Five Massachusetts Breweries Worth a Summer Road Trip
From the North Shore to Western Mass. to Cape Cod.
Photograph by Bob O’Connor
Central Mass.
Tree House
Pictured: One of the world’s most celebrated breweries is just an hour’s drive from Boston, and its taproom is the only place pouring these coveted beers on draft. Hours are limited, so check before you trek, but Saturdays always feature food trucks, live music, and hazy IPAs.
129 Sturbridge Road, Charlton, 413-523-2367, treehousebrew.com.
North Shore
Silvaticus
Sip German- and Belgian-style brews in the old-world ambiance of the brick beer hall or while listening to the sounds of the Powow River from the dog-friendly beer garden. Inside and out, this former mill building provides a picturesque place to enjoy pints and bites such as a cheese plate from nearby Wolf Meadow Farm.
9 Water St., Amesbury, 978-504-BEER, silvaticusbeers.com.
South Shore
Barrel House Z
Most of the beers here see the inside of a barrel—bourbon, wine, or even gin—before they see your glass, making for an ever-changing lineup of complex flavors. The theme extends to the rustic décor, like rocking chairs made from repurposed barrel staves. Grab one by the outdoor chiminea, an ideal spot for a session.
95 Woodrock Rd., Weymouth, 339-201-7888, barrelhousez.net.
Cape Cod
Devil’s Purse
This small taproom offers 5- and 10-ounce pours of clean classics, hoppy American ales, and specialty brews year-round. But during peak summer, a beer garden takes over the parking lot on Saturdays (and Fridays in July). Pick up crowlers—32-ounce cans of beer to go—of the refreshing Shiso Berry Ale for a perfect beach beverage.
120 Great Western Road, Unit 1, South Dennis, 508-694-7171, devilspurse.com.
Western Mass.
Brick & Feather
This no-frills taproom is situated on the Canalside Rail Trail, an easy four-mile bike path along the Connecticut River. Cool down from a spin session with a flight of well-crafted beers, including Kitten with a Whip, a crisp Munich-style helles lager that’s a summertime favorite.
78 11th St., Turners Falls, 413-863-2574, brickandfeatherbrewery.com.
