USA, MA: Tree House Brewing breaks ground at its new brewery in Charlton

Tree House Brewing has hit a sweet spot in the craft brewery trend. Every week, the brewery in Monson brews 300 barrels of beer. People line up for hours, up to 5,000 paying customers over three days, Worcester Telegram reported on September 12.

By Saturday, all the beer is gone, says Tree House Brewing co-founder Dean Rohan.

"It is truly, truly remarkable how people have taken to our beer," Mr. Rohan said on September 12 at a ground-breaking for the brewery's new brewing facility. In attempting to explain, Mr. Rohan said, "First thing, it's the best beer in the world. That's number one. The other part of the equation is the atmosphere. We make customers feel like they're part of the family."

Tree House, which launched in a barn in Brimfield in 2011, now has a modest brewing and retail facility in Monson. But its future now lies in Charlton, on a 68-acre parcel that was most recently considered for a Home Depot warehouse, and previously, a casino. The property at 129 Sturbridge Road (Route 20) will feature a winding 1,600-foot driveway that meanders up a hill. At the top of that hill will eventually rise a 51,200-square foot brewery and retail store. Customers will be able to sample beers, buy and fill growlers, and buy cans of Tree House beer. The brewery will have 148 parking spaces.

On September 12, local officials, friends and family members gathered to throw some ceremonial dirt in front of two huge cranes holding a sign declaring the site to be the brewery's new home.

Charlton officials welcomed Tree House with open arms.

"We could not be happier," said John McGrath, vice chairman of the Charlton Board of Selectmen. "The town of Charlton is here to help you any way we can."

Currently employing about 23 people, Tree House plans to double its workforce when it opens its new brewery next July, Mr. Rohan said.

13 September, 2016