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The only thing that flows more than the Connecticut River in these parts seems to be craft beer.
Western Massachusetts, particularly the Connecticut River Valley, has become a mecca of craft brewing. Starting with the Northampton Brewery way back in 1987, the area has blossomed as beer destination over the past three decades. Today we take a look at the sheer volume of these venues that bring hundreds of stellar beers to the local area.
Starting with the aforementioned Northampton Brewery, the venue is definitely the cornerstone of the local scene. And despite its age, it probably is. Ore modern than most local brewpubs, having undergone several serious renovations over the past few years. The Northampton Brewery offers a full range of brews, but is best known for its hoppy offerings, such as its flagship IPA, Blue Boots. But for old-school customers, you can't go wrong with a Daniel Shays Best Bitter or a Black Cat Stout.
Another of the older local brewery/brewpubs, the Amherst Brewing Co., started out small but now inhabits a huge space on University Drive. The beers have morphed over the years but the Worthy Pilsner is a a favorite of many, especially during the summer months. Also recommended: Two Sisters Imperial Stout.
The People's Pint in Greenfield is another older brewpub, and has long been a bastion of beer for the people of Franklin County. The Farmer Brown Ale is a smooth and sweet brew, while Provider Pale Ale is a traditional and balanced British-style ale. But for hopheads, the People's Pint Double IPA can't be beat.
Also up in Franklin County is South Deerfield's Berkshire Brewing Co. Another of the older local breweries, BBC serves up a wide array of great brews, and it's Steep Rail Extra Pale Ale is the perfect starter beer for those just dipping their toes in the craft beer pool. On the other end of that particular scale, Element Brewing in Millers Falls makes some of the more adventurous – and tasty – brews in the area.
Other breweries up in Franklin County are Greenfield's Lefty's Brewing, Stoneman Brewery (Colrain) and Howler Brewing (Hatfield).
Holyoke's Paper City brewery not only brings a bunch of it's own popular brews to the market, it also serves as a contract brewery for many of the smaller brewers in the area. Opa Opa started in Southampton and is still there, but also expanded to Williamsburg with its Brewmaster's Tavern. Opa Opa is probably the brewery with the farthest reach, with many of its beers satisfying customers all throughout the Northeast.
Housed in the former Amherst Brewing Co. building on Pleasant St. in that town, The High Horse brewpub makes some delicious offerings and often has some of them on cask – a special treat for real ale aficionados.
One of the most highly regarded breweries in the area, Tree House Brewing Co. in Monson has become a destination for beer lovers. It's Julius IPA consistently ranks among the best IPAs in the country. You have to wait in line for a growler of it, but it's worth it.
Easthampton has undergone a brewing renaissance in the past few years: Three great new breweries have opened there: Fort Hill Brewery, Abandoned Building Brewery, and New City Brewing are making the city a must on any local brew tour.
Along with the aforementioned Northampton Brewery, Paradise City is also home to Brewmaster Jack, a one-man tour de force named Tyler Gulmette. Also coming soon the Florence section Northampton will be Building 8 Brewing and Brew Practitioners.
The big news in Springfield, of course, is the nascent and great White Lion Brewing Co., which, once it locates here (it is contract brewing currently) will be the city's first brewery in many, many years, and certainly the municipality's first real craft brewery. Another newer brewery that is making a splash is Ludlow's Iron Duke.
If you're not drunk on words reading this list already, here are a few more places that brew some tasty beers in the Pioneer Valley: Scantic River Brewery in Hampden, Granby's Swing Oil Beer Company, and the Westfield River Brewing Company.
And last but not least, if you feel like traveling an hour east, the Berkshires offer several breweries. Likewise, heading west to the Worcester area also gets you some great brews (such as the superb Wormtown Brewing offerings.