Tucked away at 670 Linwood Ave, Building C, Whitinsville, MA 01588, Murder Hill Brewery is the coolest craft beer joint to crash the scene in Northbridge’s historic Linwood Mill complex! Kicking off its grand adventure in early 2024, this 2,400-square-foot hotspot—once home to Purgatory Beer Co.—sits pretty by the Mumford River with the Linwood Pond Dam Waterfall tossing in some serious scenic vibes. Why “Murder Hill”? The founders, inspired by the brainy crows chilling in the woods near their pad, nicknamed the spot after the epic “murder of crows” phrase—how wicked is that? Inside, they’re slinging bold, tasty brews made with Northeast Grainshed malts and New England hops that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. The taproom’s where the party’s at, dishing out killer original and collab beers, grub, and fun times like music bingo or hanging with the brewers themselves. Oh, and it’s smack in the Blackstone National Heritage Corridor—yep, where the American Industrial Revolution got its start—surrounded by wild spots like Purgatory Chasm for those who wanna explore between sips.
Adrienne and Ben Roesch, the husband-and-wife team behind Murder Hill, bring complementary expertise to their family-run venture. Ben, a 23-year veteran of the Massachusetts craft beer industry, is the former co-founder and brewmaster of Wormtown Brewery, where he created the iconic “Be Hoppy” IPA. At Murder Hill, he oversees brewing operations, focusing on locally sourced ingredients like Valley Malt and Four Star Farms hops to craft diverse beers, from IPAs to stouts. Adrienne manages the taproom and customer experience, leveraging her skills to create a welcoming atmosphere in the 50-seat space, which requires minimal renovations due to its prior buildout. Together, they launched the “Side Piece Project,” collaborating with breweries like Cambridge Brewing and Cape Cod Beer to offer initial pours while fine-tuning their brewing system, ensuring a full tap list at opening. Their hands-on approach—choosing not to hire staff—reflects their commitment to a personal, authentic brewery experience.
The Roeschs’ vision for Murder Hill extends beyond brewing, emphasizing community and sustainability. Adrienne highlights their pride in being part of the Linwood Mill’s industrious history, while Ben’s passion for local ingredients supports regional maltsters and hop farms, such as Blue Ox Malthouse and Four Star Farms. The couple fosters a lively taproom culture with events like release parties and collaborations with local businesses, such as The Uxlocale for brewer meet-and-greets. Their brewery welcomes families (with supervised children) and leashed dogs on the outdoor patio, creating an inclusive space. By sourcing local and maintaining a small, family-operated model, the Roeschs aim to craft not just beer but a sense of camaraderie and connection in the Blackstone Valley, making Murder Hill a destination for craft beer lovers and community members alike.
The Beers: A Sip of the Supernatural
Murder Hill’s lineup is as unforgettable as the hill’s dark past. Here are a few standouts:
Bandit’s Shadow Stout: This inky beast is as brooding as the hill itself. With roasted coffee and dark chocolate notes, it’s smooth yet intense, like a campfire tale that keeps you on edge. At 7.2% ABV, it’s a sipper that pairs perfectly with Adrienne’s famous smoked gouda dip. Ben swears the bandit’s ghost approves.
Wraith’s Pale Ale: A hazy, juicy pale ale with a citrus zing and a hoppy bite that sneaks up like a specter. Clocking in at 5.8% ABV, it’s the go-to for hot summer nights or post-hike refreshment. Adrienne insists it’s best enjoyed on the taproom patio, where you can watch the hill for ghostly flickers.
Hangman’s Red: This amber ale is a crowd-pleaser with its caramel sweetness and a spicy rye kick. At 6.5% ABV, it’s smooth but sneaky—much like the gallows that inspired it. Ben loves pairing it with the brewery’s brisket sliders, while Adrienne says it’s “the beer that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret.”
Ghost’s Last Laugh: A seasonal imperial IPA, this 10% ABV bruiser is aged in bourbon barrels for a piney, resinous punch with a boozy warmth. Released every October, it’s the star of Murder Hill’s anniversary bash, where Ben and Adrienne crank up the spooky vibes with bonfires and ghost stories.
Why Murder Hill Matters
Adrienne and Ben aren’t just brewing beer—they’re building a legacy. Their commitment to local ingredients, sustainable practices, and community spirit sets them apart. Whether it’s donating kegs to town festivals or hosting fundraisers, the Roesches make sure Murder Hill gives back. And the beers? They’re the kind that spark conversations, whether you’re debating hop profiles or swapping ghost stories.
So, next time you’re craving a pint with personality, head to Murder Hill Brewery. Let Adrienne pour you a Wraith’s Pale Ale, listen to Ben spin a yarn about the bandit, and raise a glass to the hill that started it all. Just keep an eye on the shadows—you never know who’s toasting with you.
Murder Hill Brewery and Taproom
670 Linwood Ave
Building C
Whitinsville, MA 01588
Website: https://www.murderhill.com/
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