The Taproom is Open, And It is Glorious!See? Your wishes can come true at this time of the year! Last week, the Beer Garden tent collapsed under the snow and temperatures plummeted to a point where it seemed like the only thing Allen and Rick could have offered would have been “Broken Latch-sicles”. Just when things looked their most dire for our farmhouse beer heroes, a magic piece of paper arrived (OK, it was just a permit, but go along with me on this) and Amory’s Tomb welcomed guests into the new Taproom! It’s a Christmas Miracle! Oh you better believe I was there on the first night! I walked in the back door and immediately noticed it was warm inside, which obviously was different from recent AT visits. I wouldn’t need my coat, so I hung it up on an actual coat hook! I walked up to the bar, and Justin handed me a beer menu with six draught options on it! I was a math major, so I know 6 is greater than 4! I actually had to stare at the menu for a bit longer than usual because I’m not at all used to having so many choices! I made my choice, and Justin handed me my draught…in a glass! With a stem on it and everything. (After I finished, I almost put it in a recycling bin by mistake!) And then I sat down in a swivel chair at a real table. Even the old taproom didn’t have chairs that swiveled! The vibe in the Taproom is so nice, too. It’s very warm and inviting, despite, or maybe because of, the dark walls. The faux-fireplace in the corner is a really nice touch, and the sconces on the walls throw enough light where those of us - ahem - of a certain age are still able to read the menu, but not so much that you feel like you are in a department store or something. The first night was a Metal Wednesday, too, and the sound system sounds terrific. There are a few mementos to remind us of the old taproom, or maybe remind us of how much better the new Taproom is. The best of these is the black board with white letters from the old place, still still displaying the same message as back then. Multiple people have already asked Allen and Rick whether or not there really are “Growlers Available”. They’re eventually either going to have to take down the sign, or make growlers available! In short, the Taproom is a great experience, and it is fabulous to finally see Allen and Rick’s vision come to life. Of course, the Beer Garden is wonderful, too, but not when temperatures are below freezing! If you haven’t been to visit the Taproom yet, I highly recommend you do so as soon as you are able. And if you have been, I am sure you will be going back.
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