I came to ask a question, but there's nowhere for it, so I figured I'd reintroduce this thread. Let's hear about some brewery visits or curiosities you have outside of the big names that have their own dedicated threads. Okay, I was interested in the Silvaticus Winter Lager. Anyone had it? I've got time (and my birthday) this weekend. I thought I might make a quick trip up there for a beer or two and then something to take home for the weekend of football.
Just go, and try everything(within driving reason) They make some of the best beer in the Northeast, leaning heavily into German style. Their hoppy game(though limited) is also clear and fantastic. Oblivion is just dark and delicious. Hopefully they still have Longshadow pouring. Trust me, your German taste buds will thank me. And this isn’t just because I live 20 min north of there. I stumbled into there on a whim one day and was shocked. Made a few friends that day who are still close to me to this day. We got to know all of the staff, owners and brew crew. Which makes me confident to advocate for them. They truly do care so much about the products they present. It’s also pretty inside.
Will second the love for Silvaticus- might be my second favorite MA brewery behind Notch. I am further away, so don't get there as often. But the vibes are great, the beer is all excellent, and I would highly recommend. I brought the kids one time years ago because there was a dog adoption event on the patio, so they got to meet a bunch of dogs and had a great time. My daughter still talks about that being her favorite brewery to hang out at, both because of the dogs and the giant pretzel served with beer cheese.
My wife and I love long weekend getaways and road trips. There’s nothing better than finding a small town beer or food festival within a half a days drive and having a great time there. The bonus is having some credit card or hotel points to burn and get a free room, and to visit the other 2 or 3 breweries or taprooms in the area. Also the other attractions, museums, historic sites and interesting things we happen to find along the way. Always take pictures, and a cooler to bring some back some beer of course. And add a review of the brewery and beer. It was just a few months ago we were in Connecticut where my wife used to live visiting some friends . We hit several breweries on that trip. NewSylum, Charter Oak, among a few others. Thanks for starting this thread!
I agree with everything here and then some. I live north of Portland and will easily drive by all of what we have here to go to Silvaticus. I hope they never distribute and make us all continue to have to drive to the source.
Silvaticus and Amory Tomb's are 2 of the best small breweries in this region. They are always a must stop if you enjoy quality beverage that is not IPA. Went 2 weeks ago and snagged the last 2 bottles of Long Shadow and it was phenomenal on tap. Marquis Du Spruce was excellent. best Spruce beer I've ever had. Helles with a Christmas tree pine scent.
I’ll fourth(?) the Silvaticus love. They’re easily a top five, and possibly a top three New England brewery for me. Been many times and I’ve had countless first sips with the only response being “whoa”.
Just looking over their current beer list is making my mouth water. Especially these three. Long Shadow Baltic Porter Released once a year, this big dark brew is aged in bourbon and maple syrup barrels for 12-24 months before being finished on vanilla beans & cocoa nibs. 11% ABV Humor Rye Lager This festive amber lager is brewed with a high percentage of rye malt for a spicy, earthy flavor profile. 5.0% ABV Oblivion Black Lager Our signature Black Lager has kept old friends and newcomers alike coming back for more since its debut, and we can’t blame them! We love its clean malt character accentuated by notes of coffee, bakers chocolate, and pumpernickel bread, sessionable ABV, and entrancing silky smooth mouthfeel despite deep, rich, dark color. 4.8% ABV
Nice score. Last year I went to grab the last two as well. Then I heard someone murmur about a bottle coming up behind me so I just grabbed one. Not quite as cool. But it was delicious.
Does Silvaticus distribute? I hardly ever pass through that area, but would love to try their beer if it makes its way a little southwest.
Yeah it sucks. I’m closer to them now. I’ve been to a store in Amesbury too and don’t recall seeing anything. I think it’s all from the tap room.
I usually go for pours first and then ask for cans or bottles before I leave. As soon as I asked for the pour of LS, the server goes "Oh shit, there's only 2 bottles left" and I just opened my eyes wide and immediately grabbed them. I'm glad I was able to like you said. Super tasty.
Sometimes I wish they did, but Amesbury has a really nice Downtown with 3 breweries so it's worth the trip. it's a good time of the year to go since 495 North is not a shitshow until the Summer comes. I'm in Bolton so it's a 45ish min drive from me.
A week ago, went to Evil Twin in DUMBO. Some really interesting beers, though they didn’t have any strong stouts, which is what I was interested in. real dive though No food Somewhat of a hassle to get to if you didn’t have a car