Notch Brewing Co. Is Putting Down Roots in Salem

Five-year-old Notch Brewing Co. — which contract-brews in several different facilities — will soon have a home to call its own at 283 Derby St. in downtown Salem, reports The Boston Globe. Founder Chris Lohring, who previously founded Tremont Brewery in Charlestown (it lasted from 1993 to 2005), is a Salem native.

The 5,000-square-foot space — and a 1,000-square-foot European-style beer garden outside — should open at some point in 2016. Once it does open, that won't mean the end of Notch's contracts elsewhere; it'll just provide a boost in production (and some sweet, sweet beer garden action). Notch focuses on session beers — brews that are low in alcohol. As Notch's website puts it, "Beer enhances our good times together, session beer extends them. Session beer is simply an option, like having a beer at lunch, when a bigger ABV beer is out of the question. Or having that second or third and keeping your wits about you."

Notch's Salem headquarters will offer a rotation of about eight to 10 beers on tap.