Almost twenty years later, the successful brewery remains devoted to its fine craft, with sales at a steady incline. Led by energetic and thrill-seeking Ned, who has been known to kite ski before work to clear his mind to spawn creativity, the brewery is home to a team of thirty-plus workers, all of whom are a mix of locals, friends, family members and even retirees. Familiar faces on the marketing team include TJ Morse, an eight-year veteran, Kim Slayton, a twoyear devotee and Amanda Goggin, a recent addition to the company who is already considered “part of the family” by her colleagues. When asked to choose a favorite beer from a list of nearly twenty, Kim selects the brewery’s flagship beer, the Country Pale Ale. TJ prefers the Black Shack Porter for its master craft and use in braised meat dishes. All three agree that the consumer favorite is the Blueberry Ale. Crafted in 2000, they never anticipated its instant popularity, but are quick to add that it is the best blueberry beer out there. While some blueberry ales solely add the fruit extract after fermentation, Wachusett incorporates the flavor throughout the beer-making process. While Wachusett beers are sold all over New England, New York and New Jersey, the brewery’s main focus is to appeal to the local clientele, and as a result, ninety percent of their product is in Massachusetts alone. As TJ explains, “Our focus is to take care of the backyard and to not grow too fast.” TJ commends the brilliant work of the employees and gushes over the newly added canning project. In the works for more than three years, the initiative is the largest independently owned style of production outside of Mississippi, producing 800 cans a minute. In May, local stores will offer twelve packs of Monsta, Blueberry Ale, Light IPA, Summer Ale and Country Ale. continued on page 130
Ned LaFortune, President, Wachusett Brewery
Foodies of New England
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