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Massachusetts Beer Tasting Train Rides

Published: September 27, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Massachusetts is blessed with two passions that pair beautifully: a thriving craft beer culture and classic scenic rail excursions. Put them together and you get a uniquely New England experience—rolling through marshes, cranberry bogs, mill towns, and mountain foothills while sampling local brews curated by people who know their hops.

The state is currently home to one location hosting an official beer tasting event by rail, the popular Cape Cod Central Railroad based in Hyannis on the historic tracks of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. 

Locations

Cape Cod Central Railroad

The Cape Cod Central is the state’s most established operator of themed culinary trains, including seasonally scheduled beer tasting trips. Their "Rails & Ales Beer Tasting Train" departs from Buzzards Bay and lasts 3-3 1/2 hours. 

Running primarily from Hyannis, with routes through West Barnstable, Sandwich, and along the Cape’s salt marshes and cranberry bogs, this is the quintessential Massachusetts beer-on-rails experience.

What it’s like:

This speciality excursion features craft beers from Naukabout Brewery, Cape Cod Beer, Harper Lane, Buzzards Bay Brewing, and Lucky Goat Brewing.

Expect a guided tasting format: Multiple small pours (often flights) from regional breweries, paired with light bites or appetizers prepared on board. The breweries rotate from event to event; past partners have frequently included Cape-based names alongside other Massachusetts craft producers.

Who will love it:

Couples, friends, and small groups seeking a low-key, scenic evening or weekend outing that feels special but not formal.

Foodies and craft beer fans who want to sample several local labels without driving to multiple tasting rooms.

Visitors to Cape Cod looking to add a memorable, only-on-the-Cape activity to their itinerary.

Why Beer Tasting Trains Work So Well

Local-first beer: Massachusetts brewers have a reputation for quality and creativity, from crisp lagers and farmhouse ales to hazy IPAs and barrel-aged releases. Tasting trains lean into this depth, often highlighting small batches or seasonal selections.

Scenery you can’t get by car: Rail lines pass through protected or hidden landscapes—salt marshes, canal crossings, and old mill corridors—that offer a new perspective even for locals.  The Cape Code region is one of the most stunning in New England and is well worth the visit.

Unhurried discovery: Seated tastings on a two-hour ride give time to compare styles, ask questions, and enjoy food pairings without the stop-and-go of a brewery crawl.

Social but relaxed: The table setup makes it easy to chat with friends or meet fellow beer lovers, with staff on hand to keep things organized and informative.

Alternatives and Neighbors

If your dates don’t align with a Massachusetts tasting train, consider:

Non-alcoholic scenic or dinner trains: The same views with a focus on cuisine rather than beer.

Wine or spirits-themed departures: Some seasons emphasize a different beverage focus.

Nearby New England states: Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine also host beer-forward trains at various times of year; if you’re making a regional road trip, you’ll find additional options within a few hours’ drive.

Making It a Weekend

On Cape Cod: Combine your train ride with visits to local breweries and beaches, or explore Hyannis’s waterfront and dining scene. Shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) offer easier parking and reservations with great weather.

In the Berkshires: Pair rail with hiking, art museums, and brewery taprooms. Autumn weekends are peak demand—book lodging early.

Final Sip

Beer tasting train rides bring together the state’s best flavors and views in one relaxed, memorable outing. The Cape Cod Central currently offers the only such event in Massachusetts. Wherever you board, plan ahead, taste widely, and savor the simple pleasure of letting the rails carry you through classic scenery—one sip at a time.