Hello! My name is Bob, and I totally missed writing a May newsletter. Life happens! But there’s a lot going on at the Tomb, so here’s your June update:
Taproom Perilously Close to Completion
I’m not burying the lead here! Allen and Rick can finally see the light at the end of the (long, long) tunnel! You may recall that for awhile the big holdup was the sprinkler system. At long last, sprinkler repairs finally commenced a few weeks ago, and as I write this the last sprinkler head has arrived to be installed.
Better yet, the plumbing is done and has been signed off! If you are like me, I bet you’ve forgotten what it’s like to visit Amory’s Tomb, order a draught beer and have them use that washing thing they use to spray water on the glass before giving you your beer. Heck, you’ve probably forgotten what it’s like to drink an Amory’s Tomb draught out of a glass! Maybe even one that is freshly out of the dishwasher! Running water all the through the whole Amory’s Tomb facility, imagine that!
The hardwood floors are being refinished this week, too. There’s a few other final touches Allen and Rick need to handle, and you never know what unforeseen challenge can pop up, but it sure sounds like the long wait is nearing an end.
When the taproom is ready, expect an email directly from Allen and Rick announcing the big day! I don’t want to jinx things, but I think it’s really coming this time!
Amory’s Tomb Hires A New Team Member - Justin Suarez
As if you needed any further indication that Allen and Rick think the taproom is close to completion, they’ve hired a new team member to run the front of the house as they head towards opening. When was the last time they hired a new team member???
Better yet, the new team member is Justin Suarez. If you are like me, when you heard his name you said, “Wait, that Justin?” Yes, that Justin! Even if you didn’t know his name (or if you are like me, and only knew Justin’s first name) you’ll probably recognize him.
Justin’s been working in craft beer service and management for over a decade, so it’s quite possible you’ve encountered him at another local craft brewery. Or perhaps you’ve seen him hanging out in the Beer Garden (and before that, the old taproom.) If you did see him, you’d remember because Justin has quite possibly the thickest beard I’ve ever seen. Seriously, I think you could hang Christmas ornaments from it, and not just those light glass balls!
Justin’s a great guy, and a terrific addition to the Amory’s Tomb family. Be sure to welcome him when you next see him.
Amory’s Tomb Pouring at Numerous Events in June
One of the great things about Amory’s Tomb - I mean, besides the beer and the people - is that Allen and Rick have always made a commitment to the community part of their mantra. To that end, Amory’s Tomb will be pouring at multiple events on Saturdays in June. Here’s what they have on tap (heh):
June 7 - Maynard Pride Fest
This Saturday from 12:00-5:00pm at Veterans Memorial Park is the annual Maynard Pride Fest. There will be music, food, and even a Pet Parade to kickoff the festivities! And of course, Amory’s Tomb will be pouring on-site. More details here: https://www.maynardpride.org
June 21 - Maynard Jazz Fest
Then, two weeks later, again at Veterans Memorial Park, the Maynard Cultural Council will be presenting the 4th Annual Maynard Jazz Fest from 12:30 - 5:00pm. Amory’s Tomb will be pouring at this festival, too.
June 21 - Nashoba Rock N Brewfest
On the same day as Maynard Jazz Fest is the 4th Annual Nashoba Rock N Brewfest in Lancaster sponsored by The Joseph and Leslie Carr Foundation. Over 25 different brewers, including Amory’s Tomb, will be pouring samples of their finest from 2:00 - 6:00pm. All proceeds go to help families in need across Massachusetts. Here’s some information on this festival: https://events.beerfests.com/e/nashoba-rock-n-brewfest
June 28 - Nashua River Brewers Fest
Finally, Beers for Good’s Nashua River Brewers Festival 2025 is on June 28th from 1:00 - 5:00pm in Fitchburg. As the name implies, this annual festival raises money for good causes that are local causes. The festival has been around since 2008 has delivered over $100,000 to nonprofits in and around Fitchburg since then. Wow!
This year’s primary beneficiary will be Ginny’s Helping Hand & Food Pantry. This festival sounds really cool! Of course Amory’s Tomb would be pouring at an event like this! Here are more details: https://www.beersforgood.com/
Phew! Allen and Rick are going to be busy in June!
Underberg Industry Night in the Garden Tuesday, June 17 - Open to All
Amory’s Tomb is partnering with their friends at Underberg for a special event on Tuesday night, June 17th (as an aside, has AT ever been open on Tuesday??) from 6:00 - 9:00pm! There will be Underberg “bingo” cards and Underberg giveaways. In case you aren’t familiar with Underberg, here’s a link that explains it all:
That website is great. My favorite part is that Underberg has…a Loyalty Program??? For only 672 caps, you can get an Underberg pocket watch!
At this point, Underbergs are part of the fabric of the Beer Garden. People drink those little bottles of digestif on their own, and the more adventurous dump them into their beers to create such unholy creations as “Under Latch” and “Maynard’s New England Berg”.
I will be particularly curious to see if anyone dares to mix an Underberg with some AT’s new releases to create “Under Klassique” or “Game Don’t Berg”. It should be a great time!
Allen and Rick Sending a Cask to the Great British Beer Festival
If you’re looking for Amory’s Tomb a little farther away from home, may I suggest the Great British Beer Festival in Birmingham, running from August 5-9? Allen and Rick are sending a special cask over for the event!
OK, here’s my hot take of the month. I think British beer is highly overrated. The best beers I’ve ever had in the UK wouldn’t pass muster at a dive bar over here, although that likely has something to do with the fact that I spent most of my UK time at Wetherspoons establishments.
Plus they spell it “draught” and you know how I feel about that!
My point is, Amory’s Tomb’s keg should go really fast at this event! Still, I bet this festival looks like a really good time. If I was somewhere in the UK in early August I’d find a way to get there. Here’s a link:
https://greatbritishbeerfestival.co.uk/
And that’s about it! Sorry again for being delinquent on last month’s newsletter. I am sure if you ask you can get a refund on your newsletter subscription fee from Allen, unless you are one of the lucky ones who gets this sterling example of journalism for free!
Here’s hoping we get the really big announcement from Allen and Rick soon!
