Dambeck, a fiber and textile artist, recently won the Mass Brewers Guild’s (MBG) Mass Beer Week art contest. Her work will be featured on all of Mass Beer Week’s promotional materials as well as the limited edition pint glass that will be sold across the state at participating locations. The association launched the contest this year for the first time in an effort to find and feature local artists.

Mass Beer Week is the statewide celebration of locally made craft beer, taking place March 4th through 11th2023. The glassware will be sold for $6 at 54 MBG member breweries. The MBG is  the state’s trade association for the craft beer industry that exists to protect and promote the interests of craft brewers across the commonwealth.

While originally from Leominster, Mass., Lyons-Dambeck’s love for breweries grew while she lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin touring local taprooms. She appreciated the sense of community, coupled with the different beer styles and personalities that came through within each of the brewery spaces - from the art on walls to the employees serving suds.

When she moved back to Massachusetts with her husband, they took that passion with them, and began to explore their home by sampling New England IPAs and stouts.

“While every brewery in every region is so different – they all care so much about their communities, sustainability, and supporting farmers.  From concept to consumer – their small business stories are what I really enjoy about the craft beer scene,” says Lyons-Dambeck.

She first learned about Mass Beer Week while visiting Redemption Rock Brewing Co., in Worcester. She was served up a dark beer in the 2021 Mass Beer Week glass, which served as her inspiration for her own design. When she saw information posted about the Mass Beer Week art contest earlier this fall and she was eager to enter.

“I’ve never designed a full-wrap pint glass before. I typically do a lot of watercolor, hand painted looks,” says Lyons-Dambeck. “A graphic design like this has to look clean and precise. It was a challenge for me that needed a different mindset, but I am happy with the way it came out and even more so that I was chosen as the winner.”

Lyons-Dambeck was one of twelve entrants into the contest. The MBG narrowed down the designs to the top two, and then turned it over to the public to decide. The competition was neck and neck - but ultimately, Lyons-Dambeck’s design took the top vote.

This will the first time Lyons-Dambeck will be able to drink a beer out of something she’s designed herself. She recommends filling the 16 oz Willi Becher glass with a dark roasted beer or a Hazy IPA to contrast against the colors - because it is so opaque.

“It’s incredible to have my design be a part of a celebration that’s all about supporting local breweries,” she said. “As a local artist trying to support myself, I get the need to contribute and support local. Whenever we buy a four pack we make sure it’s Mass. made.”

To learn more about Mass Beer Week events and where you can purchase this year’s glassware, visit MassBeerWeek.org. To learn more about the Mass Brewers Guild, visit MassBrewersGuild.org. To view Shawnna Lyons-Dambeck’s portfolio, visit shawnnalyons.com.

###

Six Pack Questionnaire Series: Amory's Tomb Brewing Co.

Meet Allen Quinn, co-founder of Amory’s Tomb Brewing Co.

Full Name? Allen Quinn

Your title? Co-Founder

Brewery Name? Amory’s Tomb Brewing Co.

Brewery Location? Maynard, MA

#1) What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?  My brother-in-law and co-founder, Richard Barron, and I started brewing together many years ago, and I wanted a change from a 15-year career in sales and marketing. I have a near constant drive to create and share — be it art, music, food or drink. Opening a small community taproom helped me move away from my previous career and provided a rewarding creative outlet.

#2) Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why? Our customers love our pseudo-flagship, Saison I Classic, as well as many of our other European inspired offerings. These recipes reimagine classic styles but utilize many local ingredients, which make them both familiar and unique (in addition to being delicious). Our customers also enjoy our more creative and modern offerings, but the connection is usually tied to more traditional concepts such as drinkability, balance, and technique.

#3) What's your favorite thing about your brewery? My favorite thing about our brewery is that we are weird, and niche, and quirky, and don’t follow what others are up to. We brew for the thoughtful and discerning, and through that focus make approachable beers for people to connect with regardless of their relationship to the overall beer category. 

#4) Besides your own, what Massachusetts craft beers or breweries impress you the most and why?  The last few years Notch has absolutely killed it. I always enjoyed their beer, but they quickly became one of my favorites in the state with deep dives into traditional styles and methods. Their team has gone all in on quality and presentation, and it’s truly inspiring to watch them progress and mature into the company’s second decade. 

#6) Where do you think craft beer is headed?  What do you think craft brewing is going to look like five years from now?  I think craft beer will split into at least two distinct segments, especially as the beverage markets continue to change and hybrid styles become more prominent. I think that more traditional styles and practices will exist under one category, while smoothies and massive fruit/lactose/pastry styles will find a home closer to RTDs.

#6) What’s a style that you think is under-appreciated that you’d encourage other craft beer drinkers to try? Anything that isn’t labeled IPA. There is an entire world that exists outside of these three letters, and I would implore drinkers to reach out of their comfort zone and check out a traditional style that may be new to them. 

SIX PACK QUESTIONNAIRE SERIES: HOT PLATE BREWING CO.

Meet Sarah Real, Owner and Founder of Hot Plate Brewing Co.

Name: Sarah Real

Title: Owner/Founder/brewer

Name of Brewery: Hot Plate Brewing Co. 

Location: Coming soon to downtown Pittsfield! 

#1) What made you decide to get into the craft brewing industry?

When I was still in grad school, there was a bar that served a lot of imported beers, which first showed me that beer could be so much more than just domestic light lagers. After grad school, I took a cross-country drive and visited a lot of breweries out on the west coast and really fell in love with both the art and science of brewing, as well as how breweries like New Belgium were really focused on taking care of their people and being good stewards of the environment. I really felt like this community was something I wanted to be a part of.

#2) Which of your beers do your customers enjoy the most and why?

 Since we haven’t officially opened yet, we don’t have any “customers.” However, we’ve been giving away samples at community events and through our “growler share program.” One of the beers that people have enjoyed the most is the base saison recipe I wrote, which I make with a different locally sourced ingredient like beets, rutabaga, or other unexpected produce.

#3) What's your favorite thing about your brewery?

One of the things we love about craft beer and breweries in general is its ability to bring people together. In fact, our tagline is “Crafting Connections,” and since we recently relocated to The Berkshires, I really love how starting this brewery has allowed me to meet and collaborate with so many other brewers, non-profit organizations, craft beer fans, and even individuals who don’t see themselves in the craft beer community but have been intrigued by our story and our mission. We’re constantly working to make the industry more inclusive, and so connecting with people who previously felt like this wasn’t their thing has been so exciting to me.

#4) Besides your own, what Massachusetts craft beers or breweries impress you the most and why? 

I’ve got to give a shout out to our friends at Big Elm. Not only do they make excellent beers, but they’re really committed to supporting their community—both in the industry, and in Berkshire County. To see an organization live its values while remaining humble and doing a lot of work behind the scenes to support other brewers, hops farms, maltsters, and other local businesses never ceases to impress me.

#5) What’s a little known fact about you or your brewery that you think customers would get a kick out of? Something unique, funny or unusual?

So while some of our friends and family know this (and are all too familiar with the insanity of it), the reason we have the name Hot Plate Brewing Co. goes back to when we were literally homebrewing on a hot plate for a number of years. Due to a code violation in the condo we were living in back in Brooklyn, the NYC DOB shut off our gas in 2017, and rather than giving up on my dream of learning how to brew beer and one day opening a brewery, I decided to buy a Cuisinart hot plate and keep brewing and writing recipes. Now it makes for a good story, but it was a huge challenge at the time.

#6) What’s a style that you think is under-appreciated that you’d encourage other craft beer drinkers to try? 

Without a doubt, I would say English Bitters. From the time I had my first beer (I was a rule-follower growing up and drank a pint of ale in England because I was 18 and legal there) to the years I’d spent traveling to London for work, English ales have always been a big part of my life, and one of my favorite styles. Because they’re more malt-forward than their hoppier American cousins, it’s sometimes a challenge to get people on board with me, but when it comes to beer styles, I am willing to die on this hill.

Body By Beer: Local, low-cal beers and taproom fitness events from Massachusetts breweries

Dry January will be over before we know it, but Massachusetts breweries give people options for moderation year-round. Across the Commonwealth, taprooms and craft beer retailers are welcoming to the wellness-minded by offering plenty of low-calorie beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and even fitness experiences. 

This isn’t just trend-chasing—although globally, health and wellness is a $1.5 trillion industry and growing. Craft beer has always played a role in the healthy, active lifestyle, from the marathoner who replenishes with a cold one post-run, to the very existence of a recreational beer league.

If you’ve resolved to drink less or exercise more in 2023, you don’t have to give up craft beer. Members of the MBG responded to our call to highlight low-alcohol beers and taproom fitness events, so you can get off to a healthy start this year. Cheers!

Non-Alcoholic Beers

Lord Hobo

Life is a hazy IPA from Woburn brewer Lord Hobo. It has a tropical nose and big citrus flavor with just a hint of bitterness—and no threat of a hangover the next day. Look for the sub-.5% Life Non-Alcoholic on tap at Lord Hobo’s Woburn, Cambridge, and Seaport taprooms and at local restaurants, as well as for sale in cans.

It's a taste test, with a twist. For #dryjanuary, we invited Beer Lovers and experts to try our Gold Medal-winning non-alcoholic Just the Haze. Choose which beer is our non-alc, or get tanked.

Samuel Adams

Just the Haze packs in the juicy flavors of Citra, Mosaic, Sabro, and Cascade hops that beer fans love at less than .5% ABV. And we do mean “love:” Samuel Adams won the Gold Medal for Best Non-Alcoholic at the Great American Beer Fest with this one. Several local beer experts who tried it this month couldn’t even pick it from a lineup of full-alcohol brews. Look for Just the Haze at package stores for sale in cans.

Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company

Connecticut-born Athletic Non-Alcoholic Beer is the category’s most recognizable craft brand, and you can find it on the menu at Lost Shoe’s Marlborough taproom. As befits a brewery/specialty coffee bar, Lost Shoe also serves a lineup of coffee and tea drinks on-site.

Low Alcohol Beers

Barrel House Z

Better Half Grapefruit Radler blends fresh juice with crisp, crushable Pilsner. A “dry-ish January” beer release from Barrel House Z, it boasts a 3.6% ABV and a non-zero amount of Vitamin C. Find it on tap at the Weymouth taproom, as well as available by the four-pack to-go.

Jack's Abby Craft Lagers

Another green banner rising to the rafters of the Garden would be satisfying for Boston basketball fans. Raising a mug of Jack’s Abby Banner City Light Lager, meanwhile, is satisfying for beer fans. The latest release from the official craft brewery of the Boston Celtics, this 3.8% offering doesn’t hold back on flavor, despite just 96 calories per 12 ounces. Find it on tap at the Framingham beer hall, at local restaurants, for sale in stores, and in game-ready cans at the Garden.

Mayflower Brewing Company

Easy-drinking Leisure Mode could become your go-to this year: The 4.5% New England IPA is newly available year-round from Mayflower Brewing Company. The refreshing, dry, hazy IPA has become a taproom favorite with aromas of citrus, herbs, and tropical fruit. Find it on tap in Plymouth, at local restaurants, and at package stores for sale in cans.

Night Shift Brewing

Craft beer fans looking for sessionable alternatives will find a lot to love from Night Shift Brewing. Day Lite is a 4%, 100-calorie wheat lager scented with orange peel. Nite Lite and Lime Lite take cues from American light lagers with just 120 calories and 4.3% ABV. And Whirlpool hits the hazy spot at 4.5%, generously dry-hopped with Mosaic and Ella for ripe peach and clementine notes. Find all four labels available throughout Massachusetts.

Fitness Events

Barrel House Z

Find a run club that meets twice per week and more fitness goals at Barrel House Z. BHZ’s Run Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. All levels are welcome and runners receive taproom discounts. The Weymouth brewery also regularly organizes 5K races, with one coming up in February. If running isn’t your favorite form of activity, BHZ has other ways to get physical: Check out a cardio class called Pound and Pour at the taproom on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Castle Island Brewing Company (Norwood)

Run a 5K loop around the Norwood area with Castle Island’s weekly run club. It meets Sundays at noon and reconvenes at the taproom.

Idle Hands Craft Ales

With multiple routes of varying distances, the run club based at Idle Hands’ Malden taproom meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Kicking off January 10, the group plans to run all winter long. Idle Hands also hosts pop-up workouts indoors, such as Taproom Yoga on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10:30 a.m. One hour of flow-based vinyasa yoga, designed for new and experienced students alike, is followed by a half-pour of beer post-class.

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

Taking advantage of the sun-filled second floor at its Cambridge Crossing taproom, Lamplighter hosts a guided flow of yoga every other Saturday. Beginning January 15, the 12:30 p.m. class is led by certified yoga instructor (and Lamplighter bartender) Christina Grassie, and focuses on stretching, breathing, and light activity. All levels are welcome. Registration includes the 1-hour class plus a token for a beer, kombucha, or seltzer. 

Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company

Runners around the Marlborough area, lace up and meet fellow beer and jogging enthusiasts at Lost Shoe. The Monday Night Run Club starts and ends at the taproom with 1, 3, and 5-mile routes. Everyone is welcome, walkers included.

Every Beer Trail Starts with The First Step

·      Have you ever thought about starting a regional beer trail?

·      Want to drive traffic to your taprooms?

·      Encourage state or regional tourism?

As you know, craft beer enthusiasts are willing to travel for the love of discovery, brewery hopping all the way. That’s where BeerTrail.com comes in and since we’re in early-stage development, I’d appreciate your input and feedback. We always aim to elevate the industry and connect our followers with the folks who brew the suds.

Brief Intro

I’m Kevin Mardorf, MA Brewers Guild member and founder of Craft Beer Community, LLC. We’ve proudly built a massive community of over 300,000 passionate craft beer enthusiasts (and growing) on BeerFests.com, The Craft Beer Community, CTBeer.com and coming soon, BeerTrail.com.

With over a decade in business, we’ve helped execute 1,000 beer fests and sold 800,000 tickets using our expertise and ticketing software. Along the way, I’ve learned that people value experiences when they attend live events, and they want them to be as fresh as the beer you’re serving!

We’ll Bring the Beer Fest to You – no more lugging equipment!

I believe that beer trails are the future of beer festivals and since customers are willing to travel for a fresh brew experience, breweries no longer need to schlep everything, including staff, to a venue. We can bring them to you! 

Goal: create a simplified, turnkey discovery experience for you and your customers. If they’re on your beer trail, they’re in your venue spending money.  

Your Input is Crucial: Let’s talk and collaborate on “how” your beer trail gets done, because we want to get it right. I’ll bring lots of ideas and background but what’s most important is how it’s going to work best for your operation. In general, craft beer lovers looking to explore new brews will receive a mapped-out experience, customized by how you want to design the trail.

Transparency: We make money when you do and build in a percentage of ticket sales when you use our turnkey ticket sales platform. We sell merchandise online and at events. We provide fee-based event marketing solutions (as needed).  

First steps: Beginning January 1st, I will hit the road “virtually” on a listening & learning tour of MA breweries. It’s important to me that I hear feedback on BeerTrail.com and anything else that’s on your minds.

Be a part of our Listening & Learning Tour!

To schedule a time to chat, please visit: https://calendly.com/beerfests

I'm eager to hear your feedback!

Cheers,
Kevin Mardorf
Founder   
800-801-FEST x4