Best Southern NE Breweries for Newbs

Discussion in 'New England' started by Newport_beerguy, Aug 23, 2019.

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  1. Newport_beerguy

    Newport_beerguy Pooh-Bah (1,860) Feb 24, 2011 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Hey all: I just received a question from someone new to craft beer about where I would recommend for tastings/tours in the area between RI-MA-CT. Being so far from getting into my first craft beer expeditions, what are the best breweries to introduce to those who don't need DDH fruited DIPAs?

    The 2 types of locations I'm probably looking for are either larger operations offering tours/tastings, or small close-knit spots that take time to talk with customers and can make specific recommendations. I don't want to send them to impersonal places that only offer 10 oz/pint pours.

    For MA: I can vouch for Harpoon having a big touring schedule, and Jack's Abby offering tours and generally a nice place for novices to explore. Plus very approachable beers

    For RI/CT: From my previous visits I would feel comfortable sending someone new to a Grey Sail/Beer'd combination. The taproom is very inviting at Grey Sail and Beer'd still does tastings which is great!

    If you have anything else list it here...
     
    #1 Newport_beerguy, Aug 23, 2019
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  2. TreeHouse_Erection

    TreeHouse_Erection Initiate (0) Aug 7, 2018 Connecticut

    For CT, Stony Creek is good for new people. Not sure about tours but it was a very lively atmosphere.
     
    #2 TreeHouse_Erection, Aug 23, 2019
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  3. Witherby

    Witherby Crusader (498) Jan 5, 2011 Massachusetts

    #3 Witherby, Aug 23, 2019
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  4. mrmattosgood

    mrmattosgood Maven (1,301) Nov 6, 2010 Canada (BC)

    If you're sending your friend to Jack's Abby, please instruct that person to head a few minutes down the road to Exhibit A. There's few people in the industry nicer than Matthew Steinberg. Plus, they make perhaps the best Kolsch in America (certainly the region), killer dark beers, and approachable hop-forward stuff.
     
    #4 mrmattosgood, Aug 23, 2019
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  5. TreeHouse_Erection

    TreeHouse_Erection Initiate (0) Aug 7, 2018 Connecticut

    Ouch. The director of operations statement leads me to believe you will be seeing more "copy and paste" offerings like hazy IPAs and pastry stouts in the future offerings of Stony Creek:

    “The American Craft Beer industry has changed,” Rodriguez wrote in a statement. “We need to be honest with our business approach to craft."
     
    #5 TreeHouse_Erection, Aug 23, 2019
  6. AirBob

    AirBob Pooh-Bah (1,742) Jul 15, 2014 Massachusetts
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Allagash has to be the benchmark in NE - great tours, friendly staff, varied tap list, reasonable prices, world class beer, lobster rolls, and free donuts.

    For MA, in addition to Jack's Abby and Exhibit A, Notch might be a good option. The beers are accessible, but all top quality. The atmosphere is pretty relaxed even when it's busy. Plus, since almost everything is low gravity, you can have a couple and still be OK to drive. Only problem is we're entering Halloween season....
     
    #6 AirBob, Aug 23, 2019
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  7. Newport_beerguy

    Newport_beerguy Pooh-Bah (1,860) Feb 24, 2011 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Derrr, exactly right. The "old" Jack's Abby taproom was a great place for a tour and tastes for any level of craft enthusiast I took there in the past, so it stands to reason with the quality of Exhibit A...
     
    #7 Newport_beerguy, Aug 24, 2019
  8. WoolEnthusiast

    WoolEnthusiast Crusader (482) Dec 15, 2018 Connecticut
    Trader

    Fox Farm for CT. It can get busy, but most of the crowd spills out onto the patio, so the taproom stays pretty open and quiet. I think most of the draft options (usually 6-10 of which at least a couple are lagers) are offered in half pours. Staff is super nice.
     
    #8 WoolEnthusiast, Aug 24, 2019
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  9. Newport_beerguy

    Newport_beerguy Pooh-Bah (1,860) Feb 24, 2011 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    That's good maybe when they've gotten a better idea of what they enjoy, but at least one of these people rarely drinks beer at all, so they are really looking for tastings even more so than half pours. But as far as atmosphere, point taken!
     
    #9 Newport_beerguy, Aug 24, 2019
  10. Amendm

    Amendm Pooh-Bah (2,589) Jun 7, 2018 Rhode Island
    Society Pooh-Bah

    CraftRoots in Milford Mass. has a small sorta cozy atmosphere.

    Went there this past Sat., friendly knowledgeable service. I believe it was one of the owners that was behind the bar

    Its an Ale house yet not all about IPAs, great Hefeweizen on tap and a well done Blonde Ale.
    32-oz. Growlettes only for bar to go.
     
    #10 Amendm, Aug 26, 2019
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