This review first appeared in Yankee Brew News.
f you’re into New England beer, you already know Fox Farm is excellent. Me, however? I’d never actually been before. Not my proudest confession here.
Why go now? Of course, I knew Fox Farm’s stellar reputation, but at the same time, I tended to associate them with farmhouse ales and spontaneous fermentation, neither of which I’m a big fan of. I do the same thing when a place is IPA-heavy; I tend to go elsewhere. But this time, I decided to make the drive to see for myself what the big deal was.
Well, color me a passionate convert. What a gorgeous location out in Salem, the kind of farm setting that reminds me of growing up in rural Ontario. Inside, a bright, fresh taproom and friendly beertenders. And the beer, oh my. I was blown away when I saw there were actual historical beer selections on tap. All Fort Adambier/Dortmunder Altbier. Barmy Burton Ale. Requiem Barleywine. Fohn Franconian-style kellerbier on Lukr. What a treat to be able to try them all, and I was so impressed that I immediately reached out to Zach Adams, Fox Farm’s lead brewer, to ask if I could interview him on the process of brewing historical styles.
Another impressive detail: want cans to take home? Only place to get them is the back of the brewhouse itself, where a line of people waited to get their Fox Farm fix (and yes, I joined that line). Fox Farm does indeed brew farmhouse ales and spontaneous fermented choices, but the experience was so much more than I expected. And, once again, I learned that preconceptions can make you miss out on something wonderful. Make the drive.
Fox Farm Brewery
62 Music Vale Road, Salem, CT 06420