Amherst Brewing Company – Amherst, Massachusetts

Amherst Brewing Company also know as ABC, is located in downtown Amherst, Massachusetts.  In this college town where cheap beer and dollar shots would be expected, ABC is a refreshing change.  Mike Yates, head brewer at ABC, was kind enough to spend a little time with us and show us around this innovative brewery and pub.

Though this place looks like a small operation they amazingly have enough space to produce about 8-10 beers on draft, one on cask, and they even have enough room to regularly produce a lager.   For the new beer lovers, lagers typically take about 3 weeks to ferment, which makes it a difficult style for may small breweries to work with as they often need the tank space.

One of ABC’s most unique creations is the Heather Ale.  This beer is a 2003 and 2004 silver medal winner for them at the Great American Brew Festival.  What makes this beer so interesting is that the hops are replaced by the flower Heather.  It take about three times the amount of Heather to make this flavorful beer than the amount of hops used in most of their other beers.

In all we really enjoy ABC.  They have a solid menu with typical pub fare.  We have enjoyed their burgers, sandwiches and salads many times. (The Amherst Brewing Company is just about 30 minutes south of our Brattleboro Vermont Inn).

The best tip I can give you while their standard line up of beers are great, when they are running something seasonal it is usually a new recipe and pretty darn creative.  Most recently we enjoyed the Super Stout.  This chocolate oatmeal stout served on cask was absolutely delicious.  On other trips we have enjoyed the Gold 250 an impressive Imperial IPA.  The beers at ABC are well balanced and highly drinkable.  We would like to thank Mike and his assistant John for showing us around ABC and continuing to produce consitent and delicious beer…we will see you next week!