Hot on the heels of the recent visit to The Tap Brewery in Haverhill, I decided to see what other breweries were around, because the day was still young and my thirst still needed quenching.
Lo and behold, the uniquely named "Spicket River Brewery" was the top result from my favorite go-to Google search term "Breweries Near Me", and with my curiosity piqued I needed to go. After all, what kind of tastes does one find in a brewery named "Spicket"?!
Getting Crafty at the brewery
The brewery, named for the Spicket River (a tributary that feeds off the Merrimack River), has been around for about five years (as of this writing) and resides in a shared space with the Essex Art Center.
Opened in 2019 in "an eco-conscious redeveloped mill building" in the Union Crossing area of Lawrence, MA the venue gives off an atmosphere of creativity once you enter the courtyard area, and does so with good reason. The building is also home to Island Street Studios, a space designated as "work-only studios for artists, makers, entrepreneurs & organizations" (Union Crossing Website). And because this is called home for a lot of creatives and visitors to the brewery don't worry about parking: There's a big lot for plenty of vehicles right out front that probably allowed ample spaces for the mill workers to park.
The town of Lawrence, MA is definitely worth a visit to explore as well, not only to see the historical buildings still in use, but to get a taste of a variety of ethnic cultures. From what I gather, it's a melting pot of multiple cultures, which bring the flavors from their backgrounds to one convenient location. You like chinese? You got it! Something maybe a little spicer and hispanic or with a Dominican feel? That's available too. This acceptance of the various cultures in one town spills over to the general mindset and atmosphere that's found in the brewery as well.
Serving Creativity One Pint At A Time
In keeping with the creative spirit, Spicket River Brewing's rotating tap list certainly has some titles that will raise more than a few eyebrows. If you're a music buff you might recognize the title of the dark lager pictured above, which is named "The Black Parade" (of My Chemical Romance fame for those unfamiliar with the song title). The beer was pretty good, with flavors of coffee and a little chocolate throughout.
Other notable beers that stood out during my visit included ones named "Bodega Juice", "No Talent", and "The Box". All extremely tasty and you really can't go wrong with any of their beers on draft. Bring a few friends and you've definitely got the makings of a great time.
While there was a food truck on site it was not operational, but was told it was going to be back up and running soon. They still had a food option in the form of various pizzas made to order, and they were delicious. I went with the standard pepperoni and enjoyed that in front of the tv inside the main bar area.
The visit happened during the NHL playoffs and the Bruins were on (Go Bruins even though the series was lost against the Florida Panthers, but hey, there's always next year!), and the gathering inside grew as the game went on. There was a certain excitement in the air, although I'm not sure if it was because of the beer or the Bruins...or both. What I do know is that whatever it was, contributed to a fantastic flavorful evening.
My Impression(ists)
Upon arrival, there is a definite creative and laid-back vibe to the establishment. Everyone is there to have a good time and is open to conversation. I got the feeling the brewery was designed for anyone looking for good beer and to potentially spitball new ideas in art, music, or any other form of creation.
The spaces were decorated with kitsch and other unique things and they've made great use of the given brick millspace and turned it into a welcoming functioning brewery. There's a function room/spillover area with more seating that was lit with blue mood-lighting, which I found unique and could see people relaxing and getting away from the busier sections of the brewery.
The people working there were so friendly and accomodating, making me feel like I was part of "the family". I would highly recommend stopping in to Spicket River Brewing to not only try their beers, but to get a sense of (what I'd like to call it as) "laid-back creative cooperation" feels like. You might enter the space a little anxious or nervous, but that lasts all but a second before you are welcomed and feel included.
I can't say enough great things about Spicket River Brewing, and would say it's worth multiple trips back, and much like the river of the same name, this blog is but a tribute (courtesy to Tenacious D). When you know, you know, and now you know. Let me know when you go and I might just meet you for a pint of their delicious creative inducing elixers! Cheers!
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