BDB Rating 68
We really hate giving low scores as we want to promote local craft breweries but every once in a great while a place makes it very difficult for us to share any positives. We were hopeful in Stewards of the Land as it is super convenient to Northford Ice Pavilion (4 miles). We checked out the website ahead of time and had a group of 6 who was looking forward to catching up over a nice beer or two. We saw on the website only 21 and over allowed and were surprised to see 2 kids there as we walked in. The place is nice, not too big or small with decent seating and a good bar with an expensive looking marble top. Our bartender was nice but not very knowledgeable. We asked about the 'over 21' thing and her answer wasn't very clear. We asked about the flagship beers and the different styles and she didn't have a lot of info. So we just assumed she was new, everyone is new to a job at some point. We did our best to be set up with flights (4 for $12...larger pours - 5oz). A few order full pours. We won't belabor the point...the beer wasn't good. We sent 3 of the Gala-Belgian White's full pours back (we've never sent a beer back before) and one of the flights we didn't finish 3 of the 4 beers (another first). The bartender was nice in offering other samples and replaced the full pours. From their logo, to their beers, everything has a Swallow...and we tried almost every beer...Laughing Swallow, Golden Swallow, Hot Swallow, etc. but only found the Chocolate Swallow (Cocoa Stout) and the Rum Barrel Cider to be somewhat pleasant.
The brewing equipment is downstairs and you can only see it if peering down through a wall of windows. It is so separated that the main seating area feels more like a family restaurant.
Overall the environment was nice and the staff pleasant but you are probably much better served driving a little further to another brewery. We love their "Farm to Tap" label and wish them luck getting the quality of their beers on track.
