Author: Jennifer Yee, Editor: Brittany Blazey
I’m excited to showcase some of my favorite breweries in Boston, Massachusetts–Trillium Brewing Company, Dorchester Brewing Company, Night Shift Brewing, and Lamplighter Brewing Company are just a few of my favorites. I’m sure they will become yours too! As COVID-19 restrictions ease up and the dog-watching season begins, you are sure to see me on the rooftop of Dorchester Brewing Company or any of these other spots. They are the best for easy-going summer days and great beers!
1. Trillium Brewing Company.
Trillium is a fast-growing brewery with locations in Canton, Fenway, and Fort Point. I was introduced to Trillium by friends and on a date a few years ago (more about that later). The company was founded in March of 2013, they produce a variety of beers and hold a reputation for using local ingredients where they can.
They value supporting other local businesses by serving tasty food at their taprooms from A&C Grocery, Island Creek Oysters, Kean’s Wood-Fired plus many more. The Canton location, of Trillium, is a very lively spot that is dog friendly and has an outdoor beer garden with food trucks from local vendors so you’re never far from a bite with your brew!
This is a spot loved by many, even my cousin who is a craft brew fanatic has raved about their beers. A couple of years ago, I told him I was on dating apps and a guy I matched with was an employee at Trillium. He graciously asked if I could pick up some ‘Headroom’ from this guy–a seasonal and sought-after beer that is difficult to come by. If you’re not checking their release schedule and the first to snag a 4-pack, you’re out of luck! After talking to my “match” for a while he told me that “there’s some ‘Headroom’ in my bedroom.” From that point on I knew I had to run and I told my cousin “good luck.” Fortunately, the times I have visited I had the chance to enjoy a glass (or two) without ‘Headroom’ boy in sight.
A feature beer they offer is the Resolution Break 2021 which is an Imperial Stout at $26.05 per 750ml bottle or $22.05 per 500ml bottle. This collaboration with the Burgundian created this multifaceted stout which includes their Liege-style waffles in its ingredient list. Notes of coffee, dark chocolate, molasses, and vanilla emerge from its bourbon-soaked oak barrels. A great accompaniment to brunch with good company.
As for COVID-19 accommodations, they provide same-day contactless pickup and home delivery as options to enjoy your favorites outside of their upbeat taproom.
Explore Trillium Brewing on Social Media:
2. Dorchester Brewing Company.
Dorchester Brewing company has grown to become one of my favorites to visit. In a bustling area downtown, it’s a gem of Dorchester with its four-season greenhouse and delectable menu from M&M BBQ. From their multi-level indoor and outdoor seating, game room, and restaurant to the rooftop greenhouse, this is an excellent space to take a sip while taking in the city views. They have opened their taproom as of March 1st to the excitement of many who crave to enjoy a beer outdoors during the summer months!
My time there was met with flights and BBQ. They have a large selection of beers from Irish Reds to Session Pale Ales. There is much to explore on tap and from the Black-Owned restaurant M&M BBQ. The loaded Dumpster Fries with fresh scallions and their house barbecue ketchup comes highly recommended as well as the Newmarket Square sandwich, scrumptious fried chicken with butter pickles and in-house aioli.
A refreshing brew reminiscent of summer fruits is their Indigo Sunrise. The 16-ounce pour is $9 and a 4-pack is $12.50. This Kettle Sour Ale has notes of blueberry, plum, and tangerine. A perfect addition to smokey BBQ on a warm summer evening. However, if you do not fancy a beer, DB Co. offers its own selection of ciders and wine as well. They also offer to-go and delivery options for DB Co. fans craving an ice-cold brew and BBQ for pickup.
Explore Dorchester Brewing on Social Media:
3. Night Shift Brewing.
Night Shift Brewing is one of my go-to breweries for a crisp IPA. I personally like to enjoy it on warm summer nights by the water. Three friends: Rob, Mike, and Michael founded Night Shift in 2012 nurturing a passion for Craft Beer into something really special with their lineup of brews. Serving in Boston and Everett, their taproom features an outdoor patio open to service dogs. They do recommend a reservation to reserve a 90-minute spot due to COVID-19. Keep your eyes peeled for openings at their Lovejoy Wharf and Owl’s Nest locations as businesses are now re-opening!
Night Shift Brewing offers craft wine, Hoot Hard Seltzer, craft cider, and craft coffee alongside their signature craft beers. The Santilli is a fan favorite IPA and won the Bronze Medal in the American IPA category at the 2016 World Beer Cup. At the brewery, a 16-ounce pour is available for $7.50, a 60-ounce pitcher for $25. If you prefer to grab-and-go sit by the water, 4-packs are $14.
If craft wine is more your speed then Night Shift Brewers’ 2019 Grooveberry may be worth checking out! It’s a dry-fermented Riesling produced in Mendocino, CA, and features notes of honeysuckle and apricot. A tasty accompaniment to any summer supper!
Explore Night Shift Brewing on Social Media:
4. Lamplighter Brewing Company.
Nestled on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge is Lamplighter Brewing Company. Cayla Marvil and AC Jones founded this unique brewery in 2016. This spot is for adventurous folks who are looking for something new like a Gisette or Barleywine. Craft beer fans who crave popular styles like New England IPA’s or barrel-aged sours will also find something to enjoy.
I frequented this brewery on winter evenings while catching up with friends. It’s an inviting sanctuary with light and eye-catching artwork that shows a sense of creativity throughout the taproom. Next door is Pepita, their in-house cafe offering delicious coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastries.
I’ve grown to be a big fan of the Left on Pearl Grisette with Ginger. It’s a great Belgian Farmhouse style beer that is light on the palate and a refreshing accompaniment to a hearty summer meal. With notes of citrus, lemon drop, and fresh ginger juice, I am absolutely adding this to my summer lineup of beers! This Grisette is Lamplighter’s collaboration with the Cambridge Women’s Center which provides shelter for homeless women. For every bottle sold, $1 is donated to this organization.
They currently are not open at full capacity quite yet due to COVID restrictions but allow pickup at their Cambridge location. They do ship to MA, NH, PA, VT, and DC if you’re not in the area to grab a case.
Explore Lamplighter Brewing Co. on Social Media:
As the Northeast goes into its grand defrost; these are the beers that will sit in my rotation this summer. These breweries should be on your radar with their classic styles for easy sipping but also provide some unique takes on brews for the more adventurous. Cheers! 🍻
