USA, MA: Pioneer Valley Brewing to pour its last pints on May 31

A local brewery in northwestern Massachusetts is closing its doors at the end of the month, Men’s Journal reported on May 23.

Pioneer Valley Brewing in Turners Falls will pour its final pints on Saturday, May 31, owners Stephen Valeski and Chris Fontaine told the Greenfield Recorder.

The pair, who have opted not to renew their lease, cited financial issues as the impetus for the closure. Pioneer Valley originally opened in December 2020.

“Expenses have gone through the roof. The last two years have been devastating,” Valeski said. “Prices went up. Everything’s gone up. It’s the market, it’s the economy. People aren’t going out as much. Everything’s more expensive, you know? Shipping’s more expensive. Cans are more expensive. Everything is more expensive. We just can’t keep charging more and more and more for a glass of beer. [It] gets to a certain point where people are going to say, ‘No.’

In recent weeks, the taproom/brewery, which also hosts live music, has been teasing its final night on social media.

"Every epic saga has its grand finale, but who says we have to tiptoe out?" one post reads. "Let's crank up the fun with two sensational bands! This final bash at PVB is one you don't want to miss!"

According to its website, Pioneer Valley Brewing offers 11 different types of beers, including a Maple Ale, Poets Porter and multiple IPAs. The establishment also serves five different types of hard seltzers.

Fontaine told the Greenfield Reporter that the company brewed its final batch of beer over a month ago.

"We had a dream. We did our dream," Valeski added.