Have you ever found yourself on a Friday evening, standing in front of your local liquor store’s refrigerators, unable to decide what kind of beer to buy? The old standbys—Harpoon, Sam, Natty Ice (JK)—seem too, well, standby, but venturing into unknown territory can be a bold move.
If only I could just brew my own beer, you think. That would be awesome. My own beer, with my very own face on the label.
Stop dreaming, sir, because thanks to the newly opened Hopster’s Brew and Boards, that dream can now be a reality, face-label and all. And you don’t even have to go to the messy stress of home brewing, either.
After a successful run on Kickstarter, Hopster’s, the “community brewery where you are the brewer,” is officially up and running after news of its arrival came in July. Under the supervision of husband-and-wife owners Lee and Karen Cooper of Wayland, MA, the Newton Corner space located at 292 Centre Street, right off the Mass Pike, is a gorgeous addition to the neighborhood. With wood-finished community tables, cushy leather couches, a dazzling beer-bottle chandelier, and of course, eight kettles on display in the corner, the new spot is already busy brewing up original craft beers for both the restaurant and its guest brewers.
Interested in whipping up your own batch? For $150-200 (depending on which style beer you want), you will be paired up with a “concierge brew master” and equipped with ingredients, bottles, and customized labels (that’s where your face comes in). The brewing process takes about two hours, and after the deed is done, head back to Hopster’s in about two weeks (depending, again, on the beer—some can take a little longer), and leave with three cases or a keg of your very own personally crafted beer. Don’t want to go it alone? Bring up to two brew buddies, and the cost is cut to $50-70 per person.
There are 30 beers to choose from when you brew: Hopster’s offers standard choices, like an American Pale Ale, a Porter, and a Bean Town Brown, as well as more adventurous options like the Chili Pepper Spicy Stout, the Sun Dried Tomato Pale Ale, and (my personal pique of interest) the Ginger Honey Lemon Wheat.
If you’re hesitant to enter the world of craft brewing, Hopster’s offers a full menu and nightly beer tastings. While their daytime business is dedicated to brewing, after 5 p.m., guests can purchase a tasting glass for $7 and try the rotating beers on tap. I tried the Golden Ale, the Winter White, and the Vanilla Cream Ale, and they were all fantastic. To go along with the brews, Hopster’s offers German-style charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, flatbreads, and beer and bacon cupcakes.
Whether you want to brew it yourself or try Boston’s newest craft beers on the block, Hopster’s Brew and Boards offers a refreshing spin on your evening sips. Check out the new spot in the slideshow below.
