Pioneer Trailblazer Release

I haven't had the beer, so I can't say if the hour and a half drive is worth it, but if you don't mind driving another 30 minutes or so south, New England Brewing Company (growlers of IPAs and dark beers) and OEC Brewing (bottles and growlers of sours) are both worthwhile stops.

OEC is generally only open on Saturdays, but there is usually someone there in the afternoon most days and if you call ahead, they'll still sell you bottles and pre-filled growlers (although no onsite pours except Saturdays).

 

Whether it's worth the drive is up to you. I've gone a couple of times and it's a good beer, but not mind blowing or anything. People try to compare it to Julius, but it is nothing like that. It's juicy with an earthyness kind of like a Trillium brew. I find there is a lingering bitterness. Last time I went, it was ~1:00 and I had to wait 30 minutes. The line isn't huge, but they only had one register going.

 

I wouldn't drive 90 minutes for a Trailblazer release, but that's my opinion. As for stops, Relic and Firefly Hollow may be worth it.

Personally, I would look to enjoy some Honest Weight, Brick and Feather, or Amherst if you are in Western MA. All of which have been better than the Trailblazer I have had.

 

Even if you're in Lenox, go to Trillium instead.

But Relic in Plainville may be best addition based on route/proximity. They have a new DIPA can release tomorrow.

 

no
no
no
imho

 

Skip pioneer and hit up the #nofilter release at hooker instead. Wayyy better

 

I second Brick &Feather, they have some great beers!!! Went a couple weeks ago and there was only a few people in line before open it was awesome! Check them out before they blow up......

 

The problem with Pioneer is you never know what you're going to get. I've had 4 batches; two with issues, one very bad, one pretty good. The inconsistency is the only constant.

 

Milking this as long as possible, so no one create a separate thread?

 

Four breweries in CT doing canned NEIPA releases in the span of 24 hours! A fun game of follow the leader!

 

Relic, Pioneer, and Back East...which one am I forgetting?

 

I screwed up. Armada's was bottled. Wait, no, I didn't. Hooker.

 

Well, Relic's cans were brewed and canned at Hooker, so maybe it is only 3 "breweries" ???

 

another option in western Mass that beats Pioneer and not mentioned yet:
BLDG 8 in Northampton = killer non-hazy IPA & DIPA.

Only had brick & feather at the Julio's tasting in the fall, but they were awesome. can't wait to see them package their stuff.

 

A CASE of Sip? How did you pull that off?