9 Great Breweries on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
June 6, 2022
Is there anything better than a cold pint on a hot day? Or a flight of incredible craft beers so that you can try them all? Luckily, there are many breweries to try all across your journey (provided you have a designated driver, of course!).
Below, you’ll discover a few of the many great Essex Coastal Scenic Byway breweries to choose from. And you might even just discover a scenic view or two while you sip your delicious brew.
Bent Water Brewing
Address: 180 Commercial St #18, Lynn
If you’re starting your Scenic Byway brewery tour in Lynn, there’s no better way to start than by visiting Bent Water Brewing. Here, brewery-lovers are invited into Bent Water’s taproom to enjoy and try out their seasonal beers, familiar favorites, and even hard seltzers for non-beer drinkers.
Notch Brewing
Address: 283R Derby Street, Salem
Notch Brewing in historic Salem, MA, is a great place to grab a tall mug of craft beer and enjoy incredible views of the South River and Salem Harbor. Beer-lovers will find session beer inspired by the classic brewing styles of the Czech Republic, Germany, England, and Belgium. It’s like a European beer tour without the 12-hour flight!
Backbeat Brewing Company
Address: 31A Park Street, Beverly
Backbeat Brewing Company in Beverly is more than your typical craft beer stop. The brewery also features various quick bites, such as sandwiches, wraps, bar snacks, and even breakfast items. Additionally, the brewery also offers a vast selection of coffee and tea. And all of that is before we even mention the incredible craft beer list, featuring various brewing styles from across the world.
Great Marsh Brewing Company
Address: 99 Main Street, Essex
The Great Marsh Brewing Company has everything you need for a top-notch brewery experience. Here, guests will find a diverse selection of craft beer brewed in multiple styles. The brewery also provides SpaB Craft Hard Seltzers, which are made all-natural with zero sugar, zero, carbs, and gluten-free. And you can enjoy your drinks overlooking the sprawling Great Marsh just outside.
RiverWalk Brewing
Address: 40 Parker Street, Newburyport
RiverWalk Brewing is a fantastic craft beer spot in Newburyport, especially when beginning or ending your Scenic Byway brewery tour. The brewery features a vast selection of local craft beers and a large menu of food choices. Beer & donut tray, anyone? The restaurant also hosts various events and tastings, and features outdoor fire pits!
True North Ale Company
Address: 116 County Road, Ipswich
The True North Ale Company is situated in historic Ipswich, Massachusetts, on the North Shore of Boston. With a diverse group of family and friends working together to develop highly imaginative craft beers, True North has a distinctive perspective on beer production. Their crew is thrilled to be brewing fruity American IPAs, elegant Belgian beers, traditional German lagers, cutting-edge sours, and many other classic and innovative varieties.
Their taproom offers a welcoming environment to thirsty locals and out-of-town visitors, and a gathering place for business and community groups.
Ipswich Ale Brewery
Address: 2 Soffron Lane, Ipswich
Located in Ipswich, this brewery is a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Ipswich Ale Brewery is known for its classic beers, including its flagship Ipswich Original Ale, as well as more experimental brews like the Cranberry Pumpkin Ale. The taproom has a relaxed, rustic atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Check out the full beer menu and see what appeals to you, they serve great food as well!
Gentile Brewing Company
Address: 59 Park Street #1, Beverly
Gentile Brewing Company is a family-run nano craft brewery in Beverly, established in 2015 by Paul and Christen Gentile. They live in Beverly, with the goal of giving our neighborhood access to fresh craft beer prepared with premium ingredients. Traditional English-style brewing techniques and ingredients are used to create their beer. The product line consists of a quartet of low-ABV year-round beers as well as occasional small-batch releases that allow them to test out fresh concepts.
You can find their full beer list for the taproom here. Find the ones you like and pay a visit!
Old Planters Brewing Co.
Address: 232 Rantoul Street, Beverly
With a taproom featuring 12 draft lines which include our distributed beers as well as taproom exclusives, Old Planters Brewing Co. also has canned beer and growlers to go. The brewery is a tribute to the Old Planters, the founding fathers of Beverly, these men settled in the owners’ favorite suburban oasis. Their goal is to make everyone in the community feel comfortable and establish themselves as firmly rooted in the community with everything they do. You can stop by this brewery every day but Monday, but first take a look at their draft list.
After enjoying your favorite Essex Coastal Scenic Byway breweries, you can read up on the top 10 lighthouses to visit along the Byway as well and learn about their history.