Buzzards Bay Brewery History

In 1982 the Russell Family purchased the historic, 140 acre "Long Acre Farm." Following a family discussion, a stewardship statement was drafted. At the heart of this statement is the Russell Family’s belief that they are stewards of both land and possessions; that these are not truly owned, but rather are temporarily gifted and to be used in a fashion honoring those who came before and those who follow afterward. The family declared they would use this South Coast farmland both for agricultural products (including food, wine and beer) and for education (about the value of working natural resources). The Russell's founded both Buzzards Bay Brewing and Westport Rivers Winery upon this deep regard for local agriculture and education. As of 2006 over 300 acres of working farmland has been permanently preserved by the companies.

The brewery is situated in the heart of the South Coast farming community of Westport. Historically, Massachusetts was known for producing some of the world’s finest hops and Buzzards Bay Brewing hopes to reclaim (in due time) that heritage.

Buzzards Bay Brewing first produced beer in the summer of 1998 with a 50 barrel brew-house and state of the art bottling line. The brewery brews and packages all beers on-site, using natural spring water, the best domestic and imported malts and the finest hops from the United States, Slovakia, England and Germany.

In 2000 Buzzards Bay Brewing began producing lager beer alongside English style ale. The initial recipe, a Dortmund “export style” Pilsner, won the Gold Medal for “Best European Style Pilsner” at the 2000 Great American Beer Festival! With this kind of success we had to do more lager. Indeed, since then we've expanded our lager beer list to include a Black Lager, Czech Hopped Pilsner and many LTD releases like: Vienna, Weizen Dopplebock, German Pilsner, & IPL.

Lagers are demanding mistresses! Think of ales as rugged beasts, wild horses; their celebrated beauty is often because of their outrageous, over-the-top style and wild nature. Ales take between 10 and 14 days to go from kettle to bottle. Lagers are the epitomy of self control, a Lipizzaner stallion; all the power and magnificence of the wild beast are brought to reign and displayed in dazzling perfection. Lagers require a deft ability to balance flavor and aroma with the crisp, clean mouthfeel and finish that comes from lager yeast. Lagers also take from 28 days to 160 days to go from kettle to bottle.

Current year round draft beers include a deliciously hopped Czech-style Pilsner, a dark and rich Black Lager and a classic, English style Pale Ale. Year round bottled beers include a Dortmund style award winning Lager and the Pale Ale in both 6 packs and twelve packs. Limited releases are constantly flowing from the brewery in both 6 packs and 4 packs (the 4 packs are for high octane brews of over 7% alcohol). “Check the neck” label for flavor/style.

In the summer months, the brewery has become a popular post-beach destination for locals and tourists looking for a tour and to have growlers (1/2 gallon jugs) filled with fresh draft beer.

Mission Statement

Buzzards Bay Brewing brews great beers inspired by the land, sea and sky that surround us, for ourselves, our friends, our neighbors and visitors to the South Coast region.

We want to grow in harmony with the South Coast by being a good neighbor, demonstrating stewardship of the land and producing the finest beers imaginable.