This company is one of the more confusing things I've seen in craft beer recently They seem to have no shortage of revenue (multiple locations, new building in Seaport) despite putting out absolutely mediocre beer Their Newtonian cans have "Brewed in Williamsbury MA" which is not even a real town. It seems like a fake operation but it's not. Is their brew your own beer model really financing the seemingly super fast growth of this company? I know the owner is reviled among the local beer folks for some shady dealings and I can't wrap my head around why they are successful What's the deal?
I think they make a very pretty penny on the BYO model as it seems like a very untapped market (especially with such close proximity to Boston). I know countless people who have done it for birthday, work functions, family parties, etc. It's a cool idea and they seem to execute it well. But in my opinion, they should stick with that. I've had their commercially available beer once and it was an instant drain pour. I've have beer brewed with Christmas gift homebrew kits that was better executed. It was just an absolute mess.
Their Newtonian cans have "Brewed in Williamsbury MA" which is not even a real town. ------------------- Got a chuckle out of this. Didn't Craft Beer Cellar catch some flack because they refuse to carry their beer?
I believe they did some sort of equity crowdfunding for new space. The Hopsters in Newton used to be packed all the time, but I don't think it's nearly as busy as it once was. Chalk that up to a weird set-up (bright lights, steamy room), mediocre beers, and an often drunk a-hole owner.
I don't think anyone gave CBC flack over not carrying Hopsters. It was more the Down the Road and Bent Water ban, as well as the communication of it, that pissed people off.
Brewed beer there once and it was a fun experience. Tried their beer while there, was not a fan. Sounds like this is the consensus.
