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Well hello Western Massachusetts!
Whenever I go out to Western MA, I’m always so enchanted by the quaint little mountainside villages that surround me.
It’s the perfect place for exploring new activities; from hiking trails, to farmers markets, to restaurants, and of course, breweries.
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in life, it’s that quaint villages have the best breweries.
And this is certainly the truth for Western MA (and just about anywhere else in the United States).
Today, I’m going to share with you some of the best Massachusetts breweries, brew pubs, and taprooms, to grab some perfect beers.
Northampton Brewery
Website: https://northamptonbrewery.com/
11 Brewster Ct, Northampton, MA 01060
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One of the most popular breweries in Western MA, Northampton Brewery has been serving up some of Massachusetts’ best craft beer for upwards of 24 years!
Here, beer geeks and casual drinkers alike can enjoy popular favorites such as the Mean Green Double IPA, Black Cat Stout, and many other options available on their rotating tap.
The brewery features a gorgeous rooftop, a delicious restaurant, and a damn good time.
Brew Practitioners
Website : https://brewpractitioners.com/
45 Baldwin St, East Longmeadow, MA 01116
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With one of the best beer selections in all of Massachusetts, the Brew Practitioners are brewing some delicious light beers, dark beers, hazy beers, and more.
Located right outside of Springfield, craft beer drinkers can enjoy New England IPAs, amber ales, lagers, and just about anything else in their brewery, taproom, and beer gardens.
Some popular selections are the Brown Beer, Black Beer Stout, and Orange Pale Ale. Stop by for a drink!
Abandoned Building Brewery
Website: https://www.abandonedbuildingbrewery.com/
142 Pleasant St #103a, Easthampton, MA 01027
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This award winning brewery was birthed in (you guessed it) an abandoned building, and has only gained notoriety from there.
Brewed here are original American & Belgian ales, made from organically and locally grown ingredients.
Some favorites are the Cool Beans cold brew coffee stout, Brickyard Porter, Hoppy Valley IPA, and more.
You can also find fun local events like trivia, live music, and SciTech events. How cool is that?
New City Brewery
Website : https://www.newcitybrewery.com/
180 Pleasant St, Easthampton, MA 01027
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With live music most nights a week, a rotating tap list, and a full kitchen, there’s something for everyone at the Easthampton taproom at New City.
Not only does their on tap brew list include delectable options such as their Valley Flyer Hazy IPA or their 80 Shilling Scottish Ale, they also offer craft made cocktails with their homemade ginger beer, such as a Hibiscus Mule and a Ginger Beer Mimosa.
Complete with a full kitchen, you’ll absolutely love it here.
Fort Hill Brewery
Website: http://www.forthillbrewery.com/
30 Fort Hill Road, Easthampton, MA, 01027
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This great place has been on everyone’s radar since 2014, and it’s no secret as to why.
Traditional German brewing techniques are prevalent here, and you can really tell in the quality of the beer.
Here, beer connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike can enjoy crowd favorites, such as the Hera Pils Czech Pilsner, Bill the Butcher imperial stout, G-Fresh grapefruit juicy IPA, and many more.
You can also find a food truck, live music, and more here; and be sure to bring your dog along!
Barrington Brewery
Website : https://www.barringtonbrewery.net/
420 Stockbridge Rd Unit 4, Great Barrington, MA 01230
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When it comes to sunlight, these guys are no strangers—their beer is 100% solar brewed!
One of the first three brewpubs in MA, Barrington Brewery opened up in 1995, and has been serving ice cold beer, lunch, and dinner six days a week ever since.
This family friendly restaurant is home to many crowd favorites, like the Berkshire Blond, Hopland Pale Ale, Ice Glen IPA, and more.
When it comes to a brewery and a restaurant, it really doesn’t get much better than this!
Big Elm Brewing
Website : https://www.bigelmbeer.com/
65 Silver St, Sheffield, MA 01257
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With two Western MA taprooms with indoor and outdoor seating, Big Elm Brewery has been serving up the people of Sheffield since 2012, serving nothing but beers and smiles.
Their draft list includes both year round as well as rotating tap selections, including their ever so popular 413 Farmhouse Ale, American Lager, Gerry Dog Stout, Lion’s Ale, and many other crowd favorites that you are guaranteed to enjoy.
Oftentimes, you’ll be able to find trivia, food trucks, live music, and even yoga at the taprooms.
Stop by for a visit!
Shire Beer Co
Website : https://www.shire.beer/
63 Flansburg Ave, Dalton, MA 01226
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Good food and brews are served at this local beer garden and restaurant, and they’re both incredible.
Some of their popular beers include their Camp Lager, Eatin’ Junk and Watching Rubbish, Fireman’s Red Ale, and many others. Whether it’s just one of their popular drafts or a flight, you know you’ll be drinking a delicious cup of good cheer when you drink at Shire.
They also feature a full menu of appetizers, handhelds, entrees, and family style dishes.
If you’re looking for a good time, this is your place!
Wandering Star Craft Brewery
Wandering Star Craft Brewery Facebook Page
11 Gifford St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
This 15 barrel production brewery and taproom in the heart of the Berkshires is open on the weekends for growler sales and samples, and is a local favorite among the residents of Pittsfield and everyone passing through.
When you think about what your standard impression of a “brewery” would be, I’d be willing to bet your mind goes to a place like the Wandering Star tasting room.
A community oriented location with a rotating draft list, Wandering Star Craft Brewery has received numerous accolades over the years, even crowned as a winner of 100 beers to try before you die.
If that doesn’t sell ya, I don’t know what will!
Bright Ideas Brewing
Website : https://www.brightideasbrewing.com/
111 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
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Right on the Mass MoCA campus is a haven for beer lovers, museum goers, and casual drinkers alike.
Bright Ideas Brewing has been voted best brewery in the Berkshires for 5 years straight, and it’s no secret as to why. With popular flavors such as the Boema, Hop & Olive, Highbrow, and more, this great brewery has begun distributing their innovative beer selections all over Western MA.
So the next time you’re in the area, whether it’s to explore the museum or the beauty of the land around you, stop by for a pint!
Westfield River Brewing
Website : http://www.westfieldriverbrewing.com/
707 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077
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This weekend taproom and event venue is serving up delicious craft cocktails, beer, and food, right in the heart of Southwick.
You’re probably familiar with their Orange Creamsicle IPA, Dopplebock German Double, and Coastal Haze New England IPA, because they’re so popular around here. Other brews are on draft constantly and on a rotating basis.
From live music, to events, to their locally craft cocktails and food, you don’t want to miss out on visiting this great place!
Amherst Brewing Company
Website : https://www.amherstbrewing.com/
10 University Dr, Amherst, MA 01002
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Hangar Pub and Grill and Amherst Brewing have meshed together for the best beer and wings combo there ever was!
Amherst Brewing has been a Western MA staple for 25 years and counting, partnering with UMass Amherst to create their own signature beer, Massachusetts Lager. Other core beers include Juliette IPA, Honey Pilsner, North Pleasant Pale Ale, and more.
Name a better way to spend a day in the Berkshires—you can’t.
Berkshire Brewing Company
Website : https://www.berkshire-brewing.com/
12 Railroad St, South Deerfield, MA 01373
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This small batch brewery specializes primarily in ales and lagers, which you don’t often find around here.
All of the beers are unfiltered and unpasteurized with a broad range of year round and seasonal brews.
Popular beers include Apuckalips Wow Sour Ale, Berkshire Lager, Drayman’s Porter, and more.
This great spot is also BYOF, allowing you to enjoy the local taste of popular Berkshire area eateries as you enjoy all of the fresh beer that this brewery has to offer.
Other Great Breweries:
- Brick & Feather Brewery
- Tree House Brewing Company
- Two Weeks Notice Brewing Company
- Bright Ideas Brewing
- Iron Duke Brewing
- Tin Bridge Brewing
- Element Brewing
- Flood Water Brewing
- White Lion Wednesdays
- Black Birch
