Notch Brewing (2019)

The picture on Notch’s IG account from yesterday afternoon showed a huge line to get into the taproom. Is that typical for weekends up there in October? I know October in Salem is big with tourists. Wife and I will be in Salem today, and she is graciously allowing me a stop at Notch “if I behave”. But she may change her mind if she sees a line like that. What other options do I have? I know there is a Beer Works, but not super excited about that choice.

Note to all the ghouls, goblins, ghosts, et al going to Salem today: please skip Notch so I can get in.

 

Salem, especially the area around Notch, is super crowded through out September and October. I'd expect today to be especially crowded due to the weather and the MDA Witch Ride.

 

Good God. Full of tourists is an understatement. I will never set foot in Salem during Sept. - Oct. ever again. What a shit show. I knew it got busy up there, but it was about 10x more crowded than I anticipated. And truthfully, there really isn’t much to see. I’ve seen all the “attractions” before, and, well....Anyway, lots of out-of-state plates. Tons of New Yorkers. It has always amazed me that a 300 year-old government-sponsored injustice makes for a good tourist attraction. That’s just me. Can a guy just get a liter of delicious session beer! Throw me a fricken’ bone, Salem!

 

On another note Fodderstompf is quite nice.

 

So you made it inside?

 

No...but a friend of mine did get in and brought me a 4 pack. Tried one last night and enjoyed it.

 

Not sure if this was already official but...bingo

https://www.boston.com/food/beer/2019/10/15/notch-brewing-brewery-brighton-charles-river-speedway

 

I saw "a plot at the intersection of Soldier’s Field Road and Western Avenue" in the article and thought "Awesome! This is walkable from Harvard/Central!" And then I realized it's the *other* intersection of Soldier's Field Road and Western Ave. Still, a great location and a cool building. I'm glad it will be close to so many bus routes.

 

I'm not familiar with this building - is it on the Boston side of the bridge to Arsenal Street Watertown?

 

yes on the boston side- it's an old horse stable that has been boarded/vacant up for years. Great location (and only a 7 minute walk from my office).

 

Since I live in Central MA and work in Harvard Square, I could not be happier about this. I shall never have to go to Salem again!

 

It's closer than Salem from the Merrimack Valley, but barely ... Damn. I cleaned out my shed for those tanks for nothing.

 

Same, I live about 2 miles away and ride by that almost every day....dreams fulfilled!

 

yeah this is walking distance from my office and i'm straight up chuffed.

 

I googled this and am I right that it's only about a half mile from Deep Ellum?

 

No, more like a mile (and not the prettiest walk or bike ride -- involves crossing the Pike).
https://goo.gl/maps/nPrn4Q6tg5JuWd9f6

 

About halfway between Deep Ellum and Branch Line for those of us who navigate in terms of beer destinations. :-)

 

Group of friends: Hey, want to check out a new brewery this weekend?
@huuvola: Nah, walk isn't pretty enough for me.
Group: Why do we even talk to you?

 

Don't attack my shitty walk cred! I once walked from Night Shift in Everett to Mystic in Chelsea. Compared to that, the trip from Deep Ellum to Future Notch is a stroll through an idyllic Berkshire meadow. :-)

 

Also that hypothetical walk goes by Big Daddy's which has the best chicken parm in town.