thePULSE
8 Grove Street, Upton
Jennifer Russo
We are very fortunate to be living in a state that has a large number of breweries. It’s become part of the Massachusetts culture, whether you enjoy craft beer, hard seltzer, cider, or just want to pop in to hang with hop-head friends while enjoying an alcohol-free selection to play some music bingo. Breweries and beer gardens have become more than just a place to drink – they have really become a community center and gathering space.
Rushford & Sons Brewhouse, located in nearby Upton, brings that welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that people look forward to after a long day at work. Walking in, you immediately know it’s a place where you can truly kick back and feel right at home, with comfy couches, a great style mix of tables and chairs, and a large bar. It’s the perfect blend of rustic charm and an eclectic modern art vibe that ushers you right in for a great time.
“I started as a homebrewer. Years ago, I went to a place where you can go with friends to brew your own beer, and it was something that I really loved doing. I would brew in my garage and pass out growlers to good friends to try. The name Rushford & Sons came from when one of my best friends and partners was over and my two young boys were doing little things to help me out. When we transformed it into a professional venture, we ended up keeping the name because we liked that ‘old world’ authenticity feel it had,” shares co-owner Mike Rushford.
The brewery opened in December of 2020, which was difficult timing because of the pandemic. They ended up making it work with pre-orders and drive-up, hand-off deliveries, and thankfully were able to make it through and succeed.
When looking for the right location, they fell in love with the old garage they are now in, and built it out with the intention of it being an inviting place with a warm, cozy indoor area and an outdoor beer garden section where the large door can be opened in warmer months.
As far as beer selection goes, Rushford & Sons doesn’t disappoint. With a wide selection of sixteen rotating beers on tap, there is something for everyone. From their three ‘core beers’ – the Bee’s Knees honey blonde, Golden Lion abbey-style Belgian, and the GIPA grapefruit IPA to choices like Hefeweizens, Pilsners, Brown Ales, Red Ales, Lagers, Stouts, Sours, and even some homemade hard seltzers, canned ciders and more – it’s like the gold at the end of the rainbow for those who like to try it all. There is also water, juice, and kid friendly snacks available.
“I like traditional, European style beers and for us it’s really about trying to stick to tradition, while also innovating on it and bringing our own flair to what we make,” says Rushford.
For example, they are currently working on an American Blonde for PRIDE, where a portion of the proceeds go toward local LGBTQ+ charities. They also have a brew in the works they are calling Firecracker, which is an ale brewed with Carolina reaper peppers. It will be spicy, so if you like some burn with your beer, be ready for it!
Rushford & Sons has some dedicated regulars, but they are constantly welcoming new beer lovers to their seats – with seasonal offerings and entertaining events that bring in new crowds all the time. It has food trucks, trivia, cornhole, tarot nights, pop-up book shops, drag bingo, taproom yoga, murder mystery nights, a monthly Magic the Gathering card game, and so much more. They have a Cinco de Mayo event planned with Tako Loko, a Mother’s Day celebration with Mortar & Pestle on May 11th, and are also participating in the 2nd Annual Grafton Beer Festival on May 17th.
“What is so amazing are the friendships that we have seen taking shape for the people who come here. That’s what it’s all about. People have been going to pubs for centuries to have a couple of drinks and meet other people. We set this up so that people can bring their families in and hang out, and it is by design that we have no TV screens – we want people to talk and get to know each other,” Rushford says.
Whether you are a seasoned craft-beer aficionado, new to the brewery scene, or just looking for an atmosphere where you can slow down and unwind, Rushford & Sons is where craft beer and community come together. It’s not just about what’s on tap, but who’s there to raise up a glass together.
The brewery is opening a second location soon in downtown Holliston, which will also have 16 taps and a large outdoor beer garden. It will have custom-made picnic tables, live music, and be a great, casual, come-as-you-are place to hang out.
Rushford & Sons is located at 8 Grove Street in Upton. To learn more about them and their upcoming events, visit their website at www.rasbrewhouse.com or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RASBREWHOUSE. You can also follow them on Instagram @rasbrewhouse
