Two Popular Central MA Breweries Closing This Fall

RUTLAND, MA — Two popular Worcester County breweries will close this fall, leaving local beer lovers without two of the most unique brewers around.

After four years near Pine Hill Reservoir in Rutland, Milk Room Brewing will close its large outdoor taproom at the end of this season. The brewer typically closes the pasture during winter months, but at the end of September the owners said this year would be the last.

"There was not just one factor that went into making this decision, a lot was considered, and in the end it was decided it was simply time to focus on our kids and family," the brewery said in a Facebook post. "We are thankful to each and every one of you who have walked through our barn doors, and down into the pasture over the past four years."

Milk Room is continuing to operate and will be open this weekend. The brewer also just hosted its annual Juice Fest featuring the band G. Love & Special Sauce. Milk Room also just released a fall-themed squash beer, and is selling its beer inventory at reduced prices.

Fitchburg's River Styx Brewing — known for its Greek myth-themed brews — said last week that it will close down on Halloween after six years in the downtown area.

"The last several years have been challenging both personally and professionally. We fought hard and put everything we have into it, but in the end could not withstand the current state of the market and the planet," owners Scott and Jackie Cullen said in a recent Facebook post. "We are honored to have served so many friends, neighbors, family, and visitors from all over the world in the past 6 years."

River Styx still has a full lineup of events this weekend and until Oct. 31.

Although the closures will leave a gap in the local brewery scene, several new places have opened in recent months. Courthouse Brew Co. opened in Worcester over the summer, the city's newest standalone brewery to open in many years. Cold Harbor Brewing in Westborough just opened an expanded space off Route 9 over the summer.