Micro-brewing Renaissance

Folks in the Berkshires are lucky enough to live in a time of a worldwide micro-brewing Renaissance. Anyone who has traveled throughout the United States in recent years has noted a sudden surge in the number of restaurants and bars that classify themselves as brewpubs; some airports even have "beer gardens" devoted to the local product. There are certain technical, numerical benchmarks which classify "micros," but, typically, the common characteristic is small-batch, custom brews using fresh ingredients on a more "personal scale" than some of the well-known brewing behemoths. The greater Pittsfield area has several brewpubs and many area restaurants offer a local microbrew on tap. Among the most notable is the Brewery at 34 Depot Street, which boasts a 5-barrel system that produces a variety of ales, lagers and stouts. These are also available in area liquor stores in both six-packs and in 64-ounce "growlers," or jugs. They sold over 12,000 cases in 1997. The Brewery contains the entire brewing system as well as an acclaimed restaurant with a large, diverse menu. The building itself is quite an attraction, as it is now the only remaining section of Pittsfield's long-lamented Union Station. According to founder Paul Fortini, "Once you've tried a fresh handcrafted beer you don't want to go back. It's like trying a fresh tomato from the garden and then going back to buying Saran-wrapped tomatoes from the supermarket." Paul is pleased to announce that he will be featuring the Brewery's revised Porter (also to be released for retail sale in bottles) as well as the Widow White Ale, custom brewed for Jiminy Peak. - NEXT