Tree House (2025)

Nate did hit a homer(roll double) over Charlton

@DigitalNate

 

Beer scene kind of fading a bit, so not much hype these days. Really hope TH didn't over extend themselves with all the expansion. I know they draw crowds, but I can't imagine their operating costs and how much they might increase given the global economy right now/going forward

 

Someone on the Western Mass subreddit balked at the $2000 price to rent out a room for a birthday party at Deerfield and asked the fine people of Reddit if they should just show up and take over a bunch of tables instead.

Apparently I'm the asshole for saying that that'd be a total dick move (that I've seen people do a ton of times, but still doesn't make it any less of a dick move.)

 

If I were a redditer I would be right there with you.

 

Charlton on Saturday was exactly that - tough to get a seat in the backroom when at least two of the big tables were claimed by a party group - plus masses of groups of kids everywhere (it's OK to bring your kid to a brewery if you choose to but seeing huddles of children together sitting on the floor didn't seem optimal). Bizarre scene. Probably didn't help that there was snow on the ground outside on what normally would have been a good spring day.

 

The fact that a parent is considering using any amount of money at brewery, for a birthday party(outside of an adult birthday, which we know it never is) Is sick and bad parenting.

There is legitimately no actual reason, any child, should have a birthday at a brewery. It’s not a fun zone, it’s not a restaurant, it’s a glorified bar made for people 21+.

It has to be one of the most self absorbed and concerning problems, that parents think this is ever acceptable. You are creating a party for the other adults. You have no interests in the children’s happiness.

Then again, this is also a lot of newer parents or people who are new to craft beer industry. Who really don’t give a shit about it, but found it through other parents. At home, it’s still mostly Bud lite and white claw. Mom drinks wine. Dad always yuks it up about bourbon during draft nights. This is why they don’t respect breweries and tap rooms.

I know I’m right, as I’ve heard it from loosely acquainted parents. Who I’m not much of a fan of.

Oh well, fight me!

I kid, I kid…

It should be stated this is very much separate from visiting a brewery with your children responsibly here and there. That’s not something to create issue. Until your parenting allows it to become one.

Matt, this has nothing to do with you and family.

This was in response to the Reddit creeps.

 

seems odd to assume a birthday gathering at a brewery would definitely be for a child. a group of 20 would be no problem at Deerfield especially if they’re willing to be outside as the Reddit post states.

 

They tend to be the birthday parties we all see.

Actually seems normal to assume that. Especially when in a post I made above my last, included speaking with an employee 2 weeks ago who was complaining about families taking over multiple tables for kids birthdays and leaving all the cake and cupcakes to be cleaned up, kids running around, etc. It was their top complaint.

I’m just sharing what’s being observed.

 

I go to multiple breweries weekly, completely agree with @Jbrews. It's mostly children's birthday parties.

And it's definitely the number one complaint at breweries, not just Tree House.

It's unfair to the children, the staff, and other patrons.

I was at a brewery last week and someone called to ask if they could accommodate a party of 50 people...that day. Of course they can't guarantee that unless you pay for a designated space ahead of time. The dude just said, "Well, I already told everyone we're going there."

Taprooms have created this sense of entitlement where people feel they can just show up and do this. At a proper restaurant you'd have to reserve a room or large table, or go to a business that caters to children (and again, reserve the space).

 

Agreed. We just did Em’s mom’s 70th. We spent multiple thousands to do it at a restaurant.

Now, adults renting out the space for a get together or party. Totally understand and I support that 100%. But also unusual people are checking on renting a space for a “birthday party” for another adult. If anything, they should also understand that shit is just expensive. Maybe they don’t offer the same amount of options a full restaurant would. But you’re also asking to reserve retail space for what is considered one of the most sought after and highest rated breweries on planet earth. Let alone, one of the best to have ever existed on earth. Not that anyone has to agree with that. But you’d be hard pressed to find many others that can top what they have done. Especially once you step outside of the BA crowd. Supply and demand my fine people. Most of them being in New England, West Coast and Belgium. I guess Germany to an extent and Pislen.

 

Haven't been in weeks but may try to get there tomorrow as there are finally a bunch of 5% pale ales on. Coach, Fastest Known Time, Earth Day, and Unity.

 

Mago and Parel as well

 

We made our first ever stop at TH Charlton on our way home from Salem today. Met a good friend who lives 5 mins away. He tried to steer us to another brewery knowing damn well how crowded it would be, but I’m stubborn and wanted to have a pour there before picking up cans. Should have listened and grabbed cans and went somewhere else. My god, do people routinely go on weekends and deal with those lines? Absolutely absurd. I get that the weather definitely played a part today, but still. Great brewery, great setting, never again.

 

It's a completely different place on the weekends/before a holiday. During the week it's pretty chill.

 

I'm too old to tolerate the weekend crowds and their attitudes. The midweek experience is completely opposite. I went on a weds recently. 2pm and there might have been 50 people. No kids (except infants) and only a couple of dogs.

 

We swung through today to grab coffee and Mirror to go. Was supposed to get Cookies n cream latte today, but apparently it sold out instantly Saturday. Their first five online sales of the day were for the latte and it never stopped according to the employee. But another drop coming.

We couldn’t stay for pours after Easter festivities, but today was the day to be there. More crowded than you’d expect on Easter. But in reality, it was dead this evening around 6:00. Quite comfortable and plenty of space. We just used the bathroom and split.

I should add, that Mirror is excellent.

 

I'll only go on a weekend if it's in the winter. It's just not enjoyable when it gets that crowded. Pretty insane how it still gets like that even with 5+ locations.

 

I grabbed some cans from TH Woodstock - They were decently busy for a Friday at 2pm. Helped that the weather was cooperating.

 

Eureka Citra is back.

All is well in the world.

 

The product, is really just that good.

No Brewery, no matter how cool the spot is, can drive that kind of traction without incredible products.

They earned it. Having to deal with all the BS in Monson and Brimfield to get there.