Honest Town Brewery
History of Honest Town Brewery
Conceptualized in 2005 as an integral part of the 12 Crane Street complex and assembled from components of former New England breweries, Honest Town Brewery gets its name from one of the proposed names for the town which it calls home: Historic Southbridge, Massachusetts. Honest Town Brewery’s first batch, aptly named for Saint Patrick, “Padraig’s Irish Red”, debuted in March of 2008 at the first Saint Patrick’s Day Beer Fest held at 12 Crane Street. Honest Town currently brews three year round beers and several seasonal specialty beers which are currently available at the Dark Horse Tavern and the Hop Vine Café at 12 Crane Street.
Brewer’s Bio
Ben Roesch started his brewing career as Assistant Brewer at Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts. While there, Ben learned the industrial side of craft brewing alongside experts in the field. Next, Ben worked as a Production Brewer at Wachusett Brewing Company in Westminster, Massachusetts where he acquired the skills used to brew beers consistently in large batches. In 2004, Ben became Head Brewer at Nashoba Valley Brewery in Bolton, Massachusetts where he specialized in crafting beers using fresh, local ingredients. Today, Ben is the Head Brewer at Honest Town Brewery in the 12 Crane Street complex in Southbridge, Massachusetts. Ben’s years of experience, his expertise and dedication go into brewing fine British-style beers which have won him praise and recognition among his peers in the industry.
Honest Town Brewery’s Beers
Year Round Beers
“Padraig’s Irish Red”: a dark, malty ale with a unique reddish color and a crisp, dry finish from roasted barley
“S.O.B.” or “Southbridge Ordinary Bitter”: our lightest beer, an easy-drinking, straw-colored beer with a light malt aroma followed by a crisp hop finish.
“Blueberry”: a refreshing, light ale with a hint of blueberry
Seasonal Beers
American Pale Ale: (Now on Tap) with 5 North American hops; a crisp, pale ale
Hefe Weizen: (Now on Tap) 50% wheat/50% barley, light-bodied German style ale
Antul's 80 Shilling: Winner of the w.i.z.a.r.d.s Homebrew Competition
Imperial Sturbridge Coffee Roasters Stout: (Winter 2008)
Festivals
St. Patricks - March
Summer Beer Fest - July
Octoberfest - October
What other brewers are saying about Padraig's Irish Red:
"Padraig's Red is a delicious session beer, Ben. Full toasted malt flavor but medium-bodied, with a nice kiss of hop flavor through the finish. Nicely balanced. I could drink this beer all afternoon (actually, I guess I did!)."
~Will Meyers of Cambridge Brewing Company
Come in for a taste and let us know what you think!
Contact Ben by email: brewer@12crane.com
