Massachusetts is the newest craft brewing hotspot in the United States. We’ve compiled this handy list of some of our favorite breweries across that state.
Boston >> Trillium Brewing
Trillium Distillery, a small, family-owned distillery dedicated to restoring centuries-old brewing processes, produces some pretty intriguing labels. This location is nestled amongst the historic wharfs of Boston’s Fort Point Channel area. This implies that tasters should expect a philosophy that emphasizes the use of local New England ingredients. With its sturdy American 2 Row malts, tipples like the Fort Point Pale Ale are born. There’s also the delicious Wakerobin red rye, which is infused with Sterling pedigree hops and a variety of summer fruits.
Chelsea >> Mystic Brewery
This establishment publicly rejects all-American brewing traditions in favor of Belgian Trappist rites and brewing processes. The folks at Mystic Brewery provide a completely unique experience for hopheads passing through Massachusetts. To begin with, the beers are notably more flavorful than the majority. This is the result of an alchemical fermentation process based on medieval European Low Country procedures. Then there’s the actual tasting room. It has a Gothic quality to it that pairs well with the somber grains and hops found in the Entropy and Powerhouse reserve ales.
Everett >> Night Shift Brewing
The brainchild of beer aficionados Michael Oxton, Mike O’Mara, and Rob Burns, this enormous, industrial-chic brewery, bar, and tasting room on the outskirts of Greater Boston is the idea of a triumvirate of beer aficionados Michael Oxton, Mike O’Mara, and Rob Burns. These three pals are self-taught brewers who are hop enthusiasts and night owls. Through grit, tastings, failure, and good ol’ trial and error, they discovered the craft of outstanding beer. As a result, a variety of noteworthy tipples have emerged. The light and palatable Whirlpool PA and the brooding Trappist-style Trifecta with its trio of Belgian yeasts are two examples.
Gloucester >> Cape Ann Brewing Company
The Cape Ann Brewing Company is nestled among the salty breezes, billowing winds, and soothing rollers of the Massachusetts North Shore. It commands a prominent position on Gloucester’s waterfront. Inside, the space feels like a mix of a decrepit cottage and an artisan craft shop. This only adds to the appeal of sampling the Atlantic-inspired brews on offer. What fantastic brews these are. The Fisherman’s American amber lager, blended with Bavarian two-row barleys, is fantastic. There’s also Fisherman’s IPA, which is zesty to the max thanks to Sorachi Ace hops—the list goes on.
Hyannis >> Cape Cod Beer
This local brewery is a real cornerstone of the surrounding town, nestled perfectly between the peaceful lanes of Hyannis on the Cape Cod coast. Locals enjoy stopping by the brewery on Phinneys Lane for a pint. The earthy traditions of this coastal portion of the state are reflected in the beers’ unique flavors. Don’t leave without trying the signature Cape Cod Red amber ale, which has caramel and dark chocolate undertones. There’s also the Beach Blonde Ale, which has a light and frothy mouthfeel that’s ideal for sipping while basking in the Massachusetts sun.
Nantucket>> Cisco Brewers
The Cisco Brewery, located in the midst of kite-shaped Nantucket Island, out in the swells of the North Atlantic, produces some of the best artisan ales in the state. The Whale’s Tale Pale Brew, for starters, is a bready, frothy ale. The light and crushable Sankaty Lager, packed with true American hops, follows. There are even more heady tipples in the style of Russian Imperial Stout and Rumple Drumkin. There’s also a cute little brew pub and winery to visit, which offers tours and tastings every day of the week.
Millers Falls >> Element Brewing Company
The Element Brewing Company is a welcome exception among the earthy and traditional throwback brewers who dominate Massachusetts’ agricultural heartland. This facility, which is located near Millers Falls, is dedicated to advancing beer-making methods with a keen focus on the scientific side of the process. There are no swaying wheat fields or rustic hops here, only the apotheosized xanthohumol chemical formula. There’s a strange line-up of intriguing ales. There’s something for everyone, from the naturally gluten-free Plasma brewed with brown rice and buckwheat to the bone-chilling limited edition Absolute Zero.
Wesport >> Buzzards Bay Brewing
The Buzzards Bay Brewery and Tasting Room is in a fantastic position, nestled among the salt-sprayed coastal fields of southern Massachusetts. Patrons can tour the gardens during the summer while sipping the rich, farm-to-glass beers. Winter offers roaring fire pits and a warm greeting from the locals. The beers are also rather impressive. The tri-malt Moby D, fermented to resemble the top-brewed ales of German Westphalia, and the hoppy Sow and Pigs, lifted straight from Cologne, are only two of them. In the glistening New England sun, these are ideal companions.
Westminster >> Wachusett Brewing Company
Wachusett Brewing Company has a more than 20-year existence. With a slew of honors and accolades decorating their portfolio of country pale ales, dark farmhouse porters, and light IPAs, there’s no doubt these guys are here to stay. Wachusett has grown to become one of the state’s most well-known labels. Blueberry Ale, with its infusions of summer fruit, Larry Imperial IPA, and Milk Stout, a full-bodied cream flow, are among the offerings. On Saturdays, the company’s brewhouse in Westminster offers free sampling sessions and tours.
Worcester >> Wormtown Brewery
Wormtown Brewery has developed tremendously since its first batch was brewed in a disused ice cream factory in Worcester in 2010. The dedicated throng of local customers came first, followed by the seemingly unstoppable success of beers like the unfiltered Be Hoppy IPA. The prestigious Denver International Beer Competition awarded this a gold medal. Wormtown now runs from a brand-new facility in the town’s centre, on Shrewsbury Street. It produces far more high-quality ales and sticks to its home-grown slogan, “A piece of Mass in every glass.”