USA, MA: Brick and Feather Brewery in Turner Falls opens to the public

A new Franklin County brewery, located right next to the bike path and canal in Turners Falls, has opened its doors to the public, MassiveLive.com reported on October 11.

Brick and Feather Brewery hosted its grand opening over the weekend in a low-slung, light-filled building at 78 11th St. — the site of a former a drop forge.

Brick and Feather operates at a small scale, using a "seven-barrel brewing system," said head brewer Lawrence George. "We're still working out our prototypes."

George, a Vermont native and Florence resident, has been involved in the craft brewing business for about eight years, having worked in Boston, California, and at the Berkshire Brewing Co. in South Deerfield. He said his favorite beers are Farmhouse Belgians ("dry, subtle, and good with food") and American-style pale ales and Indian pale ales (lush, fruity flavors with a soft mouth feel.")

Brick and Feather beverages can currently be ordered at Five Eyed Fox in Turners Falls, and will soon be available at The Foundry in downtown Northampton, George said, adding that he hopes to work with a variety of Pioneer Valley restaurants.

"We really want to be a local brewery," he said.

Brick and Feather has a farmer-brewery license from the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, which allows the business to offer tours and sell "growlers" to retail customers. George said he might, at some point, apply for a license to pour and sell pints.

14 October, 2015