Seven Railroads Brewing Company – Palmer, MA

0 3

By New England Beer Buddy Beer Blog Breweries Craft Beer Craft Brewery Massachusetts Brewery New England Brewery Taproom July 26, 2024

Do you like English style beers? Do you love dogs? How about both? Well then…make a visit to Seven Railroads Brewing Company.

Admit it. You’ve been to Charlton, MA to visit a certain beer destination. No judgment, it’s a great place.

However, like myself, when going to *any* brewery you hopefully always ask this question: “What other breweries around here can I go to?”

That little section of Massachusetts has plenty of destinations, most of them great, within a short drive. Seven Railroads, by way of Route 20, is one of the newest having opened up in February of 2024.

Owned and operated by Rachel Rosenbloom and Michael Bedrosian, Seven Railroads Brewing Co. is a small, cozy taproom situated in the town of Palmer.

Palmer, you may or may not have known, (I sure didn’t) is proclaimed “The Town of 7 Railroads.” Once upon a time there 5 operating railroad companies in town along with 1 non-operating and 1 that was planned but never completed. (Let’s see…that’s 5 + 1 + 1…yup! That counts 7!)

The railroads are long gone with the trains having stopped in 1971. However, the nickname has stuck and it continues to identify this small town.

Seven Railroads Brewing owners and operators Rachel Rosenbloom and Michael Bedrosian chose this name not only as a perfect representation of the town but to identify the destination to beer travelers looking for options in the area.

Both Rosenbloom and Bedrosian began as homebrewers with Rosenbloom having previously worked at Fort Hill Brewing in Easthampton, MA. What they have now created for themselves in Seven Railroads Brewing is a cozy, intimate, friendly local brewery and taproom. One that offers both the Palmer towneys and non-towneys alike a fun craft beer spot with some enjoyable beverages

You pull into a spacious parking lot along the right side and back of the brewery. In the back you know you are definitely in the right place as 2 boxcars are in sight, still on the track, to offer a cool background shot.

Inside you will find plenty of beer garden style tables as well as a bar with limited seating.

In the right corner is a space for live music as well as some lounge chairs and more tables for extra seating. Adjacent to this is a shelf of merchandise.

The owners are definitely fans of music! Behind the bar they were spinning some great 70’s rock on vinyl. Hoping, next time, I can make some selections.

Out front you will find more tables and a couple Adirondack chairs within a small beer garden. They even have a spot to play some cornhole. Outside pace is very tight but it’s nice to have an outdoor option.

The Seven Railroads Brewing Co. beer menu is a plethora of not only English style ales but IPAs, seltzers and some traditional European style brews.

I started off with “The Duke” (more on that name in a bit) an English IPA on cask. I sooo love a good cask beer and this did not disappoint.

Next up was a beer flight of three other English styles with some cleverly themed names:

“It Comes in Pints?!” Pub Ale, “Eager Beagle” Brown Porter, and “Tally Ho Lads” Dark Mild. Finishing this off was “Thaw” Maibock.

Finally, I wanted to check out Seven Railroads Brewing‘s IPA game so went with the “Calamitous Intent” DIPA. An oat based Double IPA, strong malt flavor that is balanced well with El Dorado and Mosaic hops.

Visitors seeking a more refreshing beverage or just in need of “Not Beer” there was also a “Key Lime” Seltzer available.

Ah yes, the dogs. For those that love to bring along your pup to the breweries, Seven Railroads Brewing is perhaps the most dog friendly taproom I have ever been to. In fact, the owner’s own dogs pretty much rule the place.

Duke (he has his own beer) and Barley (him too) faithfully lay down and guard the brewing equipment. Well, until you approach them. Then they abandon their post and introduce themselves to you with friendly excitement!

Although there is some snack food on premise (chips, popcorn, ice cream pops….WAIT! Ice cream pops??) there is no food menu. However, the space out front accommodates food trucks that make frequent visits.

Plus, every first Sunday of the each month, Seven Railroads Brewing hosts a Beer Yoga sessions.

For anyone looking to make the pilgrimage to the mecca that is Tree House (or even going to that big ass flea market they have on MA 20 every summer/fall) and looking for other destinations along the way or heading back, you definitely need to check out Seven Railroads Brewing Co. It pairs well into a Brewery Tour” trek in Central Massachusetts and offers some tasty beers.

Maybe if you’re friendly enough, Duke and Barley may even buy you one!

Location: 1235 Park Street (Rt. 20), Palmer, MA, 01069

Beer Recommendations: