Boston is not just the birthplace of American independence—it’s also the epicenter of the American craft beer revolution. Since the 1980s, Boston has been pouring the hops and barley as Boston Beer Company (aka Samuel Adams) and Harpoon Brewery became household names, making the craft beer scene as legendary as Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
Fast forward to today, and Boston’s craft beer scene is still raising the bar. The Best Breweries in Boston are pushing boundaries and stealing the spotlight on the national stage. Whether you’re a hophead or just a casual sipper, Boston’s breweries have got you covered. From cozy corner pubs to edgy new brew houses, the Best Breweries in Boston offer a diverse array of craft beers that’ll make you say, “Cheers!”
Planning a brewery tour? Our guide to the Best Breweries in Boston and its surrounding areas will ensure your taste buds experience the cream of the craft beer crop. Dive in, sip away, and discover if these local legends truly are the Best Breweries in Boston!
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Harpoon Brewery: A Hop-Head’s Paradise in the Best Breweries in Boston
Harpoon Brewery has been slinging suds in Boston since the mid-’80s, and it’s still the life of the craft beer party. Inspired by European adventures, the founders—Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti—set out to create something special. Sure, their seasonal and limited releases are like rare Pokémon, but their flagship Harpoon IPA is always on tap and never disappoints. This IPA is a citrusy, malty wonder that’s like your favorite pair of jeans—perfect all year round.
In the world of the Best Breweries in Boston, Harpoon stands tall as a true classic, delivering hops and good vibes in every pint. So, if you’re on a quest to find the Best Breweries in Boston, make sure Harpoon is at the top of your list.
Trillium Brewing Company: A Must-Try in the Best Breweries in Boston
Trillium Brewing Company is a true craft beer treasure in the Best Breweries in Boston, serving up artisanal brews with flair for over a decade. This local favorite doesn’t just craft exceptional beers; it’s also a champion of farm-to-pint freshness, sourcing ingredients from nearby farmers and its own Connecticut farm.
While you should definitely grab whatever’s in season from their taproom, The Congress Street IPA is the beer equivalent of a standing ovation. With tropical fruit notes and a biscuity malt undertone, it’s the star of the show. If you’re on a tour of the Best Breweries in Boston, don’t miss Trillium—it’s a hop-tastic gem that proves Boston’s craft beer scene is still at the top of its game!
Aeronaut Brewing Company: The Creative Powerhouse in the Best Breweries in Boston
Aeronaut Brewing Company, a Somerville sensation since 2014, sprang from the brilliant minds of a few grad students who clearly had more than just textbooks on their minds. This brewery is where Boston’s art and music scenes collide with craft beer. Local artists adorn their cans, and their taproom is a stage for regular creative showcases.
When visiting one of the Best Breweries in Boston, don’t miss A Year With Dr. Nandu IPA. It’s a celebration in a glass, blending citrus and floral hops that’ll have you toasting to its first anniversary. In the Best Breweries in Boston, Aeronaut isn’t just brewing beer; it’s brewing a cultural revolution!
Bent Water Brewing Company
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Boston in Lynn, Bent Water Brewing Company makes waves with its clever use of the town’s soft water, giving its beers a flavor profile that’s anything but ordinary. This brewery doesn’t just craft exceptional brews; it’s also an eco-warrior, promising to return all brewing byproducts and wastewater to their original source as pure as they found them.
While you’re exploring the Best Breweries in Boston, don’t miss out on Thunder Funk IPA. With a piney and citrusy kick, it’s like a dance party in your mouth. Among the Best Breweries in Boston, Bent Water is definitely shaking things up!
Lamplighter Brewing Company
Sure, you can find Lamplighter Brewing Company’s brews in a few liquor stores, but why settle for less when you can experience their magic at their two Cambridge taprooms? These brewers are like alchemists, crafting potions such as the citrus-forward Birds of a Feather New England IPA and some rare barrel-aged delights.
Pro tip: Visit in the morning for a two-for-one deal—Lamplighter doubles as Pepita, a coffee shop serving up rotating cold brews, teas, and every espresso-based concoction you can dream up. So, if you’re hunting for the Best Breweries in Boston, Lamplighter is not just a brewery; it’s a caffeinated adventure in the Best Breweries in Boston!
Castle Island Brewing Company: The Easy-Going Champ of the Best Breweries in Boston
South Boston’s Castle Island Brewing Company is on a mission to make beer that everyone can enjoy. They’re not into overcomplicating things—just simple, approachable brews that hit the spot. The Keeper, their crisp American IPA, is like a tropical vacation in a glass with notes of fruit and pine. It’s so delightful, you’ll be hard-pressed not to fall in love.
But wait, there’s more! Castle Island’s South Boston taproom is teamed up with Bardo’s, so you can enjoy pizza and beer in one tasty visit. For those staying at The Revolution Hotel, general manager Connie Shaheen gives Castle Island a thumbs-up. “With a rotating selection of house-made brews and just a 25-minute walk from the hotel, it’s the perfect spot to raise an extra pint or two,” she says. In the realm of the Best Breweries in Boston, Castle Island is a must-visit for its laid-back charm and delicious brews.
Night Shift Brewing Company: The Beer-Lovers’ Playground in the Best Breweries in Boston
Night Shift Brewing Company started as a college hobby and quickly evolved into a full-blown beer empire by 2012. With a fanbase as dedicated as their brews are inventive, Night Shift is a must-visit among the Best Breweries in Boston. They’re renowned for their creative brews, so keep an eye out for their limited releases—because who doesn’t love a little mystery with their pint?
This brewery isn’t just about great beer; it’s also a social hotspot. Night Shift boasts several taprooms and two beer gardens around the city and Everett. As Laskarides puts it, “Their Lovejoy location near TD Garden is the place to be before a game or show. Grab a classic beer style and enjoy some pizza—because nothing says ‘game night’ like pizza and pints from one of the Best Breweries in Boston!”
Redemption Rock: Worcester’s Ethical Gem Among the Best Breweries in Boston
Redemption Rock Brewing Company, just outside Worcester, is not just brewing up delicious beer; it’s brewing up a better world. This certified B Corp proves that being ethical and responsible can go hand-in-hand with crafting outstanding brews. Redemption Rock goes above and beyond, hiring locally and contributing at least 1 percent of its revenue to nonprofit organizations. Plus, all cash tips from their taproom go straight to local charities. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!
When you visit this gem among the Best Breweries in Boston, don’t miss their flagship War Castle IPA. It’s a glorious blend of orange, pine, and floral notes with just the right touch of sweetness—basically, a brew that’s as good for your taste buds as Redemption Rock is for the community. Cheers to doing good while drinking well at one of the Best Breweries in Boston!
Democracy Brewing: Where Every Sip is a Win for Equality at the Best Breweries in Boston
At Democracy Brewing, James Rasza and his team have created more than just a great beer spot; they’ve brewed up a worker-owned revolution right in the heart of the city. This isn’t just one of the Best Breweries in Boston—it’s a place where every employee has a stake in the business, ensuring that when the brewery wins, everyone wins. It’s like a democratic beer utopia!
Their commitment to social justice extends beyond the taproom, where they host community organizations and fundraisers, proving that good beer and good deeds go hand-in-hand. When you pop in, don’t miss their Workers Pint American Pale Ale—a crisp, slightly sweet malt marvel that’s sure to make you feel as warm and fuzzy as their mission.
The Langham Boston’s concierge team loves Democracy Brewing for its historical charm and easy access from the hotel. With vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls, it’s a perfect spot for a beer that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor. It’s just one more gem in the crown of the Best Breweries in Boston!
