Brewery Guide Pt. 2 – Western Mass

If the world class breweries in part 1 of our Western Mass brewery guide weren’t enough for you, don’t fret! We are back for round two! There are plenty of other killer breweries in Western MA that are can’t miss spots.

Northampton Brewery

Northampton, Westernmassers call it “Noho” for short, is a hipsters’ paradise. With hip bars, killer food, and an overall funky vibe, it’s a great city to spend a night or even a weekend. One of the mainstays in the city is Northampton Brewery, and its been a mainstay for a reason, it’s a triple threat! From drinks, to food, to overall vibe, Northhampton kills the game. You can’t go wrong with any of the beers. They have juicy New England style IPAs and crushable lighter styles for when you are looking to start the night at a slower pace. In the summer, they have a huge deck where you can catch some rays, drink some beer, and listen to live music. For those of you who might have a S/O who prefers the hard stuff, Northampton is also boasting a full bar. Whether you are looking for a quick app (house made pretzel bites are our favorite), or something more substantial, you really can’t go wrong here.

New City Brewery

We love IPAs just as much as the next person, don’t get us wrong! However, just because we are in the land of NEIPA (New England) does not mean that has to be your flagship. New City has taken different approach and focuses on pre-prohibition style ginger beers. Be careful using these to make your mule though! These ginger beers can stand on their own and have plenty of ABV in them! The New City ginger beers are refreshing and packed with authentic ginger flavor. You can also find Belgian style beers here, such as saisons and tripels. Also, we almost forgot to mention that they are located in an old mill with a few other breweries, food spots, and art galleries! A true hipster paradise.

Iron Duke

If you have not caught on by now, if you are a Western MA brewery you are most likely either in a large barn or abandoned mill/factory. Our next spot, Iron Duke, falls into the abandoned mill category. Iron Duke is a great place to grab a pint or two, with solid beers across the board. There’s a little something here for everyone. Their flagship juice bomb is called 4 A.M., and if you are looking for something a little lighter, we recommend their amber lager, Generosity.