Crafting Connections: Five Dynamic Marketing Strategies to Engage Beer Enthusiasts

In today's dynamic craft beer industry, breweries face fierce competition, making effective marketing and engaging activations essential for success. To stand out in a crowded marketplace, breweries must develop innovative strategies that captivate beer enthusiasts and create memorable experiences. In this article, we will explore the world of brewery marketing and activations, highlighting key strategies to engage and delight consumers.

Building an Authentic Brand Identity:

Craft breweries thrive on their unique stories and passion for brewing exceptional beers. Developing an authentic brand identity is crucial to attracting loyal customers. Breweries should focus on telling their story, emphasizing their brewing process, ingredients, and commitment to quality. By showcasing the brewery's values and personality through consistent branding and messaging, breweries can forge a strong connection with their target audience.

A brand is not just about our exceptional products; it's also about the heart and soul of the people who make it all happen. Take pride in showcasing the individuals behind the scenes, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and family amongst your customers 

Social Media- Strategies to Consider:

Sharing stories and images of your staff members on a regular basis. Feature different employees in each post, highlighting their role, expertise, and contributions to the brewery. Include a brief interview or Q&A session where they share  brewing techniques, or interesting stories related to their work. This creates a lifestyle image and not  just a product centric image for your brand.

Behind-the-Scenes Brewery Tours: Take your Instagram followers behind the scenes of your brewery by sharing glimpses of your staff in action. Capture moments of brewing, canning, or labeling processes, and showcase the hard work and dedication of your team. This not only gives your followers a unique perspective but also allows them to appreciate the craftsmanship and passion that goes into every beer.

Staff Favorites: Create posts featuring staff members' favorite beers from your brewery.

Influencer Partnerships and Beer Influencers:

Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for breweries to reach new audiences. Partnering with beer influencers, bloggers, or local beer enthusiasts with a significant online following can help generate buzz and attract attention to your brand. Collaborating with influencers for tastings, reviews, or social media takeovers can expose your brewery to their dedicated followers and create authentic connections.

Need to know- It's important to note that bigger isn't always better when it comes to influencer partnerships. Nano influencers, those with fewer than 10,000 followers, can be a cost-effective method for creating awareness around your brand. These influencers may require minimal or even no payment, often requesting only food or beer in exchange for their promotion. Embracing partnerships with nano influencers can be a budget-conscious approach that still yields valuable exposure for your brewery.

Loyalty Marketing

Realizing the potential of data and personalized marketing is crucial for achieving success. With the advantage of first-party ordering provided by advanced POS technology, breweries can take their marketing strategies to unprecedented levels. This facilitates seamless, real-time data transfer from the point of sale system to marketing efforts, encompassing customer details, menu/product preferences, average order values, and more. This wealth of data empowers operators to leverage the capabilities of the marketing platform, facilitating targeted email campaigns, automated sequences, the implementation of customer retention initiatives, and informed decision-making based on data insights. Whether it's tailored email marketing or automated customer interactions, having these capabilities offers essential tools to enhance marketing endeavors, increase customer engagement, and maximize revenue.

Brewery Tastings and  Events:

Hosting brewery events and tastings is an excellent way to showcase your beers and create immersive experiences for your guests. Consider organizing beer tastings, brewery tours, or special release parties to engage directly with beer enthusiasts. These activities allow customers to sample your beers, learn about their unique flavors, and gain a deeper appreciation for your craft. Additionally, hosting trivia nights, sports nights, or clubs on off nights can generate a consistent crowd. Promote these events weekly on platforms like Eventbrite or partner with "things to do" pages on social media to reach a wider audience. Depending on your location, opportunities to be a sponsor bar for recreational leagues is another avenue for bringing in business and building brand awareness.

GoTab Brewery Solutions:

For breweries, leveraging innovative technology is essential to drive success. With GoTab's Brewery POS and KDS Solutions, breweries can take their operations to the next level. Our comprehensive suite of features and integrations empowers brewers to enhance guest experiences, increase revenue, and optimize operational efficiency.

Make the Season Bright with 20+ Holiday Beers from Massachusetts Breweries

Elevate your holiday table with the diverse array of local craft beers available across the Commonwealth. With an abundance of styles and flavors, these artisanal brews pair just perfectly with a rich roast and a cozy fireplace. Whether you’re gathering gifts for your beer-loving friends or stocking the fridge for family celebrations, Massachusetts breweries have everything on your list, for every taste. From subtly spicy table beers to dessert stouts, members of the Mass Brewers Guild share their picks for the holiday season.

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

Western Mass. & the Berkshires

The Brewery at Four Star Farms

Looking for the local craft beer that your macro-drinking uncle will make fun of this holiday season? Try Helles Other People, a smoked helles lager with an aroma of light beechwood smoke. Relatively low in alcohol with a complex, balanced flavor profile, it’s sure to distract you from your relatives while not going too hard. It also pairs well with food. Available at the Northfield taproom on draft and in cans as well as limited distribution statewide, look for it through December. Let’s go!

Vanished Valley Brewing Co. 

Saison lovers, check out Vanished Valley for table beer this year. Gratitude 2023 is a lemongrass saison that matches with most Thanksgiving dishes. Blending Pilsen and Vienna malts with fresh lemongrass and hops, it has citrusy and mild floral notes. It’s now available in the Ludlow taproom and in retail stores through the end of the year. Let’s go!

Central

Altruist Brewing Company 

Altruist has been saving up for our holiday gift. For nine months, stout has been resting on 50 pounds of fresh coconut in barrels to deliver Just Deviate BBA Coconut & Vanilla Stout. This full-bodied boozy brew has a heavy bourbon aroma and a smooth mouthfeel and goes great with desserts. A specialty from the riverside brewery in the Sturbridge village of Fiskdale, Just Deviate from Altruist comes in 25-ounce bottles beginning November 22. It launches that night with a pre-Thanksgiving party and live music and will be available on tap while supplies last. Let’s go!

Lost Towns Brewing

Creamy and dark, Plough Horse Porter will carry you from a big holiday meal to the fireside gathering. Now on tap at Lost Towns Brewing in Gilbertville, 16-ounce cans drop November 22 with AKA Music live from 6 to 8 p.m. Let’s go!

Moon Hill Brewing Co. Inc.

From America With Love “is a survey in artistically blended dark grains,” says Moon Hill Brewing owner Rick Walton, balanced with just enough hops. Find out exactly what that means beginning December 10, when this imperial stout lands at the Gardner Ale House and in other stores. Brewed for the veteran-supporting Black Ale Project, this assertive libation will be available through January. On Sunday, Dec. 10, a Black Ale Project release party begins at noon with raffles to benefit the local Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center. Let’s go!

Wormtown Brewery

Hunker down with the Blizzard of 78, a cozy coffee brown ale annually brewed by Wormtown. Find it in stores and local restaurants as well as both taprooms in Worcester and at Patriot Place in Foxborough. Let’s go!

MetroWest 

Jack's Abby Craft Lagers

Lagers are often crisp, but a festive new addition from Jack's Abby Craft Lagers takes it to another level. Cranberry Chaos is a wheat lager with a heavy dose of cranberry and a twist of orange that brings light acidity to the snappy lager. The taproom exclusive lands in Framingham on November 21 just in time for the holidays. Let’s go!

Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company

Get comfortable this Thanksgiving with Penny Loafers, an 8% oatmeal stout brewed with apple pie. Made in collaboration with Penny Pinchers Brewing, this dessert beer shines with cinnamon and vanilla flavors. Penny Loafers is exclusively available at Lost Shoe’s Marlborough taproom with limited draft availability at Penny Pinchers in Millbury. Let’s go!

Southeast and Cape Cod & Islands

Barrel House Z

Bright like cranberry sauce or rich like gingerbread, Barrel House Z has options when it comes to holiday brews. Nessie Fruited Sour is a food-friendly 5% with a table-ready hue and balancing acidity of cranberry and mulled spices. Gingerbread Ale is a taproom exclusive, debuting in Weymouth in mid-December. The 6.5% offering warms with ginger, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla notes, and finishes clean with a touch of caramel. Let’s go!

Cape Cod Beer

If you’re lucky enough to spend the holiday down the Cape, don’t miss a visit to Cape Cod Beer. Three seasonal brews will add something to your season: Cranberry Harvest brings a tart zing to enjoy with a cheese board. Shucker’s Reward Oyster Stout is dark beer to cozy up by the fire. Old Man Winter is crafted to pair well with a holiday dinner. All are available on draft and in four-packs to go from the Hyannis brewery and at package stores and restaurants. Cape Cod’s annual Twelve Beers of Christmas gift sets drop on Friday, Nov. 24, with 22-ounce bottles and one special can of specialty brews from the past year, including a few rare classics and some never-before-seen bottles. The Hyannis workshop is all abuzz with lots of fun events, too, from a Furry Friendsgiving Weekend on November 18 and 19, to a Locals’ Christmas Party with the Dirty Water Dance Band on December 16. Let’s go!

Castle Island Brewing Co.

Sweet Brown is a roasty brown ale brewed with pounds upon pounds of sweet potatoes to pair perfectly with flavors of the season. The taproom exclusive is available at both of Castle Island’s taprooms, in Norwood and South Boston, through December. Let’s go!

Mayflower Brewing Company

The iconic Thanksgiving Ale returns for its 14th year to celebrate Mayflower Brewing Company’s unique perspective on the holiday. “We wanted the beer to reflect the combination of the pilgrims’ English heritage and the unique American nature” of Thanksgiving, says owner Drew Brosseau. The resulting recipe blends an English Old Ale and an American Strong Ale into a rich and flavorful beer that works well with Thanksgiving dinner flavors. In stores since the end of October, Mayflower Thanksgiving Ale will be available up until the holiday at the Plymouth taproom as well as in stores throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Maine. Fans can also spend Thanksgiving Eve at a party at the brewery. Let’s go!

Second Wind Brewing Company

How to make apple pie into a glass? Best to call in the apple experts: Plymouth producers Second Wind Brewing and High Limb Cider are here with Jonathan–Apple Pie Sour. The kettle sour ale creates a new tradition with Jonathan apples from the Pacific Northwest plus brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and vanilla bean. Celebrate it Saturday, Nov. 18, for the annual Thanksgiving Parade in Plymouth and Second Wind's Parade Day Bash. Let’s go!

Metro Boston

Dorchester Brewing Company

The latest version of Dorchester’s Beantown Stoutis all Boston. A limited release from November until sellout, Beantown Stout Vietnamese Coffee uses Dorchester-roasted Flat Black Coffee to shout out the neighborhood’s bustling “Little Saigon” heritage and flavor. Dark, roasty and lightly sweet, it’s just shy of decadent and easy to enjoy. Find it in the Dorchester taproom as well as in distribution. Let’s go!

Idle Hands Craft Ales

Idle Hands Craft Ales is known for all kinds of beer, not just ales—so of course it offers not one or two, but three beers that would be perfect for the holidays. Ben, the Potato Manager is new this year, a sweet potato Strong Ale named for and inspired by a longtime regular at the Malden taproom. Like the helpful Ben who’d volunteer to peel potatoes for Idle Hands’ latest off-the-wall brew, this 8% beer gets along well with balanced toffee sweetness, touches of smoke and the earthy character of sweet potato. It’s available through the end of the year at the taproom and at Common Craft in Burlington. Stay tuned for a special cask release, as well. For something a little lighter, Bare Branch is a flavorful 5.8% Brown Ale that’s perfect for raking leaves or gathering with neighbors (act fast—this one’s on track to be gone by mid-December). Smokin' Peaches is an atypical dessert beer that should be available through the holidays: Made in collaboration with Somerville’s Neighborhood Produce and Scott Brothers BBQ, this 5.1% farmhouse ale adds lightly smoked local peaches to a grisette malt base. Let’s go!

Lamplighter Brewing Co.

Blitzen comes to mind first when one thinks of Lamplighter’s holiday beers. The annual Spiced Holiday Ale returns this year to both Cambridge taprooms beginning November 17 and will also see local distribution. Don’t miss Sneaker Wave this season, either: A New England IPA made with Arctic thyme, it’s a collab with Icelandic brewery Borg Brugghus and brings aromas of sweet herbs and citrus to the table. On December 9, don your ugliest sweater for a holiday party at Lamplighter’s Broadway taproom. Let’s go!

Long Live Roxbury

Here’s what to sip on a long winter’s night: Deep of the Night is a 10% imperial stout brewed with vanilla, coffee and oak staves, which give it a rich, roasty sweetness. This big beer is centered on the Long Live taproom in Roxbury but it will see light distribution as well. Ahead of the holidays, Long Live Roxbury will host a number of small-business shopping events, too. Let’s go!

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

No matter your preferred style of holiday brews, Mighty Squirrel has options. Heart & Hearth is classic: Brewed with spices and local maple syrup, it has just the right amount of malt character with flavors of dark cherry and molasses balanced with warm, sweet aromas. It’s available in November and December on draft in the Waltham taproom, stores, restaurants and in four-packs to-go. Gourdeous Pumpkin is an ale with subtle notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, candied yams, and a rich, pie-crust finish. The seasonal release is available now. Lastly, Blackberry Sour Face will help cut through the savory saltiness of a holiday meal with balanced tartness. It’s available until December. Let’s go!

Night Shift Brewing

Our gift from Night Shift this year is a dream collaboration with their Everett neighbors: a peanut butter porter made with Teddie Peanut Butter. The green label of the new Teddie Beer plays with the nostalgic branding of the PB company, and the 5.8% stout inside simply oozes aromas of nutty toffee and peanut butter candy. Rich flavors of chocolate and roasted peanut butter are perfect for dessert, brunch, and cozy evenings on the couch. Teddie Beer is available through the end of December at Night Shift’s taprooms, retail and bars mainly across Mass. and New Hampshire. Let’s go!

Samuel Adams

Old Fezziwig is visiting for the holiday season. Sam Adams is bringing back the beloved Spiced Ale along with three other party favors in the Beers for Cheers Variety Pack. Winter Lager is a festive tradition: a crisp bock with hints of spice and a clementine-orange aroma. Cold IPA is inspired by Boston winters with balanced bitterness from a burst of hops. New and exclusive to the mix pack, Oaked Vanilla Porter is complex and warming with touches of oak, vanilla, coffee, and subtle sweetness. There really is something for everybody, and anytime: The entire variety packs less than 6% ABV per 12 ounces. Find the Beers for Cheers 12-packs in bottles or cans nationwide all season long. At Boston Beer Co.’s two local taprooms, check out a Winter Market of handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and live music in Jamaica Plain on Sunday, December 3. On Tuesday, Dec. 5, the Samuel Adams-sponsored Brewing the American Dream program hosts a Festive Wreath craft night with Bluebird Bouquets at the Faneuil Hall taproom. Let’s Go!

Northeast

Lord Hobo

New Englanders love ice cream all year ’round, and Lord Hobo is taking that idea to the tanks this winter. J.P. Licks Chocolate Mint Ice Cream Stout brings the flavor of the iconic Boston ice cream makers to an easy-drinking 6% stout. Find the fun can of Lord Hobo’s J.P. Licks Chocolate Mint Ice Cream Stout at the Woburn taproom and select retail and restaurants. Let’s go!

Riverwalk Brewing

With the ruddy hue of cold-kissed cheeks, Back Home for the Holidays is a “hopped up red ale” from Riverwalk Brewing in Newburyport. Featuring a bold punch of malt, an aggressive hop schedule and the special addition of spruce tips, this 7% beer is a welcome addition to any cozy gathering. Look for these cans in their festive sweater-labels from December through the new year. Let’s go!

True North Ale Company

Winter Woods is an American IPA evocative of the season with the lively addition of spruce tips. Just right for sitting by a crackling fire or enjoying a meal at the table, Winter Woods has hop characteristics of citrus rind, pine and tropical fruits accentuated by the spruce tips. Winter Woods is available November 22 through the end of the year at the Ipswich taproom, exclusively on tap and in four-packs to go. The night before Thanksgiving, head there for a launch party and open house with music by The Far Out Band. Let’s go!

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! 🍻 

Connect with the craft beer industry at the annual Mass Brewers Conference

The state’s biggest professional development day for craft brewers returns to Framingham on Monday, November 6.

The craft beer industry is fond of saying, “a rising tide lifts all boats” when it comes to building business. These days, it can feel like the tide is receding and we’re all in the same boat. As MBG members are aware, market growth for beer overall is trending down and craft brewers have had to adapt in many ways to stay ahead. 

One of the major ways the Massachusetts Brewers Guild achieves its mission to promote the interests of craft brewers — and help them navigate headwinds — is to provide professional development opportunities. The Mass Brewers Guild Technical Brewing & Business Conference (MBG Con) presented by Allen Craft Beverage Insurance, is the biggest opportunity of the year for beer industry pros to connect with fellow business owners and MBG members, and it’s coming up in November.

MBG Con, returns to Jack’s Abby in Framingham on Monday, Nov. 6. The day-long series of workshops and lectures begins with two presentations addressing big-picture issues facing the craft beer industry, and the event winds down with happy hour and a vendor exhibition. Throughout the day, attendees can choose a track, Technical Brewing or Business, to attend smaller discussion sessions led by experts. Running from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a lunch break and vendor exhibit in the Jack’s Abby Beer Hall, hour-long sessions start at 9 a.m. and end with happy hour at 4 p.m.

Here’s a glimpse at the practical, relevant topics on tap.

The opening keynote of MBG Con will set the tone for the day, as Brewers Association chief economist Bart Watson digs into “Craft’s Complicated Marketplace.” Watson will provide economic and consumer context for the numbers.

The second keynote presentation centers on employee well-being, specifically “The Burden of Burnout.” The founder of nonprofit Infinite Ingredient, Katie Muggli is working to support mental health in the craft beverage industry. She will lead a talk on identifying burnout and its causes, and discuss what leaders can do to create healthy and sustainable environments where people work and have fun.

Sessions include diverse panel discussions with leaders from across the state and country, in brewery production, taproom operations, sales and more. Check out the detailed lineup of events at massbrewersguild.org/mbg-con-2023.

Here’s what you’ll get.

A continental breakfast, lunch, and happy hour is included in the ticket price of $175 for members and $225 for non-members — plus invaluable advice from others in the industry and networking opportunities throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring packaged beer of any type/ size to measure the carbonation, DO, and TPO of your packaged products right on the spot at the Gehaltebus that will be parked just outside the beer hall. If you’re unsure of your MBG member status, please reach out to executive director Katie Stinchon.

Sponsors make this valuable and fun day possible. 

This year’s MBG Con is presented by Allen Craft Beverage insurance (formerly GHM) and the Guild’s associate members. This conference and all MBG educational programming is possible and affordable for member breweries thanks to associate members Amherst Label, Beverage Processors Group, Bluedrop Water, Boelter, Bowditch, CFT Packaging, Crosby Hops, Cove Risk, EquipNet, Four Star Farms, the Hop Guild, Hopsteiner, InTouch Labels, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, JNKidds, Ohanafy, Restaurent, Thielmann, UCD Law, USI and White Labs.

Drink it all in! The Massachusetts Brewers Guild's Fall Fun Guide

🎶It’s the most wonderful time for Festbier, and the malt-maltiest season of all 🎶(Cheers to Craft Beer Concierge, aka Allo Gilinsky of Boston, for getting that catchy song stuck in our heads for the rest of eternity!) Here’s hoping your trachten and steinkrugs are getting some love at all the Oktoberfest events happening in Massachusetts. Beyond the German-inspired parties, New England offers plenty of homegrown entertainment for beer lovers in all seasons — and autumn is the ultimate. 

Now that we’re finally enjoying some dry, crisp weather, it’s the perfect time for fall fun with a pint or a few. Tapping into offerings from members of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild all across the state, here’s how to make the most out of brewery visits in the Bay State this fall.

Fairs and Fests

The Northeast’s biggest agricultural fair, The Big E continues through October 1 with a Local Brewer Showcase hosted by Valley Malt in the Massachusetts Building on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Featuring 20 taps of local beer including MBG members Castle Island Brewing Company and Leadfoot Brewing, owners and brewmasters are pouring — so fest attendees can buy a drink, stroll around, and learn more about how the beverages were made. Beyond the Local Brewer Showcase, The Big E also has a kid-friendly beer garden pouring Samuel Adams, open Friday and Saturday night with live music going from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the gate for adults and $12 for kids. Make a weekend of it in West Springfield, where the Eastern States Exposition is annually held, and visit nearby breweries Two Weeks Notice, White Lion Brewing, and Loophole Brewing Co. 

Fall River brewery Canned Heat made a special brew for King Richard's Faire, which continues on weekends through October 23. Festgoers will find The King's Brew IPA at Dragon's Tavern and Queen's Tavern within the Carver fairgrounds. Outside of the event, the area is home to many MBG members, including Brewery 44 in Carver; and Plymouth breweries Second Wind, Mayflower, and Independent Fermentations.

The Topsfield Fair returns September 29 through October 9th and for the 2nd year running, True North Ales is the exclusive craft beer provider to the Topsfield Fair. You can wrap your hands around Northern Haze IP, Season of the Witch IPA and a beer brewed exclusive to the Fair, Topsfield Fair Giant Pumpkin Ale. On the way home visit breweries like Twisted Fate Brewing in nearby Danvers, Oak & Iron Brewing in Andover, The Tap in Haverhill, Coastal Mass. Brewing Co. in Beverly, or True North Ale Company in Ipswich.

Boston Beer Company’s Sam Adams is the beer tent sponsor at Wellfleet OysterFest, which returns October 14 and 15. If you’re heading down the Cape, why not stop by Cape Cod breweries Aquatic Brewing (Falmouth), Bad Martha (Falmouth), Naukabout Beer (Mashpee), and Cape Cod Beer (Hyannis).

Tailgating

Heading to a pro football game this season? Keep an eye out for craft beer! New England’s stadium in Foxborough has been known to get the good stuff (we’ve seen cans of Tree House and Trillium in the stands, just to name a couple). Elsewhere at Patriot Place, there’s a Wormtown Brewery taproom as well.

On the way to the game, don’t forget to stop in at a craft brewery to get provisions for a parking-lot pregame. MBG members located on the way to Gillette Stadium include Shovel Town Brewery in North Easton, Crue Brew Brewery in Raynham, CraftRoots Brewing in Milford, Castle Island in Norwood, and Trillium in Canton.

Apple Picking 

Is it really fall in New England until you’ve picked your own apples? The activity is bound to make you thirsty. A solar-powered brewery resides at Lookout Farm in South Natick, which also offers fall festivities such as PYO apples, pumpkins and a corn maze. Bolton Beer Works is based at Nashoba Valley Winery and Distillery, which crafts all kinds of beverages and also offers apple picking and cheese plates. Phillipston’s Red Apple Farm hosts Moon Hill Brewery, the outfit out of Gardner Ale House, at a year-round Brew Barn at the orchard. 

Beer lovers will find destination-worthy diversions nearby popular picking spots like Carlson Orchards: Loyal Foe Brewing Co. is next door to the Harvard farm. True West Brewing Co. in Acton is a great lunch option nearby, or head just north to visit Dirigible Brewing Company in Littleton. 

The Pioneer Valley is home to Clarkdale Fruit Farms, Apex Orchards, and Pine Hill Orchard, all in close proximity to a plethora of breweries like the titular Pioneer Valley Brewery, Four Phantoms Brewing Co., Brick & Feather Brewery, The People's Pint brewpub, Hitchcock Brewing, and The Back Room Brewery. More agritainment in the area: Visit the nearby  Brewery at Four Star Farms to taste brews made with hops and grains grown on-site. 

Lakeview Orchard in far-west Pittsfield offers easy access to Berkshire breweries Hot Plate Brewing Co. and Shire Beer Co.

Foliage Rides

The Bay State’s hills and valleys are quite the canvas come peak-foliage season, which should start around October 1. North-central Massachusetts is a great area to head for beer and natural beauty, from farm breweries like Rutland’s Milk Room Brewing Co. and Stone Cow Brewery in Barre, to the riverside River Styx in Fitchburg.

The Berkshires’ annual Fall Foliage Parade in downtown North Adams is happening Sunday, October 1. Combine it with a stop in at the town’s Bright Ideas Brewing.

Eastern Mass. has a lot to offer, too; from Greater Boston’s Blue Hills (at the base of which you’ll find Trillium HQ) to Cape Ann on the North Shore (stop by Pigeon Cove Ferments in Gloucester, or Riverwalk Brewing in Newburyport) and the cranberry-bogged South Shore. Check out the MBG’s full map of member breweries and plot your route.

Corn Mazes

If getting lost in the foliage sounds fun to you, there are many corn mazes just waiting for you to find your way this fall. Buzzards Bay Brewing in the coastal farm town of Westport has created its own this year, open through October 28. Tickets sold at the brewery are $10 per person ($8 for supervised kids). Natick’s Lookout Farm and brewery also boasts its own two-acre puzzle. 

Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm, located just off I-91 in Western Mass., hosts a series of Beer Mazes every Friday in October (and one on September 29), featuring various lineups of all-local beer. MBG members Progression Brewing Co., Amherst Brewing, Iron Duke, Building 8, Altruist Brewing, Exhibit 'A' and more are represented. The dusk-hour events challenge visitors to play games and track down local brews at tasting stations hidden throughout the maze. Each event features six different breweries. Tickets for each Friday Beer Maze are $40.

Salem in October

If you’re flying up to Salem to celebrate spooky season, visiting the historic city’s beer makers — including East Regiment Brewing Co. and Notch Brewing — are a must. The cauldrons are bubbling, but no witches’ brews here: only Mass. craft beer.

Get out there and drink in fall!

Open Call for Board Seat Candidates!

Members of the Mass Brewers Guild (MBG) board of directors are volunteers that serve to further the work of the association and its mission -- to protect and promote the interests of Massachusetts craft brewers.

Unlike many nonprofit boards that serve to advise the organization’s staff, MBG board members also have to serve as staff, and work on behalf of the organization to deliver the created objectives and goals. With the support of only one full-time staff member, board members spend an average of 10 to 25 hours a month working on the MBG’s initiatives -- depending on the project or work cycle.

The guild board of directors currently holds nine seats, five of which are up for election in December 2023.

After serving as the MBG’s President for three years, and serving on the board of directors for a total of six years, Sam Hendler, co-founder of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers has termed out of his position with the MBG.

Sam stepped into his role as president serving on the frontlines during the pandemic. He was an incredible advocate for our association and in constant communication with the governor's office, ABCC, and Massachusetts Restaurant Association. His work ensured that our businesses were deemed essential, supporting the re-opening process for members and helping to distill the ever changing state guidelines and steps for our state’s breweries.

He has been a steady and reassuring voice for our brewing community during an extraordinarily difficult time. Always generous with his resources and knowledge, he has been an incredible leader for the association and we are so grateful for his contributions.

As many of you know, our board member, and former VP and treasurer, Kelsey Roth, has left his post as GM at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Co., and has taken a position outside of the industry. Per our organization’s bylaws, he has been able to remain on the board for the remainder of his term but will leave us at the end of this election season.

Kelsey has been, and remains to be, an incredible advocate for the brewing industry. He has served on nearly every committee at the Mass Brewers Guild and played an integral role in its growth and success during his four years on the board. Under his leadership, he created impactful educational and technical programming, helped to spearhead many of the MBG’s DEIB initiatives and oversaw and directed the MBG’s events and design work as well as membership recruitment. We wish him so much luck in his new position, and we are grateful for the time he has dedicated to the board of directors as he finishes out his tenure with us.

Dani Babineau, co-owner of Redemption Rock Brewing Co., JP Gallagher, co-owner/brewer of Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Co., and current MBG VP and Caleb Hiliadis, brewmaster at Amherst Brewing Co., will all rerun for a two-year term (the 2024 to 2025 calendar year.)

The MBG’s board is seeking brewery owners and brewery staff to consider joining the nonprofit’s leadership team to help further its work by donating their time, expertise and passion for the industry.

The Mass Brewers Guild is now accepting resumes with a letter of intent detailing the goals and or changes that the candidates would like to help implement within the organization. The deadline for submission is Nov. 1 and all candidates will be expected to speak before membership at the winter member meetup on Dec. 4 at Berkley Beer Company in Taunton.

Ideal candidates are those that are already involved in the organization – they regularly attend meetings, participate in the MBG’s festivals and fundraisers, and are visible members of the community. It will be important for the nominating committee to see a strong commitment from individuals wishing to have a seat on the board.

The board seeks to diversify its members and strengthen its geographical representation. They are looking for all areas of expertise -- from law to marketing, to fundraising, event planning and general leadership. The nominating committee will put forth candidates that demonstrate a willingness to work together on issues and help serve the craft beer community.

In December 2023, paid brewery members will have the opportunity to cast their vote to fill all five seats. If you are unsure of your membership standing with the MBG please reach out to the MBG’s executive director.

A committed and passionate board is essential to accomplishing the work of the Mass Brewers Guild. Now more than ever, it’s vital for a strong board and leadership team to help guide the Massachusetts craft beer community forward and serve as a unified voice when confronting all issues that impact the industry.

If you aren’t in a position to run for a seat this year, but are interested in joining the board in the near future, this is a good time to get involved! Many of our board members will begin “terming out,” meaning they are ineligible to rerun for a fourth consecutive term. By shadowing a board member, joining a committee, and learning more about how the MBG operates, you’ll be better poised to join our leadership team in the future. 

Those interested in joining the board can send their resume and cover letter to the MBG’s executive director, Katie Stinchon at Katie@massbrewersguild.org for review.  

In your cover letter please answer the following questions:

·      Why do you want to join the MBG’s board of directors?

·      Realistically, how much time can you dedicate to the organization a month?

·      Which committee would you like to donate your time to?

·      What major issues would you like to be involved in and how would you change them?

What’s expected of MBG Board Members? MBG Board Members Will:

·      Interpret the organization's work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson

·      Listen carefully to board colleagues and members of the craft beer community

·      Respect the opinion of fellow board members

·      Respect and support majority decisions of the board

·      Recognize that all authority is vested in the full board only when it meets in legal sessions

·      Keep well-informed about developments relevant to issues that may come before the board

·      Attend bi-monthly board meetings (six a year – 1.5 hours long) and understand that they may be relieved of board duties if they miss more than two meetings

·      Actively participate in board meetings and actions

·      Become actively involved in at least one committee – driving goals and accomplishing tasks – (Marketing, Events, Government Affairs, and Membership)

·      Support MBG events and initiatives through participation

·      Bring to the attention of the board any issues that will have an adverse effect on the organization or those we serve

·      Refer complaints to the proper level on the chain of command

·      Recognize that the job of a board member is to ensure that the organization is well-managed, not to manage the nonprofit

·      Represent all of those whom this nonprofit serves, not just a particular geographic area or interest group

·      Consider yourself a “trustee” of the nonprofit and do your best to ensure that it is well-maintained, financially secure, growing and always operating in the best interests of those we serve

·      Declare conflicts of interest between your personal life and position on the board, and abstain from voting or discussion when appropriate 

MBG Board Members Will Not:

·      Criticize fellow board members or their opinions, in or out of the board room

·      Use the nonprofit organization for your personal advantage or that of your friends or relatives

·      Discuss the confidential proceedings of the board outside the board room

·      Interfere with the duties of the administrator or undermine the administrator’s authority with staff

As a board member, the organization is responsible to you in the following ways:

·      To keep its board members regularly updated on the organizational activities, programs, policies, goals and objectives as appropriate

·      It is expected that board members and the Executive Director will respond in a straightforward fashion to questions that are necessary to carry out fiscal, legal and moral responsibilities to the organization

·      If the organization does not fulfill its commitments, board members may call upon the Board President and E.D. to discuss the organization’s responsibilities

·      The organization will carry directors’ and officers’ liability insurance

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!

30+ Refreshing Beers from Massachusetts Breweries to Crush This Summer

On hot sunny days, you need a beer that’s light, thirst-quenching, and not too boozy. It doesn’t have to be a pale lager or a cream ale: Sometimes the refresher you crave is a fruity sour, a tropical hop bomb, or even an easy-drinking American porter. Massachusetts breweries have plenty of crushable beers cold and ready for you this summer. Whether you’re heading for the beach, the trails, or just doing yard work, here’s how to fill your cooler.

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

Northeast

Anonymous Brewing

The Long Haul is a session ale perfect for any summer activities. Anonymous Brewing first made it to fundraise for the Ipswich River Watershed Association Paddle-A-Thon, a 30-plus mile paddle along the Ipswich River from Wilmington to Ipswich. The Long Haul gets its refreshing flavors from Lemondrop hops and a touch of honey malt. Find it on draft and in cans to-go at the Rowley taproom and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Bent Water Brewing Company

Chill is a clean and crisp answer to a question Bent Water is often asked: “What’s the lightest beer you have?” The brewers’ favorite at an easy-drinking 4.2%, this approachable American light lager is appreciated by anyone who wants a beer that tastes like beer. Find it on draft at the Lynn taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Lord Hobo Brewing

617 White Ale finishes crisp following bright orange and citrus flavors, balanced out by a slight bitterness. The 5%, medium-bodied unfiltered wheat beer is crafted with Bostonians in mind—for hot summer days at the ballpark or around a cozy fire on a cold New England night. Find it on draft and in cans to-go at Lord Hobo’s taprooms and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Navigation Brewing Co.

Get a taste of Summer, an all-Amarillo hopped pale wheat beer by Navigation Brewing Co. The 5.4% crushers has flavor notes of orange and lemon peel. Find it on draft at the Lowell taproom and in cans to-go. Let’s go!



True North Ale Company

Coast to Coast is an American summer IPA brewed with pilsner malt and flaked oats for a soft mouthfeel. At 5.8%, Citra, Strata, and Talus hops provide big flavors and aromas of tropical citrus, passion fruit, strawberry, and pink grapefruit. Find it on draft at the Ipswich taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go! 

Metro Boston

Aeronaut Brewing Co.

Have some adventure fuel from Aeronaut: The Somerville-based brewing company has plenty of crushers on deck for summer. Robot Crush is an award-winning American pilsner. Hopped with Citra, the aromatic offering clocks 5.1% with flavors of biscuit and honey balanced with hints of citrus. Hop Hop & Away is a year-round session hazy cold-steeped with Citra and Mosaic hops (4.6%). (Into the) Citra Galaxy is another 4.6% session IPA with hints of peach and tangerine. Pina Colada IPA is a little boozier at 7.1% but no less summer-friendly, fruited with natural flavors of coconut and pineapple. Speaking of fruit: Tropical Storm on a Sour Planet is for anyone who appreciates tropical flavors. Blood orange, passion fruit, pineapple, papaya, cherry, and black currant swirl together in this 4.9% kettle sour. Find these brews at Aeronaut’s taprooms and beer garden as well as in cans at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Castle Island Brewing Co.

A taproom exclusive from Castle Island Brewing Co., Castillo Lime is a light corn lager imbued with lime juice just before packaging. The result is a thirst-quenching 4.5% option with zesty aromas and a memorable citrus flavor that’s perfect for the season. Find it to-go at Castle Island’s Norwood and South Boston taprooms. Let’s go!

Long Live Roxbury

Long Live Beerworks has a couple lagers on draft at its new Boston taproom, including the exclusive ROX Pils (5.2%). But the Providence-based beermakers will defy expectations for a summer beer with Youth Revolt, a 6% IPA. Find this upcoming release at the Roxbury taproom and in cans at local stores. Let’s go!

Night Shift Brewing

A longtime staple of Boston’s summer beer fridge, Whirlpool is a hazy pale ale that explodes with fruit flavors while staying super easy to drink. Find this brew at Night Shift’s taprooms and beer gardens as well as in cans at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Portico Brewing

Just a few simple ingredients bring the flavor to Portico’s Two Point Pils: Two malts (Pilsner and Carapils) and two hops (Hallertauer Mittelfrüh and Wakatu). Floral but dry with medium hop bitterness, its refreshing effervescence and lighter body make this German-style pilsner just what you want to reach for on a hot day. Find it at the Somerville taproom and in cans at local stores. Let’s go!

Samuel Adams Boston Brewery

Samuel Adams Summer Ale needs no introduction, but we’ll provide one anyway. The Boston-born brewery’s seasonal favorite is a 5.3% American wheat ale that’s crisp easy-drinking with a citrus blend and a hint of pepper from West African grains of paradise. Find it in Sam’s Boston taprooms in Jamaica Plain and Faneuil Hall and in stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Southeast & Cape Cod

Article Fifteen Brewing

A whimsical name befits a traditional German Hefeweizen that gets generous additions of watermelon and boysenberry. Bugle Boys of Company B is the latest release from Rockland’s Article Fifteen. Balanced sweet, juicy fruit and classic wheat malt flavors sing in this 6.5% sunny-day sipper. Find it in the taproom on draft and in cans to-go. Let’s go!

Cape Cod Beer

Cape Cod’s first brewery is a year-round destination, but nobody’s surprised the Hyannis spot has plenty of summer crushers on offer. Cape Cod Beach Blonde is a polished golden ale at 4.9% with a hint of toasted malt character and a clean finish. Cape Cod Summer Ale is light and refreshing yet spicy and fruity as a traditional Bavarian Hefeweizen (5.5%). Big Sea Saison has lemony hops and an effervescent, dry, and slightly funky finish. It’s a 6% choice. Shillelagh Irish Pale Ale comprises Irish malts, oats, and 50 pounds of clover honey. Sounds perfect post-yard work! Find all these brews at Cape Cod Beer’s taproom, local stores, and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Independent Fermentations (IndieFerm)

Simple is satisfying in the case of Pilsnerd. IndieFerm’s summer go-to is a delicious beer that just tastes like beer. The year-round offering is light and crisp at 4.5%, making it a quintessentially crushable lawnmower or beach beer. Find it at the Plymouth taproom and at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Mayflower Brewing Company

Get into Leisure Mode with Mayflower’s light, hoppy, and hazy New England IPA (4.5%). Crispy Business is another crushable choice from the Plymouth beermakers. Also 4.5%, it’s a smooth and dry Kölsch-style ale with a delicate and pleasant aroma of apple and pear. Find these bevvies at the taproom, local stores, and restaurants. Let’s go!

Untold Brewing

A fan- and staff favorite, Seatown Lager is balanced, flavorful, and ultimately crushable with a balanced blend of malts and bright, floral hops. The 4.2% fan- and staff favorite is named in honor of Seattle, where Untold founder Matt Elder began his brewing career; and pays homage to the ocean. Find it at the Scituate taproom, local stores, and restaurants. Let’s go!

Metrowest

Amory's Tomb Brewing Co.

Brewed with Maine malts, oats, and Merrimack Valley wildflower honey (plus European hops and lemon peel), Farm Road is a 4.5% saison perfect for any table set for summer in New England. Find it on draft at the Maynard taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company, Inc

Goody Two Shoes Kölsch is what to reach for when a trip to Germany isn’t in the cards. Exhibit A's authentic tribute to Cologne, the city where the style originated, is crisp and clean. The 4.5% flagship brew is lightly lemony with fresh-baked flavors followed by a dry finish. Find it on draft at the Framingham taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Lost Shoe Brewing & Roasting Company

Crisp and crushable Lost Shoe Light is a 4% American light lager brewed with barley, rice, water, and hops. It’s a taproom exclusive from Lost Shoe Brewing, on tap in Marlborough and available in cans to-go. Let’s go!

Medusa Brewing Company

This summer may lack the Olympics, but you can still support a gold medalist: Medusa’s Duchovni: Czech-style Pilsner earned that honor at the 2016 World Beer Cup. Bubbly with a clean, dry finish, it’s a crushable 5.2%. For something a little different, quaff the bright citrus flavors of Rapid Refresh: American Wheat Ale with Lemon & Orange Peel (4.6%). Find both brews at the Hudson taproom and beer garden and in local stores and restaurants. Let’s go! 

Start Line Brewing

The summer crusher in Start Line Brewing’s Hop Load IPA series is evocatively named: Hazy Smalls is a juicy session ale that crosses the finish at just 4.5%. Find it on draft at the Hopkinton taproom and in cans to-go and in local stores and area restaurants. Let’s go!

Central

Altruist Brewing Company

Unselfishly, Altruist Brewing Co. has a few crushable beers on offer this summer. The aptly named Crush It cream ale is light-bodied and easy-drinking at 4.2%. Passion Gose is slightly tart and very refreshing at 4.5%, with notes of passion fruit, guava, coriander, and a touch of pink Himalayan sea salt. Komisch German Style Kolsch is crisp, delicate, and oh-so drinkable at just 4.2%. Find them all at the Sturbridge taproom. Let’s go! 

Bull Spit Brewing Company

To celebrate its new location in Winchendon, Bull Spit brewed Toy Town Pilsner, a 4% refresher that’s also light on the wallet. Named for the bygone local industry, Toy Town isn’t for kids—but rather, the folks keeping them entertained all summer. Find it on draft and in cans to-go from the Winchendon taproom. Let’s go!

Dirigible Brewing Company
Auxiliary Tank is a ~2.4% (!!) American table beer that starts with nearly all local malt and hops and gets taproom-only variations like lemongrass. Kettle sours like Blue Sky Balloon, made with more than two pounds per barrel of blueberry puree, also keep things super sessionable at 3.45%. Canned beers are new to Dirigible’s summer lineup, too: For crushers, try Automaton, a traditional Bohemian pilsner; and the easy-drinking 5% American Porter. Find it all at the Littleton taproom. Let’s go!

Milk Room Brewing Co.
Chasing Rabbits: Lola's Lager is named after Milk Room’s beloved farm dog, Lola. The crisp, crushable, 4.2% American light lager is just perfect for the dog days of summer. Find it on draft at the Rutland farm-taproom and in cans to-go from local stores. Let’s go!

Penny Pinchers Brewing Co.

Even bad-weather days are grand with Rainy Day Fund Cloudberry Blonde Ale. A traditional blonde ale with just the right balance of sweet and tart from the cloudberry make it a perfect summer beer. Find it on draft at the Millbury taproom and in local stores and restaurants. Let’s go! 

Redemption Rock Brewing Co.

Notes of toasted coconut and just enough malty sweetness combine in The One With The Coconuts, a 5% coconut cream ale from Redemption Rock. It’s crisp, light, and ready for the beach. Find it at the Worcester taproom as well as at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go! 

Sterling Street Brewery

Sterling Summer Ale gets a summery jolt from lemon and orange peel. This satisfying crusher lands at 5.1% and is available from the taproom, local stores, and restaurants. Let’s go!

Wormtown Brewery

Wormtown’s refreshing Summer Ale evokes bright flavors of pineapple, juicy mango, and ripe strawberries with a bouquet of vibrant hops. Find the 4.8% crusher at the Worcester and Foxboro taprooms and at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Western Mass. & the Berkshires

Abandoned Building Brewery

The addition of real lemon juice makes Summer Shandy an especially refreshing wheat ale. Abandoned Building’s crushable blend is 4.6%. Find it at the Easthampton taproom as well as local stores. Let’s go!

Four Phantoms Brewing Company

Pouring bright magenta, Purple Potion is tangy and revivifying. The 5% brew delivers ripe raspberry and blackberry flavors under lavender aromas. Find it at the Greenfield taproom and local stores. Let’s go!

The Brewery at Four Star Farms

This summer, the town of Northfield turns 350. That calls for a celebration! Happy Birthday Northfield! Is just that, a 5% pale lager brewed with 100% homegrown barley and hops. Crush it: $1 from every taproom pour goes directly to the Northfield 350th committee to help support activities and celebrations throughout the anniversary year. Find this local beer only at Four Star Farms’ Northfield taproom. Let’s go!

Progression Brewing Company

Is it OJ or IPA? It’s Noon Juice Session NEIPA, a full-bodied beer that’s only 3.9%. An abundance of hops will wake you right up. Cape Time NEIPA is another summer crusher from Progression Brewing. It’s a smooth 5.2% with melon, berry, and pineap[ple notes that are very refreshing. Find both beers at the Northampton taproom as well as at local stores and restaurants. Let’s go!

Vanished Valley Brewing Co.

Clarity is a clean and refreshing experience—and it’s also a 5% pilsner brewed by Vanished Valley for your crushing pleasure. Find it at the Ludlow taproom. Let’s go!