Lesser Known Gems

I like this thread idea. I've got nothing, but still. I like this thread idea.

 

What is Canned Heat like?

 

On my list of breweries to hit is River Styx. Based on what they're putting out consistently and the little shine they get, they definitely deserve a mention in a thread like this.

 

Good one! My buddy raves about them but I am literally never in the area. My only hope is that their distro spreads a little further.
I can't tell from your post, have you been?

 

River Styx is great. With two younger kids, we have visited twice while staying at the Great Wolf Lodge, as it is about ten minutes away.
Taproom is kid friendly, with lots of board games to play, and some bean bag toss boards as well.
Beer is great, mostly in the IPA, DIPA and boozy stout vein. But all well done. And the owner Jackie is great to talk with.

 

also need to mention my favorite Merrimack Valley brewery, Navigation in Lowell. Place is a great hang, as it is inside a large multi room art studio. So you can drink some beers and then browse around some cool art.
Beers are always excellent, and they frequent!y have some good food trucks parked outside too.

 

Thanks for the tip, I'm doing that wolf lodge trip soon with a toddler and was hoping a river styx visit could work.

 

Well enjoy. Wish I was closer to River Styx to get over there more often.
One word of advice too, the food at Great Wolf is far from great, and overpriced as well. So if you decide to leave the premises for a meal, check out Rye & Thyme in Leominster. 15 or 20 minute drive, but fantastic food and awesome taplist.

 

Totally agree that Buzzards Bay Brewing is one of the most beautiful brewery spots I’ve ever seen. The beer...calling it mediocre is being nice.
My wife is convinced it would be one of the most trafficked breweries in the state if they hired a top-notch brewmaster.

Never had a drop of the stuff, but my friend who lives in Plymouth swears by the IPAs at 2nd Wind.

 

I think Buzzards Bay makes better wine than beer. Beautiful area for sure. I’d move to the area if they hook it up with an electric train line.

 

A place I really enjoy that rarely gets mentioned is Fore River in South Portland. Just a few minutes away from the popular Portland spots and always a fun time.
Mellow vibe, above average beer in a lot of styles, multiple pour size options.
The live music they bring in is also always great.
Large outdoor area when the weather is nice too.

 

There are a number of “lesser known” breweries in MA that I love. A few to start...

Number one would be Barnstable Brewing on The Cape. Excellent beers and super cool people. I don’t think they’ll be “lesser known” for long though. A must visit.

I also love Barrel House Z in Weymouth. Unique styles aged in barrels ranging from red wine to tequila and ABV’s ranging from 5 to 15%. Small spot but very cool with cool people.

Shovel Town in Easton is also a cool little gem. Very good brews but if you go on a weekend evening be prepared for a large crowd.

There are a many more but these immediately came to mind

 

I have been to Canned Heat three times in 2019 and enjoyed the location and vibe. The staff was friendly and knew their stuff. Juelz, Suppah, What Up Homeboy are solid beers for example. Now that they are in distro, I occasionally pick up cans at CBC Norfolk.

 

River Styx is great. Very cool place. My only issue is the few times ive been, the tap list is overwhelmingly full of 8% or higher beers, just tough of you have a drive

 

Tin Bridge in Westfield Mass. located in the east end right on Rt. 20 in a former Italian restaurant next to an excellent liquor store with an exceptional array of beer in an enormous former 1940s-style quonset hut bowling alley, has a fine array of their own brews, live weekend music and a food truck just outside. Tends to be very crowded, but fun. Go downtown later and hit Wings over Westfield for two bars, another great beer selection and a wide variety of late night meals and snacks. A half hour north just off Rt. 10 is Progression Brewery, lots of space and very good beer in downtown Northampton, live weekend music, and free water once you have reached your personal alcohol limit! In between is Easthampton, known for its pure artesian well water, which has attracted no less than three breweries, topped by Fort Hill and Abandoned Building, both with excellent beer and weekend live music.

 

I visited last week. I liked it. Mostly NEIPAs and DIPAs but some sour-esque beers. Thought the prices were high for Fall River. I'd go back.

 

That's a understatement on the food at GWL- it is bad, really bad.... You could also check out the Gardner Ale House in downtown Gardner. The downtown area leaves a lot to be desired, but the ale house has well priced and delicious food, welcoming interior, and the beer is decent. It is also close to Great Wolf lodge.