Columbus Day, Oct. 10, 2022

 Barrington Brewery

420 STOCKBRIDGE ROAD

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 01230

(413) 528-8282

https://www.barringtonbrewery.net

Oversize beer barrel on north side of entrance.

Kelley, Lisa, and I traveled west for well over an hour over the Berkshires and then southwest to watch my grandson's noontime soccer game against Mt. Everett H.S. in Sheffield, MA. We thought it would provide the perfect opportunity to check out a Berkshire County brewery while we were in that neck of the woods. And ... it was! We had to travel I-90 west toward N.Y. and then wind our way through West Stockbridge, Lennox, Great Barrington and Sheffield. All the roads and roadside attractions were bustling with leaf-peepers taking advantage of the three-day weekend. Lots of NY, CT, and NJ license plates everywhere. The game was over just before 2 p.m. and Lisa and Kelley navigated back into Great Barrington where we had the opportunity to enjoy some good beer and good food before going back over the mountains into the Pioneer Valley and home.

My first impression of this large complex consisting of a number of interconnected buildings (probably 19th century sheds which reminded me of the massive lumber yard across from my father's plumbing & heating shop when I was a kid back in the 1950's) was that this was a huge operation. From the large restaurant in the front facing Stockbridge Road (Route 7) to the brewery operation in the rear buildings with the tap room, kitchen, and tap room seating area in the middle buildings.

Looking toward the front from one of the parking areas.

Looking toward the back from that same parking area.

Found through searches -

Brewing in the Berkshires since 1995. Barrington Brewery brews Solar Brewed Beer using both photovoltaic (electric) and hot water solar arrays. Barrington Brewery is located on Route 7 in Great Barrington, MA. Our 5 signature ales can be found year-round with over 40 rotating seasonal selections. Visit the brewery and restaurant 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Our 7-barrel system is powered by both photovoltaic and a solar hot water heating system and is housed right in the tavern. We brew primarily ales but run a lager series each spring.

For over two decades, we have operated an earth-friendly and sustainable business with our

recycling and solar energy programs.

Solar Brewed Sustainability

85% of our electrical needs are provided by our 480 panel, 144 KW solar system which produces 168,000 kilowatt hours annually.

All of the spent grain from our brewery feeds the cows at a local beef farm.

Since 1995, we have recycled all paper, cardboard, cans and glass. In 2007, our banquet facility was built with reclaimed materials, including wood, and carpet made from recycled material.

Glimpse of solar array in field just beyond parking area.

Upon entering the tap room seating area, we waited for a table near the entrance to the bar room.

Lisa and I waiting for a table while Kelley took our picture. Decided to leave strangers in the photo to allow for a glimpse into the bar room.

After waiting for perhaps 10 minutes (maybe less) we were shown to a table, and we looked over the Beer Menu.

Barrington Brewery Beer Menu. That's Kelley behind it.

I had a pint of Berkshire Blond, Kelley a Dunkleweisen, and Lisa a Raspberry Ale.

Berkshire Blond     (Blonde Ale) 4.1% ABV

Light refreshing ale with a smooth finish

Raspberry Ale   (Fruit Beer) 4% ABV

A light beer with the refreshing taste of raspberry.

Dunkleweisen     seasonal - no data captured

To satisfy our appetites we each ordered a sandwich plate. We were well into our sandwiches before anyone of us remembered we wanted pictures!

I'm enjoying a fish (battered cod) sandwich and a second pint of Berkshire Blond.

Kelley's corned beef sandwich.

Lisa's eggplant and something sandwich.

Impressions -

I'm really impressed that Barrington Brewery is doing what they can to use alternative and renewable energy sources in their vast operation. It's the sign of the future and will be only more essential going forward. This was a very busy fall weekend with a lot of tourist traffic and demand for local businesses in the Berkshire region. Despite the number of visitors, the tap room eating area was well staffed with friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced people. While I expected to see a lot of young folks working there, I was surprised at the number of middle age and older employees. 

The clientele appeared to be a good mix of out-of-towners like us and regulars. The operation was smooth and wait times were relatively short despite our being there at a prime time on a prime holiday weekend.

The beer was some of the best we've had, and the food was perfectly adequate. Unless there are other brew pubs in the southern Berkshires, I wouldn't hesitate to revisit Barrington Brewery if we happen to wind up going over the mountains for another away game.

More photos -

Another adjoining tap room dining area with an outdoor seating area beyond it.

Chalk board with merchandise.

More merchandise.

My standard "Cheers" sign-off.

[And for anyone wondering about the outcome of the game - our boys were defeated 4-2.]