The WHOLE Story...
It all started with a 5 gallon bucket…
The dream started in a home basement with a 5 gallon bucket homebrew system, crafting classic well loved brews that would go on to live in infamy. That dream grew into a tiny little spot in Bernardston in 2010 on a 2 bbl system that couldn’t supply the masses. You joined us in our mission and provided community support like we've never seen before. After just one year in Bernardston, extreme demand and popularity immediately forced us into a larger facility in Greenfield. Lefty's continued strong growth, consistently expanding production and distribution range across the entire state of MA, continuously winning community awards for Best Locally Crafted Beer, Best Local Brewery, and more. We exploded the beer fest scene with our outrageously fun and unique Lefty's Fests, all while remaining committed to quality and a special experience for beer enthusiasts and our local community.
Have you been to Lefty's Fest? IYKYK.
As we began reaching capacity with our 15 bbl brewhouse, along with dealing with a few really difficult bumps in the journey we call life, we had some tough choices to make, and we entered a turning point in 2019.
Melissa, who suffers from Ehlers-Danlos Hypermobility Syndrome was struggling to keep up with 80 hr work weeks and the extreme demands of operating a multi-faceted, constantly growing business with lots of employees and many responsibilities. We also decided that we wanted to start a family.
​
As difficult as it was to fathom closure of a popular brewery, we decided to close on a high note to re-set our lives. Luckily, we closed down the brewery just in time... the COVID epidemic stopped the entire world for a long while. We felt so very lucky to not be operating a business during that complex and difficult time! And, while starting a family was successful for us, there were some serious life threatening medical issues that nearly took Melissa's life more than once in extremely rare and traumatic ways and it was/is a very long struggle and road to recovery. We welcomed a beautiful healthy child into the world and are grateful that mom and child are here with us today. ​That being said, life is different now.
​
Throughout the toughest times imaginable, we always remembered how much we loved creating smiles and positive moments for our community. During this intense journey with every bump in the road that could possibly occur, you all kept reminding us that you missed us… big time. We were contacted so frequently after the brewery closure and asked if/when we'd re-open, we started realizing you just wouldn't let it go… you wouldn’t let us go ... the closure of Lefty's was just not accepted.
​
As we experienced consistent requests to return for nearly 7 years, we remembered that we've always done things on our terms... so we decided to bring Lefty's back… on our terms.
And that's just what we did.
​
Welcome to Lefty's 2.0...
Lefty's Craft.
​
​We changed the name from Lefty's Brewing Company to Lefty's Craft... WHY?
You always loved what we crafted for you. So we figured, let's make even more great things and expand doing what we love. We have lots of well crafted ideas up our sleeves that we’re developing and can't wait to show you everything. So, hold on to your new and long-awaited Lefty's glass that you found in our online store and pay serious attention to our website and social media because we have even more big news coming soon!
With a new name, comes a new look. But don’t worry… it’s the same beer.
It's been seven years since we closed. It was time to freshen up. Although you constantly let us know that you loved our labels, we decided to go with ideas we've had for many years. We dug deep into our hearts to explore the thoughts we’ve been holding on to, kept some elements from the past, and dove headfirst into a retro vibe. We were sure to include our well-known love for dogs and nature, with some nods to great music, classic cars, and nostalgic appeal. As new as it is, it’s almost like we never left.
​
Take a journey with our gentle giant! Our dog Axl, a 170 lb Cane Corso Mastiff featured on each label, is touring beautiful National Parks and memorable landmarks. Michael Axt, an amazing local artist and dog lover, worked closely with us for 1.5 years, helping us bring our vision to life.
​
These breathtaking scenes pay homage to our precious earth, and we hope you all get to experience these special locations with your own eyes, or at least travel vicariously with Axl on his journey. Please visit our beer page for more info.
(OUR PSA FOR THE DAY: Please remember, dogs are often not allowed in many places inside National Parks, so please understand that this is fun art using our mascot and made to bring awareness to these beautiful locations that we hope everyone gets to enjoy during their lifetime. Please always follow the rules of the landmarks you visit and stay on trails.)
​
How do you find your favorite beers if we changed the names and labels?
That's easy! Visit our beer pages to find the old label matched to its new updated version. We also paired most of the labels with similar color schemes that we used to use. We couldn’t resist sneaking in the familiarity you crave.
We decided not to re-open a tap room. Why?
We chose to pass on the time consuming operations of owning and operating a taproom. We didn't want to have a building and the upkeep, constant rotation of staff to manage, and very long hours. After watching what happened to businesses during the covid era, we chose to take an approach that had less risks. We want more time for our family, health, wellness, and life.
​
We saw the industry shift massively during our big pause and we couldn’t have been more grateful to have that perfectly timed opportunity to take a step back, evaluate what we saw working and not working for many other breweries, and we designed our plan according to what we needed and desired moving forward. By removing most of the physical assets, upkeep, staff to manage, along with removing added risks and extra variables, it allowed us to focus on delivering you what you kept wanting…. Lefty’s quality brews.
​
This new path forward gave us a chance to celebrate what Lefty’s was always about, without so many stressors and added factors that seem to be taking down the nationwide brewing industry as a whole. With so many closures occurring, we all saw a pattern … having a facility that then needs to compete with other entertainment industries, and needs to constantly operate that facility to keep the bills and staff paid. And although our taproom was always packed, we chose to give that time and energy to our family instead of that rat race, and removed the added risks that seem to be affecting many breweries across the nation the past few years.
​
We worked hard developing this new plan forward while studying the ever changing brewing industry, so we can sprinkle in fun events and lots of new goodies for you to fall in love with, all while remaining focused on what’s important for us as a family.
​
We call this balance. And we appreciate your support in this new transition for Lefty’s, so we can all get what we need out of this symbiotic relationship.
What does that mean for you, since clearly you're sighing in quiet disappointment right now...
I know. It's different, but do-able. Let us explain...
We’re here, and we aren't going anywhere. We just don't have a taproom. But we do have some fun ideas on how to approach this all while keeping the balance we desire… so follow us closely for all the details!
We encourage you to find Lefty's at your favorite local spots. And don’t forget to always TAKE US WITH YOU! Sit out under the stars or by a campfire. Take your dogs for a long hike and finish it off with your favorite Lefty’s brew. Or sit back in your favorite chair with your dog in your lap while sipping on a cold one… if they’re not Axl size - although that big dude will definitely back his rear up to you and sit right in your lap if you let him! (I’ll post pics in one of our upcoming newsletters - you don’t want to miss that!). Order Lefty’s kegs and cases for your weddings, family reunions, or other events of any size. We’ve got you covered. Lefty's is here for all your favorite moments in life… and all the in-between… just like we used to be! Always remember, WE GO WITH YOU. Your classic style. Your favorite place. Your Friday night. Your vacation. Your wedding or special event. Your Tuesday lunch. Your break up. Your date night. Your afterwork night out with the co-workers but would rather be home drinking on the couch in your PJ’s. WE ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU!
​
The important part... HOW TO FIND OUR BEER!
Our team at Castle Island Brewing in Massachusetts is assisting us with brewing up all your favorite Lefty's brews. These amazing brewers have a much larger facility than we did... think 60 bbl batches instead of 15 bbl batches... which enables us to get more great beer to more of you. That was always the goal, wasn’t it?
If you want to see our beer at any of your favorite shops, grocery stores, restaurants, event & banquet facilities, concert halls and large venues, please contact us immediately to get started carrying your favorite Lefty's beverages. We would love to get you the beer everyone craves. ​
We are also strongly considering out of state distribution. If you are an interested account and would like to get on our list, please contact us!
​
TIME TO CELEBRATE! Lefty’s Craft brews will be available in the state of MA the week of May 18th! Please keep a careful daily eye on our social media and sign up for our newsletters because we have so much more to share with you and are so very excited to reveal more big news coming soon! Please visit our new website www.leftyscraft.com to check out our new look and our NEW online store! We have even more great merch rolling out all summer long, so check back often to find your favorite goodies!
Thank you everyone for all of your support. We wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for each of you who encouraged, begged, demanded, pleaded, asked nicely, and some who even shed tears or got legitimately angry to see us go. It was certainly a mix of emotions, and we are so excited to have this opportunity. WE ARE BACK!! Thank you for the first nine years. We are thrilled to show you what’s next.
… now go dust off your preciously saved Lefty’s stash you’ve been saving for juuuuuust the right occasion, because there’s no better time than this! Let’s all celebrate together with one big cheers! Please post your big smiling faces holding your Lefty’s, so we can all share in this communal joy together!!!!!!
​
And just like when we closed in April 2019, we will wrap up this happy message with this…
And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. ~The Beatles
​
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!
Melissa & Bill Goldfarb Owners, Lefty’s Craft LLC