Y
YoungTradCath
Guest
America’s only Trappist brewery is now open. Unfortunately you can’t buy beer online, but you can buy chalices!
spencerbrewery.com/
spencerbrewery.com/
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
O
OraLabora
Guest
Très cool!America’s only Trappist brewery is now open. Unfortunately you can’t buy beer online, but you can buy chalices!
spencerbrewery.com/
T
TomFromMD
Guest
I’m planning on picking some up, the next time that I’m in Massachusetts. From what I’ve read, they don’t plan to distribute much beyond that.
O
OraLabora
Guest
That’s a shame but I guess that’s the thing with monastic breweries. They’re not equipped to meet a very large demand.I’m planning on picking some up, the next time that I’m in Massachusetts. From what I’ve read, they don’t plan to distribute much beyond that.
The abbey I’m associated with produces apple cider and kir (cider spiked with blackcurrant). I worked at the cider factory this afternoon for a couple of hours. It’s not mass production by any means, much of it is done by hand. I assume Spencer is much the same.
S
SighGuy
Guest
I was on a vocational retreat there at the end of January, and they had me work in the brewery for a few hours a day, for three days. It’s pretty amazing. Never did try the brew, though. I left before Sunday, which would’ve been the only acceptable time to try it.
Edit: the question of supply is curious. I’m not sure of their intentions. But I know for certain that literally thousands of bottles passed before my eyes. I was merely helping ensure that the labels were stuck properly (they had a lot of difficulties with that machine and constantly had to try to fix it and tweak it). But we’re talking thousands, and I was only there a few hours for a few days. It’s a huge place.
Then again, I know pretty little about how the beer industry works. Perhaps it is truly only sufficient to stock Massachusetts and not much beyond.
Edit: the question of supply is curious. I’m not sure of their intentions. But I know for certain that literally thousands of bottles passed before my eyes. I was merely helping ensure that the labels were stuck properly (they had a lot of difficulties with that machine and constantly had to try to fix it and tweak it). But we’re talking thousands, and I was only there a few hours for a few days. It’s a huge place.
Then again, I know pretty little about how the beer industry works. Perhaps it is truly only sufficient to stock Massachusetts and not much beyond.
O
otjm
Guest
If the pictures posted are actually of the Spencer brewery, they are going to be at the minimum a regional brewery, not just a state distribution.
Additionally, as they are brewing in the Trappist style, it is entirely possible they are set up enough to distribute well beyond the region; Trappist brews are generally of a profile which would not appeal to the average craft brew drinker. Note: I said “average” as many of them don’t get much beyond a wheat beer.
Most breweries initially will distribute locally, in order to get enough of a foothold that they can convince the distributors to expand the distribution area. which is another way of saying that success breeds success.
It will take time for expansion of distribution o occur, but I would expect it, again, based on he pictures of the brewery. The equipment is far greater than what would be needed for only a state distribution.
Additionally, as they are brewing in the Trappist style, it is entirely possible they are set up enough to distribute well beyond the region; Trappist brews are generally of a profile which would not appeal to the average craft brew drinker. Note: I said “average” as many of them don’t get much beyond a wheat beer.
Most breweries initially will distribute locally, in order to get enough of a foothold that they can convince the distributors to expand the distribution area. which is another way of saying that success breeds success.
It will take time for expansion of distribution o occur, but I would expect it, again, based on he pictures of the brewery. The equipment is far greater than what would be needed for only a state distribution.
Y
YoungTradCath
Guest
Are you a beer guy?If the pictures posted are actually of the Spencer brewery, they are going to be at the minimum a regional brewery, not just a state distribution.
Additionally, as they are brewing in the Trappist style, it is entirely possible they are set up enough to distribute well beyond the region; Trappist brews are generally of a profile which would not appeal to the average craft brew drinker. Note: I said “average” as many of them don’t get much beyond a wheat beer.
Most breweries initially will distribute locally, in order to get enough of a foothold that they can convince the distributors to expand the distribution area. which is another way of saying that success breeds success.
It will take time for expansion of distribution o occur, but I would expect it, again, based on he pictures of the brewery. The equipment is far greater than what would be needed for only a state distribution.
O
otjm
Guest
Yes. Started home brewing in 1971; have taught home brewing (extract classes and all-grain classes) through a local community college and a regional supplier; and at one time gave tours through a craft brewery. Came close to starting a brewpub with a fellow home brewer who had a degree in fermentation science from U.C. Davis, but we decided we didn’t want the risk of that particular opportunity.Are you a beer guy?
Besides, why take an enjoyable hobby and turn it into the drudgery of everyday work?
L
L_Marshall
Guest
The Abbey is in my diocese, and their brew has been well-received so far. However, even within the Diocese, there is limited distribution so far. It was in very high demand when it first released, and that’s just starting to die down now. Additionally, it is a bit on the pricier side.
The Abbey itself doesn’t sell any beer yet (they don’t have a liquor license), but they’re hoping to in the future. Your best bet if you want to find any is a central Massachusetts liquor store.
The Abbey itself doesn’t sell any beer yet (they don’t have a liquor license), but they’re hoping to in the future. Your best bet if you want to find any is a central Massachusetts liquor store.
A
andrewstx
Guest
It is possible in states that allow it to buy Belgian Trappist beer via Monastery Greetings.
Not Massachusets beer, but made by Trappists. Personally I prefer wine to beer. But Belgian beer is about the only beer will drink.
Not Massachusets beer, but made by Trappists. Personally I prefer wine to beer. But Belgian beer is about the only beer will drink.
O
otjm
Guest
Then you would probably enjoy a tour of Oregon. I think we still have more wineries than breweries, but at the rate breweries are opening…It is possible in states that allow it to buy Belgian Trappist beer via Monastery Greetings.
Not Massachusets beer, but made by Trappists. Personally I prefer wine to beer. But Belgian beer is about the only beer will drink.
Our local Trappist abbey does not make beer or wine, but they are a bonded warehouse for a number of wineries. However, our local Benedictine monastery is starting to make beer, with a very limited distribution (at least, for the foreseeable future). Distribution is at the abbey only. Very appropriate, as their farmland was used for growing hops (and may still be under contract).
A
andrewstx
Guest
I really do like Oregonian wine a great deal, some of it is better than Napa wine.Then you would probably enjoy a tour of Oregon. I think we still have more wineries than breweries, but at the rate breweries are opening…
Our local Trappist abbey does not make beer or wine, but they are a bonded warehouse for a number of wineries. However, our local Benedictine monastery is starting to make beer, with a very limited distribution (at least, for the foreseeable future). Distribution is at the abbey only. Very appropriate, as their farmland was used for growing hops (and may still be under contract).
O
otjm
Guest
Ten points!!I really do like Oregonian wine a great deal, some of it is better than Napa wine.
One of our “secrets” is our pinot noir; very different from Northern California pinot, and has won numerous awards in blind tasting in - no less - France, No slouch, these folks out here.
Ah, but beer. We have a brewery in Portland which specializes in Flemish style sour beers. Not for the average drinker, but wow are they outstanding! Definitely not for everyone (thank Heavens - the supply is limited!) but truly a wonderful experience.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.