Posted in Massachusetts
April 02, 2019
Take The Massachusetts Brewery Trail For A Weekend You’ll Never Forget
It seems like there’s never been a better time to be a craft beer fan. With new breweries popping up left and right, you have your pick of awesome taprooms to check out in Massachusetts. In fact, you can even embark on a weekend brewery trail adventure.
The total drive-time of this trip is about 5 hours. You can check out the route and get driving directions here.
Though there are plenty more breweries in Massachusetts than the ones listed here, we’ve only included spots that offer both taprooms and a tour of the facilities.
You trip starts off on Cape Cod, where Cape Cod Beer is busy brewing beverages that appeal to locals and visitors. This is the Cape’s only microbrewery, and they offer beer on draught and growlers. Guided tours happen once a day except when the brewery is closed on Sundays. You can also can take a self-guided tour during retail hours. (1336 Phinneys Ln., Hyannis)
Mayflower Brewing is a craft beer microbrewery that sits just over the bridge in Plymouth. It was actually founded in 2007 by the tenth great grandson of John Alden, the beer barrel Cooper who sailed on the actual Mayflower. They specialize in high-quality ales that will delight your tastebuds. Don’t miss their 398 double IPA. (12 Resnik Rd., Plymouth)
This little brewery with a very enigmatic name makes unique and slightly zany beer. Stop by for a delicious burger and a taste of brews like Boston Cream Stout and DDH Saturation. You can hop on a tour of the brewery at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Tours are free, guided, and include a complimentary tasting flight. (174 Williams St., Chelsea)
Wandering Star Brewing is a quirky microbrewery in Pittsfield. They offer tastings, flights, and tours. Don’t forget to try their Wobbly Pop New England IPA. You can experience a tour of the brewery on Saturdays between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., which is also when the brewery tasting room is open. (11 Gifford St., Pittsfield)
Element Brewing fuses styles and flavors together to produce beer that truly has to be tasted. Be sure to try their Lunar Eclipse brew over a game of pool and a plate of yummy food. They offer tours on demand between noon and 6 p.m., every day except Wednesday and Saturday. (30 Bridge St., Millers Falls)
This brewery was started by three college buddies in 1993. Since then, they’ve taken to brewing delicious beer like Wally Juice New England IPA with all-natural blood orange and their Winter Spiced Belgian Strong Ale. You can take a tour of the brewery every day of the week except Monday and Tuesday. The tours are free. (175 State Rd., Westminster)
If you can never decide between having beer or wine, this is the place for you. Nashoba Valley Winery and Brewery makes all its own wine and craft beer right on premises, so you can chat with the knowledgeable staff about everything from the hops to the best serving temperature. Tours are $10 per person and are held on weekends. (100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., Bolton)
Idle Hands is Boston’s only "nanobrewery." They make hand-crafted beer that blend Belgian styles with American ideas. Private tours are available by scheduling an appointment. There is a minimum of eight people per tour, and each tour $5 per person, including a souvenir tasting glass. (3 Charlton St., Boston)
What’s your favorite brewery in Massachusetts? Share and let us know in the comments. For more tasty beer in the Bay State, check out this hidden farm brewery.
