People visit the brewery on opening day.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
BELCHERTOWN — Arcpoint Brewing Co., located at 30 Front Street, had its grand opening to the public on Friday, Aug. 16. Owners Chris Peterson, CJ Eldridge and Dave Pare wanted to have a place where people can go on a Friday or Saturday night, to relax, listen to some live music and enjoy themselves.
“The turnout was unbelievable,” said Eldridge. “There was a lot of support that came out for Friday. We had a line literally out the door for well over half the time we were there. It was a great night. We want to provide another platform, place for people to come and experience Belchertown.”
As of now, Arcpoint has seven different beers on tap. They have their flagship IPA called Journey crafted in celebration of the opening of their taproom in town and the journey they’ve been on up to this point. Their other offerings include the Cold Spring Pale Ale, their double IPA the World Chico, and Everything In It brewed with enigma and nugget hops, a coffee stout called Reveille, a saison called Shut Up and Colorless, a fruited saison called Shut Up and Color Blueberry and their new kolsch called Hydrate.
Belchertown resident Peter Kuchieski has been following the progress of the brewery for some time and was always waiting to see articles in the Reminder as to their progress. He attended the opening and was not disappointed.
“They have a really cozy bar and friendly staff,” Kuchieski said. “The beer was fantastic. My favorite was an IPA called Journey so smooth and refreshing. I feel this was so needed in town. Now you can stay local and enjoy a craft beer in a great atmosphere.”
Michael Kudrikow from Belchertown attended the opening as well. He thought the atmosphere was good and enjoyed their Cold Spring Pale Ale and Hydrate kolsch.
Kudrikow stated, “What Arcpoint brings to Belchertown is a place where folks & friends can relax after a day or week of work and stress, and conversate. Beer making is a craft that not too many can achieve successfully & with pride. I hope to meet new friends & people from the surrounding towns.”
Arcpoint’s goal is to provide Belchertown an area with a place for people to come out and unwind which Eldridge said will always be some form of their goal now and towards the future. He, Peterson and Pare want to make sure they’re executing what people are asking for and what they’re looking for. Hopefully down the road if they get to a larger space, they could expand. They have this vision of having a nice beer garden where people can be outside.
“The idea is to provide a spot, provide the beer, provide an environment and provide something for people to enjoy,” Eldridge said. “And to see them actually come there and that goal being achieved where people are loving everything about it is the most fulfilling part.”
Arcpoint’s current hours are Thursdays from 4-8 p.m., Fridays from 4-10 p.m., Saturdays from 12-10 p.m. and Sundays from 12-8 p.m. Visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ArcpointBrewCo. For questions, email info@arcpointbrewco.com.
