A few years ago, Bill “Lefty” Goldfarb was faced with a decision: Pursue his passion for brewing beer or continue working as a roofer.
He chose the former and ditched the ladder. In 2010, he founded Lefty’s Brewing Co. in Bernardston, in a place big enough to brew two 31-gallon barrels at a time. Lefty’s quickly outgrew its small building, moving to Wells Street in Greenfield a year after opening. It is now the county’s second-largest brewery. Goldfarb hopes to hit 2,500 barrels this year, a long way from the 124 barrels he made in his first full year.
Goldfarb’s wife, Melissa Goldfarb, has been beside him since he was home-brewing. Married in 2014, they make their home in Gill. She handles marketing, events and other aspects of the business, while Bill focuses on putting out the beer. Still a small brewery, the two employ eight other workers.
This past March, Lefty’s began packaging some of its product in 12-ounce cans, although much of the beer still comes in 22-ounce bottles. Another change planned for late summer is a tasting room on Wells Street.
At this year’s Franklin County On Tap, Lefty’s will bring some of its popular standbys and some “fun stuff.” said Goldfarb.
In addition to several year-round and seasonal brews, Lefty’s has made exclusive offerings in partnership with several area restaurants, bars and retailers.
“Barrel aging is my passion,” he explained. He’s used whiskey barrels to age many of his beers — the charred, whiskey-soaked staves imparting their flavor on the brews. He’s been experimenting with chips made from bourbon and Scotch barrels.
While Lefty admittedly leans toward the dark side of beer with his stouts, porters, Scotch ales and barrrel-aged brews, there are also offerings for those who prefer hoppier varieties.
Bonding over beer is big at Lefty’s. To them, it’s not just about enjoying beer, but the things you do and the company you keep while you drink it. That’s why they like to put on events that focus on food, music and fun.
Lefty’s has been growing “slow and steady,” almost doubling its output every year, Goldfarb said.
His beer sells across the state.
That do-it-yourself spirit is big for Goldfarb, who is proud to say he’s been able to grow his business by paying cash rather than taking on mortgages.