Bloom Brew

I have been dreaming of making a trip to Bloom Brew for quite some time, being an avid follower on Facebook and often tearing up when I see the list of available brews. Finally, after my drinking buddies took one too many day trips without me, we planned a Westmoreland brewery tour that started at Bloom.
Once we entered West Newton, we followed signs leading us there. Their space is shared with the local volunteer fire department, so if your GPS leads you to the West Newton Volunteer Fire Department station, you’re in the right place. Bloom is at the back of the building and there is a parking lot available.
For anyone who doesn’t know, Bloom Brew boasts an impressive list of over 20 beers available at all times. This is no small feat given the modest location. They only sell smaller (32 oz) growlers but they will let you sample up to 4 different beers. My friends and I tried to make the most of our 4 samples each, trying not to repeat so we could each get a taste of as many beers as we could. The breweries admit this is homebrewing turned into obsession. The 24 rotating beers on tap made with local ingredients make that a little obvious.
I’ve personally been a fan of rye beers lately making Roggen Z Noggen my favorite by a long shot. I usually like a hefeweizen so I tried Jeffeweizen. It was a bit on the sour side for me however my friend who said she’s not a hefeweizen fan but does like the sours ended up buying a growler of it. I liked the Peach Buzz but wanted it to be a bit sweeter. Down the Hatch was a good one, brewed with chili peppers. Speltacular Saison (with peppercorns) was an interesting surprise. Lil Brown Cacow (a chocolate milk stout) was very smooth and tasty. But in the end, I went back to my first choice, the Roggen Z Noggen to fill my growler.
Hours are limited to Saturday 12−6pm for growler sales, which is the only real reason I’ve deducted a star. That and the fact that I have to drive about an hour to get there. (I have encountered Bloom Brew at a few bars around town and a couple brewfests, though.) The growler glass is $ 3 and depending on your beer selection, fills are $ 5 – 8 (most are in the $ 5 – 6 price range). Not a bad deal at all.
Inside the door at Bloom Brew there is a chalkboard where it is written, «We love our craft, you’ll love our beer.» Truer words were never spoken.