Tree House (2025)

Lots I want to try there right now between MJ, Haze Machine, the new NZ one, and the double barrel barleywine. Thought about stopping by the pru today but if I start going every time something new and good comes out I’m going to end up with too much beer and having spent too much $$. Will probably try to swing over there this weekend once there’s a bit more feedback online about which of these is best.

 

I find that they have a regimented system for buying and ordering, expect you to know it, and have litter tolerance if you 'make a mistake' (and their beer is so damn good you don't really mind). Every time I go, it's something.

Per Wikipedia: ...known as the "Soup ****" due to his insistence on a strict manner of behavior while placing an order, but his soups are so outstandingly delicious that the stand is constantly busy.

I also find most of the employees to be disintersted or aloof. The time before last I went to order some cans in the shop and the guy said 'can't you just order online?'. I replied that I was right there, and he sighed and went to the production area to get my beer. While I was waiting, his colleague was talking to a guy who 'wasn't really into beer'. He popped a can offered the guy a sample of a beer I had never heard of. I asked about the hops, which he said he had no idea about, and then I asked if I could try a bit. I have been homebrewing for years and appreciate nuances of beer, but the employee regarded me with disdain, like some bum just out for a freebe. He seemed like he'd rather pour it down the drain while looking me in the eye than give me a dixie cup from an already opened can.

And I used to think Trillium was bad...

 

If you are complaining about their online ordering system you probably don't remember the days in Charlton of being directed to park in the lower lot, making the walk up the hill before waiting "in" 90 minute lines, filling out a paper ticket with what you wanted to order and hoping they didn't run out of the 2PP limit on whatever cans you did order. I find their website and ordering system to be amazing. I was "on" the Cape this summer, crossed over the Sagamore Bridge, pulled over into a parking lot, placed an order on my phone and within 10 minutes the beer was in my car and I was on my way. I was also in Boston last month and placed an order at the Pru-Center and they brought it to my car. What other business of any kind in downtown Boston is bringing your purchase to your car while you sit in it? It probably exists somewhere, but I am not aware of any other Brewery that provides that level of service to it's customers.

 

Is this really something that happened? I would be extremely surprised

 

Looks like they've re-branded the coffee with new tall/slim cans. Looks good, but also looks like it could be a hard seltzer or energy drink

 

Not to defend the person equating Tree House to the fictional Soup-**** but, from what I could tell his issue was that the employee (who is probably asked by his employer to encourage patrons to follow the rules for ordering beer) seemed put out for having to cater to a customer who wanted things done "my way".
Also, the co-worker within close proximity (who likely witnessed the interaction and thought "That guy is a total shit bag. I'm going to give this other person a great customer experience right in front of him while he waits for his beer") who didn't offer him a pour of the can he opened and shared with another customer even though he made it awkwardly obvious he, too would enjoy a taste.
I could be wrong.
As someone with only a modest amount of experience working in customer service, there is a better way to handle it assuming the employee he was dealing with did give off an air of inconvenience. But, Tree House has their ordering system in place for a reason, maybe they find it more efficient and accurate, easier to track, I don't know. However, it's the system they use and do their best to have their customers follow it. Personally, I have no problem with it.
It's a weak analogy though as they DID get their beer instead of being asked to leave and not come back.

 

I would describe the tree house experience as for enthusiasts only when you had to buy draft tickets online for every drink but have had nothing but great service there since they changed to a normal pay the bar system

 

I have never had a bad customer service experience at Tree House. Going back to when I was new to the whole "line" thing.

But obviously that doesn't mean other people haven't had negative experiences. With the amount of customers they serve on a daily basis there's no way they are batting 1.000.

 

Wait, you can buy drinks directly at the bar now?

 

Been that way for a long time now. Typically no drink limits during the week.

But also, why do I need 4-5+ beers onsite at a brewery…even if they are on the lower abv side. And I know not everyone has a DD. Thats what take home is for. So I’ve never understood folks being bummed about a 3 drink limit.

 

If you're having less than three how are you going to be calm enough to take a left out of Charlton when heading home? Harrowing. My nerves need calming just thinking of it.

 

I heard a rumor the drink limit (initially two drinks) was put in place because of Charlton. There was a bad drunk driving accident due to that left (and ya know, due to being drunk) and they brought the hammer down.

They applied to other sites for consistency.

Eventually it went to three drinks as the town loosened up, probably due to realizing how much revenue the brewery is bringing in.

 

Yup, I posted this in last year's thread. I was pleasantly surprised. The move is to avoid the brewery Friday-Sunday, super chill otherwise.

Going on a Monday afternoon is super chill, great place to hang out when it's not slammed. I also didn't know there were no drink limits during the week, including just being able to go up to the bar and order and pay.

Agreed. I only cared about the drink tickets. Three drinks is plenty, I rarely have more than that at a taproom. The average ABV is probably 6-8% most places, that'll catch up with you quick.

 

I can't imagine going to a brewery and getting plastered off 8 glasses of Fudge. But hey, if you have a driver you do you.

 

If you ask nicely they'll let you do a kegstand on the barleywine taps. Just say that Nate said it's OK.

 

What's the line like for that? 3rd light post?

 

Starts in Monson. There's a secret shuttle.

 

I don't believe this would be true, because as soon as TH started having scheduled draft times, the 2PP limit was immediately the default, as far as I remember, and was def in place Jan 2018 at the very latest.

 

Yeah, I doubt it’s true either. I imagine it would have been a major story. They did start offering draft pours in 2017, but they were very limited.

If anything they’ve been one of the more responsible breweries regarding this.

 

I'm glad that's been your experience (really); it has not been mine. The last two times have featured long waits, confusion and even longer faces. I did actually get a smile from an employee for the first time.

I guess these are just first-world problems. The old system does indeed sound much worse. I remember hearing about hours-long lines and limits.

In any case, they are the best IPA brewery out there IMHO, so it's not like I am going to quit going there. I am sipping on a Milky Julius right now and it's awesome.

Cheers