Widowmaker Brewing

If you find yourself in Braintree, Massachusetts, and you’re a fan of craft beer, there’s a hidden gem you absolutely must visit: Widowmaker Brewing. Established in 2016 by Ryan Lavery and Colin Foley, Widowmaker has quickly made a name for itself in the New England craft beer scene, known for its innovative brews and welcoming atmosphere.

Widowmaker Brewing is more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a community! The taproom is spacious yet cozy, with a rustic charm that makes you feel right at home. Large communal tables encourage mingling with fellow beer enthusiasts, and the staff is always eager to talk about their latest creations or recommend a beer that suits your palate. On weekends, the brewery often hosts food trucks and live music, turning any visit into a lively event. Widowmaker Brewing isn’t just about the beer, it’s about bringing people together. The brewery frequently hosts events such as trivia nights, beer yoga, and charity fundraisers. They also participate in local beer festivals and collaborate with other breweries, contributing to the dynamic craft beer culture in the region.

At the heart of Widowmaker Brewing is, of course, the beer. Their lineup is diverse, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here are a couple of standout options:

• Riff City Lager – Widowmaker’s new year-round lager, Riff City was designed to showcase the high-quality ingredients they use to create our lagers. Brewed with a single malt imported from Germany and fermented cold and slow to ensure a smooth lager and accentuate the steeped noble hops. The German malt and lager yeast lend a biscuit-like aroma, mildly sweet yet crisp flavor, and the hops provide a light, floral, and subtle bitter bite culminating in an elevated yet simply delicious offering. The true Boston Lager.

• Deadly Gardens Dark Lager – brewed with a blend of Weyermann Floor Malted Pilsner and a few specialty malts with the goal of pushing max flavor with a simple recipe and hyper attention to process. Pouring dark with a beautiful tan head, this beer is incredibly crushable at 5.1% with a ton of body and subtle complexity. Tasting notes include chocolate and oatmeal cookies. Cold and dark, like a winter in New England.

Widowmaker is also known for its limited releases and experimental brews, so there’s always something new and exciting on tap! Be sure to stop by our Irish pub Sweeney’s on Boylston to try current beer on tap, Blue Comet!