What the Guild Has Achieved in 2025 (So Far)
As taplists shift from summer ales to Märzens and stouts, the Massachusetts Brewers Guild is taking stock of what’s been accomplished in 2025—and why it matters for breweries across the Commonwealth.
This year has brought its share of challenges for small and independent brewers, from rising costs to a crowded marketplace. But through it all, the Guild has kept moving full steam ahead: advocating for members, showcasing Massachusetts beer, and building the connections that keep our industry strong.
Here’s what we’ve been working on.
Advocacy for Independent Brewers
2025 has been a big year for advocacy. After six years of persistence, we finally crossed the finish line on a major win: breweries across Massachusetts can now sell their beer at farmers markets. It’s a new sales channel, a new way to meet customers face-to-face, and a huge step forward in connecting breweries directly with local communities.
Behind the scenes, we’ve kept the conversations going with lawmakers who matter most to our industry—meeting with Sen. Michael Rodrigues, Rep. John Lawn, Rep. Natalie Blais, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Rep. Bill Driscoll, Rep. Dan Donahue, and showing up at events for Senate President Spilka. The message we carry to every one of these rooms is simple: breweries are more than beer. They’re small businesses, employers, neighborhood gathering spots, and a reason people visit and spend money in Massachusetts.
We’ve also spoken up where it counts. This year, we testified before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure to make sure brewery voices were heard on bills that could change the way you do business. And we took that same energy to the national stage, joining the Brewers Association Hill Climb in D.C. to meet with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Rep. Lori Trahan, Rep. William Keating, Rep. Katherine Clark, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Rep. Richard Neal.
Every one of these efforts underscores what we remind policymakers again and again: every pint poured supports jobs, neighborhoods, and local economies.
Showcasing Massachusetts Beer
Few things bring our community together like raising a glass, and 2025 has given us plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Mass Beer Week took over the state this spring with 108 events, five regional passports, and 65 breweries pouring across Massachusetts. With eight media outlets covering the festivities—and nearly $2,000 raised for the Guild through our glassware program—it was a true showcase of the creativity and reach of our brewers.
In April, the Massachusetts Craft Brewers Festival packed the Cyclorama in Boston, where more than 40 breweries poured for hundreds of fans who came ready to discover new favorites and reconnect with old standbys.
We’ve also kept the spotlight shining year-round through partnerships with the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism and the Mass Brew Bros. Their support helps us tell the story of Massachusetts beer to new audiences near and far.
And of course, collaboration remains at the heart of who we are—whether it’s co-brewing a limited release or throwing a statewide celebration, every event reminds us what makes this community so special: creativity, camaraderie, and a shared love of craft beer.
Building Connections
Great beer doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it takes a strong community. That’s why one of the Guild’s biggest priorities in 2025 has been creating spaces for education, collaboration, and connection.
This year, we rolled out educational programs that spoke directly to the realities of running a brewery today: from Navigating Tough Financial Times to ABCC Compliance Updates, to practical trainings like How to Sell Beer at Farmers Markets and even CPR & Emergency Response Training. These sessions gave members not just information, but tools they could put to work right away.
Last year’s Mass Brewers Guild Conference, where brewers and brewery owners sharpened their skills, gained valuable insights from industry experts, and connected with peers across the craft beer community
We also carved out time for brewers to come together face-to-face. Quarterly meet-ups—like the recent gathering at Epigram Brewing with 60+ attendees—have been a chance to swap ideas and share what’s working. And our listening sessions at Couch Dog Brewing, Kismet Brewing, Murder Hill Brewing, and Widowmaker Brewing gave both members and non-members the mic. The insights from these intimate conversations will directly shape our priorities for 2026.
And we’re not done yet. Coming up, our Febrewary Winter Webinar Series will deliver bite-sized learning on everything from self-distribution and sensory education to social media best practices. Then on Nov. 3, we’ll bring everyone together for the annual Guild Conference at Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers—a full day dedicated to learning, networking, and charting the course for the year ahead.
Because at the end of the day, stronger connections mean a stronger brewing community.
Why Join the Guild?
Whether you’re a member brewery or not, the Guild is working on your behalf—advocating for fair policies, promoting craft beer, and building connections across the state. But membership makes us all stronger. Joining the Guild means gaining access to valuable resources, visibility at Guild events, and a network of peers who share your passion.
We’re only three quarters of the way through 2025, and there’s plenty more ahead. Here’s to finishing the year strong, together.
