Fox Farm Brewery, Salem
Looking to while away a weekend afternoon? We’ve found just the place. Over the river and through the woods in Salem lives the spanking new Fox Farm Brewery. Set on a quiet 30 acres and run by earnest young brewers, this place is hopping (ha!) right out of the gate. When we pulled up to the bucolic farm, there was scarcely a parking space but we were directed by an attendant to a spot behind the giant, renovated 1960’s (once dairy) barn, complete with silo. Inside the building lies an exquisite brewery decked out in wood from top to bottom and in between. We bellied up to the tasting bar and ordered a “flight” of all five beers on tap for the day. The lineup included Hearthbound (a robust, pitch black porter), three IPA’s with notes of apricot and grapefruit. Gather, a straight-shooting pilsner was a crowd favorite. Its clarity reminded us of the beer we cut our teeth on and something you’d love on a hot summer day.
We took our “half pours” ($3-4) outside and spread a blanket on the lawn and watched loads of locals enjoying the same. The farm was brimming with tots and dogs and beer enthusiasts who had obviously been long awaiting these doors to open.
By the time we finished our samples and returned to barn to ogle the massive stainless steel tanks in the brewery, the line was wrapped around the building.
The brewery tasting room is open for tastings and growler pours every Saturday and Sunday from 11-5. Go on the early side and find your spot outside. And bring the whole gang.
Good to know: Don’t care for beer? Fox Farm has Ashlawn Farm Cold Nitro Brew on tap.
62 Music Vale Road in Salem
