From Home Brewing to Regional Powerhouse, Founders’ Passion Fuels 30 Years of Craft Beer Success
WESTMINSTER, MA — In the heart of Central Massachusetts, under the shadow of Wachusett Mountain, a trio of college friends turned their love for craft beer into a regional institution. Wachusett Brewing Company, founded in 1994 by Ned LaFortune, Peter Quinn, and Kevin Buckler, began as a bold experiment fueled by a shared obsession with brewing culture and a relentless “we can do this” spirit. Three decades later, their Westminster brewery stands as one of the Northeast’s largest, crafting award-winning ales, lagers, and more with the same passion that sparked their journey.
The story began at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where LaFortune, Quinn, and Buckler bonded over their adventures biking, canoeing, and hiking through New England’s rugged landscapes. These outings weren’t just about the trails or rivers—they were a gateway to discovering craft beer, a burgeoning movement in the early 1990s. Inspired by the bold flavors and creativity of small-batch brews, the trio—trained in engineering and biology—decided to ditch their conventional career paths to chase a dream of making great beer.
Their first brewhouse was makeshift, set up on the LaFortune family farm in Westminster. Armed with little more than enthusiasm and home-brewing equipment, they dove into crafting recipes that captured the essence of their outdoor experiences. But their ambition came with a catch: the farm’s well couldn’t keep up with their water demands, running dry multiple times. “They were promptly asked to leave,” the brewery’s website recounts, a lighthearted nod to the challenges of those early days. Undeterred, the friends relocated just down the road, building a custom three-vessel brewhouse that remains the heart of Wachusett Brewing Company today.
The early years were a grind. LaFortune, Quinn, and Buckler worked tirelessly, bottling beers by hand in the evenings with help from local volunteers and delivering fresh brews in a beat-up old truck. This hands-on approach fostered a deep connection with the Westminster community, a bond that still defines the brewery. Their flagship beers, like the Blueberry Ale (4.2% ABV) and Wally IPA (7% ABV), reflect a commitment to quality and local flavor, drawing inspiration from the region’s natural beauty and their own adventurous spirit.
Today, Wachusett Brewing Company is a cornerstone of Massachusetts’ craft beer scene, producing over 18,000 barrels annually and ranking among the top 50 craft breweries in the U.S. Its Westminster Brew Yard, open seven days a week, offers 24 draught beers, hard ciders, seltzers, and cocktails served from a unique Airstream trailer bar. The brewery’s growth hasn’t diluted its roots; it remains a “local sanctuary” focused on community and craftsmanship, as the founders intended. Recent expansions, including Brew Yards in Worcester and Cambridge, bring their handcrafted brews closer to Boston-area beer lovers.
For Greater Boston residents, Wachusett’s story resonates as a testament to the region’s entrepreneurial grit and love for local flavor. The brewery’s success mirrors the rise of craft culture across Massachusetts, from Somerville’s Aeronaut Brewing to Framingham’s Jack’s Abby. Fans can visit the Westminster Brew Yard (175 State Road E, open daily) to taste classics like the Blood Orange Wheat Ale or newer releases like the Honey Hibiscus Lager, all while soaking in the legacy of three friends who turned a college dream into a New England staple.
As Wachusett approaches its 31st year, the founders’ “we can do this” attitude continues to drive innovation while staying true to their original vision. Whether you’re sipping a snifter at the Brew Yard or cracking open a can at a backyard barbecue, Wachusett Brewing Company invites you to join their story—one pint at a time.
