They are in Sturbridge, MA. Just wanted to get some info or recommendations. They have a 11% ABV DIPA. Availability? Is it worth the trip to get some of their stuff?
Tree House sounds great but some stories talk about getting there waiting then not getting the beer you wanted. I know I am not speaking in with 1st hand experience so excuse the lack of knowledge. Just want a place I can stop in quick and pick up beer and hit the road.
In the Worcester area? Wormtown does growler fills, unfortunately they do not do fills of Be Hoppy but I wish they did. They do however will have fresh Be Hoppy in bottles among other bottle offerings. I've never had any Pioneer beers so can't help you there. If you do have the time in the future, go to Treehouse, bring some food and hang out while you wait for your growler fills. You don't wait in a line, you fill out a card with your fills and you can chill out on the grounds. After you get your fills bring some of them to BT Smokehouse which is BYOB and some say the best BBQ in Mass. For any beer geek in Mass it is worth the trip (40 minutes from Worcester).
I'd say take a chance on Tree House in Brimfield, which has acquired a sterling reputation pretty quickly. I haven't been to/had Pioneer in maybe five years now, so seek further opinions, but back then their brews were pretty good but unremarkable and no better than a bunch of things you could grab at your local packy.
I like Pioneer. Their Into the Woods vienna lager is super duper tasty, and the pale ale is nice. Haven't tried the DIPA or imperial brown in a long while, but I liked them both at the time. The growlers aren't cheap- 12.50 or so for the IPA, more for the doubles, but the samplers are like 4 or 5 4oz pours for 6 bucks, and a pint is $5 (I think the doubles/imperials are 12oz for $5). As an added bonus, you can also try/buy a couple High Horse beers, since Pioneer contract brews for them-- Lady K IPA is fucking awesome if you've never tried it. Also to note: Pioneer and Tree House are literally no more than 15 minutes from each other, maybe even closer. If there's a line at Tree House, you can probably put your order in, scoot to Pioneer for a pint and some fills, and be back in time to pick up your stuff at TH.
Might just have to visit both and get some High Horse too. Great to see MA beers getting some high praise. Looked at ACBF highlights and Tree House is getting talked about more!
First, I would have to agree with you on the Vienna Lager. Good stuff!! But to clarify. Yes, technically we can call what we do 'contract brewing', and yes High Horse beers are brewed at Pioneer. Of course, I do ALL recipe concept and design, wort production, and process control. Shaun, the head brewer at Pioneer is not only a good friend, he is also an accomplished and capable brewer. He offers a very watchful eye on my beers as they ferment and condition in his cellar. shaun also cleans and racks my kegs for me. WHAT A GUY! I am also quite happy to say that Pioneer does serve a couple of our beers in their rotation and currently, Minx Saison and Lady K APA with Simcoe are pouring in the SteinHall. Of course, anyone interested in learning more about the High Horse way and checking out our amazing space, farm fresh food, and all our beers. Swing into Amherst any day! We serve food everyday 11am-midnight.
