There’s a new player in the picturesque town of Williamsburg. Nestled at the bottom of the Berkshire foothills where a confluence of streams and brooks form the Mill River, an established Massachusetts craft brewery has recently taken over the space formerly held by operations such as Burgy Brews, The Christmas Inn, and the Williams House. Originally located in Framingham, Exhibit A Brewing has transferred their production operations and on-site taproom to this newly rehabbed space – and brought their keen sense of hospitality along with them.
With a refreshing approach to their historic farmhouse and tavern building, this widely distributed brewery has created an ideal space for locals and destination-seekers alike to gather and enjoy life together.
With its open spaces and cultivated vibes, Exhibit A Bar Manager Erin Johnson is looking forward to regularly hosting trivia (Thursdays at 7PM!!!) and game nights, themed events, or viewing parties for your popular shows. There’s a game room upstairs with pool tables, dartboards and pinball machines. There’s a great little kitchen turning out classic shareables, sandwiches and salads. There’s a beer garden out back, and lots of cozy little places to sit and carouse with your people.
Exhibit A got its feet off the ground as a Brewery in Framingham, MA, back in 2016, and has been crafting popular beers for a solid decade. Currently featuring a lineup of several IPAs, a Kölsch and a Porter – plus a rotating selection of seasonals guided by Head Brewer Dennis Bates – there’s bound to be a draft for the beer lover in your group.
And if you prefer the harder stuff, you’re in luck, as it turned out the new property was even large enough to host an associate business GrandTen Distilling, founded by Matt Nuernberger. It took a bit of additional permitting but the distillery is open and offering spirits under the same roof.
The location acts both as the production facilities for the two businesses, as well as providing a dedicated taproom and tasting bar for their respective companies. But in practice, the majority of the space is for other people to enjoy. So lounge on a couch, pull up a chair, or sit and sip spirits at their marble-topped tasting bar. It’s very chic. Of course, the bespoke classic bar is perhaps the more nostalgic choice. With an added inner island for ease of tending, the beautiful bar is a great place to grab a draft and check out the menu.
It’s worth noting that Exhibit A isn’t exactly a sit down restaurant per say. It might not be your first choice when looking to feed the family an important daily meal. Think more of connecting with a friend over apps, or taking the edge off your day by ordering a tasty bite that compliments your beverage. What they do offer they do well, and Erin likes to think a piece of their draw is their attention to service. Having joined the team this spring as Bar Manager, it’s her belief that the heart of the taproom offerings starts with service. You want people coming back again and again, and the best way to begin that relationship is with a smile.
Erin’s Picks:
– Fav. beer is the flagship
“The Cat’s Meow”
– also likes “Just a Kitten” if the night calls for a few
– the Seasonals at Exibit A
are a big attraction to
keep eye out for
– and a fan favorite is their super crushable Kölsch
“Goody Two Shoes”
When it comes to modern life we have found there are fewer and fewer places for people to just gather together, and hang out. After the vital spaces of work and home, we need a third space to find our social community. Really they have something for everyone, and the best spot in the house shifts with the seasons. The beer garden has a great little bar for pouring brews or sampling spirits. And the seating under the pergola features a unique perspective of Williamsburg, perfect for a summer afternoon. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you can find info and links below.
Exhibit A Brewing Co.
4 Main St,
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Phone: (413) 334-8973
Email: info@exhibitabrewing.com
Follow their Socials: