Arcpoint Brewing – Belchertown, MA – New England Beer Buddy

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By New England Beer Buddy Beer Beer To Go Blog Breweries Craft Beer Craft Brewery Massachusetts Brewery New England Brewery Taproom November 5, 2024

“Brewed with Tenacity” “Poured with Purpose”

Similar mottos have adorned the walls, both of taprooms and social media, of breweries for quite a long time. A statement to going “all in” on a vision and offering the fruits of that passion to the masses. Air Force Veterans Chris Peterson and CJ Eldridge not only declared such a statement but backed it up with the many fine beers they’ve been brewing since 2016. With years of brewing small batches, the goal of theirs was to create a brewery/taproom for local residents. A place to come in, relax, listen to music and meet new friends. Now with co-owner Dave Pare, these airmen have now obtained this dream in the opening of Arcpoint Brewing in Belchertown, MA.

Belchertown is a suburban, rural town that is part of the Springfield metro area in western Massachusetts. Tucked away in a quaint New England area, Belchertown has quite a collection of nicknames (B-Town, Cold Spring, etc.). A traveler here, once getting off the Mass Pike and traveling the backroads, can notice the historic and scenic aura of the town. Especially in the Fall when the leaves changing color make for some incredible scenery. Although there are other breweries in the distant areas, you can tell Belchertown is a perfect location to have one of it’s very own.

The Arcpoint Brewing taproom is just off a slightly busy road in town yet far enough of away from the main road for it to give an isolated feel. Located at 30 Front Street, at the old Belchertown State School campus, the building itself looks like a half breed of a brick bank and a large truck garage. There is quite a bit of on-site parking here along with parking on the street. If it’s a busy evening, there is run-off parking at nearby Soundscape Merchandise after their business hours. Great to keep in mind as there are neighboring youth sports fields close by.

You walk in and immediately spot right in front of you the tanks and barrels that create the fine beers you’re about to enjoy. Within seconds, to the left, you come upon a very cozy bar area with plenty of at the bar seating. A super friendly staff greets you, eager to answer any questions about the abundant beers they have on tap, offer suggestions or give you the always welcoming offer of “would you like to try a sample?”

The tap list at Arcpoint Brewing is quite impressive, not just with the number of selections, but of the many different styles that are offered. IPA, Pilsner, Kolsch, Stout and Saison were all represented.

One of the beer highlights for me was the “Reveille” Coffee Stout. You taste predominant roasted coffee and it is full bodied and with a perfect amount of creamy texture. This is definitely one of the BEST coffee stouts I’ve ever had. Made with Sumatra beans from Rao‘s coffee in nearby Hadley, MA it destroys that usually disappointing coffee stout mold. Very well done!

Another highlight was Arcpoint Brewing’s flagship “Journey” New England IPA. Brewed in celebration of the taproom’s opening, it is a classic NEIPA that has both the juice and slight bitterness us New Englanders expect.

All of Arcpoint Brewing’s beers on tap can be packaged as Crowlers for you to take home. My takeaway was “The World Chico, And Everything In It” Hazy Imperial IPA. Not only a cool, classic movie reference in the name but a delightfully smooth, stone fruit forward drinker.

For those that do not partake or are not in the mood for a beer, there is also a small selection of guest cans of ciders, seltzers and water to purchase.

As you sit at the bar facing the taps, to your left, you will see a something I find a very cool and unique addition to a taproom. A “Beer It Forward” wall.

This is a wonderful concept that allows patrons to buy a beer for someone at a later date. The wall has a huge list of particular names, occupations, etc. for people to enjoy a free beverage that has been pre-paid and bestowed upon them. As hard as I tried to spot “Beer Blogger” or “Very Cool Guy” I alas struck out on being worthy of a complimentary beer. (If any of you fellow readers want my name up there…I will forever be grateful!)

Although the interior taproom is comfortable, cozy and filled with friendly folks…if you wish to take your beverages outside there is a nice outdoor seating area to enjoy as well. A large canopy covers a section of the back lawn where one can enjoy their beers without being in the direct sunlight.

If lucky enough, as I was, you may even be introduced to two of Arcpoint Brewing’s famous clientele: Gunther and Tillie! I asked each for suggestions on which beer to try next but, to be honest, they weren’t very helpful. Super adorable and friendly though!

No prepared food onsite but check out Arcpoint Brewing’s Facebook Page to see when scheduled food trucks will be making an appearance.

If you are making a day of multiple brewery stops, Arcpoint Brewing may not be immediately close by to other places you may have on your list…but the journey is well worth it and the beers, people and atmosphere are amazing! Even if you’re not doing any touring, it is also worth a visit to Belchertown and spend some time.

Be sure to “Visit with Tenacity” and “Drink with Purpose”.