Though Big Elm Brewing’s founders have been in the beer industry for decades, they still find it fun.
In fact, if it wasn’t for beer, owners Bill and Christine Heaton may not have fallen in love. The couple met while working at Victory Brewing Co. in Pennsylvania in 2003. Bill had been working in the beer industry since the late 1990s, and Christine had a college degree in brewing.
During a trip to the Berkshires, the two went looking for a brew pub. They found one in Pittsfield — but it had been closed indefinitely. After some poking around, they found out that it had been recently remodeled and was for sale at a good price — personal matters had forced the former owner to close.
So, they bought it. From 2005 to 2010 they ran Brew Works, but decided they wanted to focus on beer rather than running a restaurant. They were surprised to find out that many of the county’s towns were less than receptive to being home to a brewery. But they did find one that welcomed them with open arms.
In 2012, they set up shop in Sheffield. The Heatons opened a taproom in October. With plenty of space to grow right where they are, Big Elm has put down roots and is hoping to stay.
“We’re evolving the taproom as we go,” Bill Heaton said.
While they don’t want to have another full-on brew pub, the Heatons would like to have some sort of food available on a permanent basis. In the meantime, customers can bring their own food.
Occasionally, they’ll put on events with live music and food trucks, like a recent 5K footrace. Heaton said they’d like to do more of that.
It’s right down the street from Berkshire Mountain Distillers, making it a bit of a destination. They’re even using some of the distillery’s used rum and bourbon barrels to age different beers.
Big Elm is distributed throughout western Massachusetts and parts of Connecticut, and will be expanding to Rhode Island next month. They have four year-round brews in 12-ounce cans – American Lager, 413 Farmhouse Ale, IPA, and Gerry Dog Stout. Others are available seasonally or at the taproom, in cans or growlers.
At Franklin County on Tap, Big Elm will be pouring its Fat Boy Double IPA, Thunderlips pale ale, and its American Lager or 413 Farmhouse Ale.
The taproom pours pints from Thursday through Saturday, and is open for retail only from Monday through Wednesday.
For more information, visit: www.bigelmbeer.com.