Massachusetts craft beer in Boston: what we stock

The Wild Duck, our liquor store at 86 Massachusetts Ave in Boston, stocks beer from Massachusetts makers including Sam Adams, Jacks Abby and Mighty Squirrel. This guide sorts those from the other beers on our shelf and shows how to shop them in store, for pickup, or through liquor delivery in Boston.

Which Massachusetts craft beer makers does The Wild Duck stock?

Three makers on our shelf are brewed in Massachusetts: Sam Adams, Jacks Abby and Mighty Squirrel. Sam Adams is made by the Boston Beer Company, which is based in Boston. Jacks Abby brews in Framingham, and Mighty Squirrel brews in Waltham.

All three sit within our beer section, which is one part of a store with more than 4,500 products and more than 700 brands in stock. Stock changes from week to week, so the beers on the shelf today may differ from the ones you saw last month.

If you want one stop for Massachusetts beer, start with those three names and then look through the rest of the beer section for other makers.

Which beers on your shelf are not from Massachusetts?

Some beers in our range are good to know about but are not Massachusetts craft beer, and we would rather say so plainly. Zero Gravity JAWS comes from Zero Gravity, a Vermont brewery. DELIRIUM Na Delirio comes from a Belgian brand.

Twisted Tea Original is a different kind of drink altogether. It is a flavored malt beverage and not a craft beer, so it belongs in a separate search from the beers in this guide.

Keeping these apart helps you when you are building a selection of Massachusetts beers for a host, a dinner or a visiting guest.

What styles of Massachusetts craft beer should I look for?

Start with the style you already like and look for a Massachusetts brewery making it. Our IPA section includes New England IPA, a style known for a hazy look and a soft, juicy character. New England IPA takes its name from the region where the style developed.

If you prefer something lighter, the lager and pilsner sections are the place to browse. Lagers are brewed with yeast that works at cooler temperatures, which gives a clean, crisp beer. Jacks Abby is generally associated with lagers, so its cans are a natural place to begin if you want that style.

In autumn and winter, the seasonal section is worth a look. Seasonal beers are released for part of the year, so a style you enjoy now may not be on the shelf in spring.

What is the difference between buying at a taproom and at a bottle shop?

A taproom serves one brewery's beer, usually fresh from the tanks, to drink on the spot or to take home in cans or growlers. A bottle shop stocks cans and bottles from many breweries, so you can compare several makers in one trip.

At The Wild Duck, you shop the second way. You can put a Massachusetts brewery next to a Vermont one or a Belgian one and see how the styles differ, without visiting a separate taproom for each.

A taproom is the better choice if you want to sit down, drink a beer from the tap and see the brewery. A bottle shop is the better choice if you want to take beer home, bring something to a dinner, or choose between several styles at once. If you want more on shopping for beer to take away, read our guide to craft beer to go in Boston.

How do I get Massachusetts craft beer from The Wild Duck by pickup or delivery?

You can walk in, order for pickup, have an order delivered, or ask about shipping. Our Boston delivery page explains how delivery works in the city, and we also serve Cambridge and Brookline.

Pickup runs from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Saturday and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Sunday. Delivery hours are 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM Monday to Saturday and 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM on Sunday. Our page on in-store pickup in Boston covers what to expect when you collect an order.

Stock changes, so check the beer section when you order to see what is available.

Where is The Wild Duck beer shop in Boston and when is it open?

The Wild Duck is at 86 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02117. The shop is open from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Saturday and from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Sunday.

You can visit to look at the cans in person, or use pickup or delivery if you would rather order ahead. Google reviewers rate the shop above 4.5 out of 5, from more than 60 reviews.

If you are choosing a place to buy beer from several Massachusetts makers in one visit, those hours and that address are what you need to plan the trip.

Can The Wild Duck help me choose a Massachusetts craft beer as a gift?

Yes. If you are buying for a visitor, tell us what they usually drink and we will point you to the right section of the shelf. A guest who likes hoppy beer might suit an IPA, while one who prefers something gentler might suit a lager.

For ideas on choosing and packing beer for someone else, read our guide to beer gift ideas in Boston or our holiday gift guide. If you would rather give something that is not beer, gift cards are available.

As a general rule for food, lighter lagers go well with salty snacks, and hoppier beers suit spicy dishes. Our snacks section is a convenient place to add something to eat to your order.