1. Notch Brewing's Journey: From a Lager Dream to Bustling Beer Gardens
There are beautiful stories that often start from a pure passion. Notch Brewing also, nurtured and inspired by Chris Lohring in 2010. In a craft beer world racing toward harsh flavors and high alcohol content, Chris bravely took a different, gentler path. He started as a “contract brewery,” sending his first recipes to other establishments’ barrel lines, like an artist drawing on a borrowed canvas. But throughout that journey, Notch’s core philosophy has never wavered: to celebrate session beers – miniature masterpieces under 4.5% ABV, where subtle flavors and easy drinking come first, so that every conversation can last a few more glasses without getting bored.
And then, that dream came true. Year 2016, Notch's first official brewery and restaurant was born in Salem, Massachusetts. It was not simply a brewery, but an open beer garden, where the aroma of fresh beer mixed with cheerful laughter. Not stopping there, in 2020, Notch continued to bring that cozy space closer to the heart of the city, in Brighton, Massachusetts. Both locations have become a common, friendly home for families, groups of friends and even four-legged friends. There, people find the soul of traditional European beers: from clear Czech or classic German Lager glasses, to the liberality of Saison and the charm of the lines Ale belong to Older brother and VirtueNotch doesn't follow trends, they are determined to revive old values, with a new love.

2. Dog & Pony Show: Journey to the Birth of Wheat in the Heart of New England
Amidst a changing jungle of craft beer, Dog & Pony Show Notch appears as a cool breeze, light and delicate. It is the embodiment of a American Pale Wheat Beer – a transatlantic marriage between the soul of German wheat and the free spirit of American hops. Unlike its brothers Hefeweizen Classically, it eschews the heavy banana and clove flavors. Instead, a neutral ale yeast strain is chosen, allowing the sweet wheat and light buttery character to shine through, supporting the bright, crisp but never overwhelming American hop notes.
This is a perfect example of Notch’s “session” philosophy. At just 4.0% ABV, Dog & Pony Show is made to be the perfect companion. It’s a charming alternative to soulless commercial beers, for those who crave a rich craft flavor, but without the heaviness or complexity. Even the name “Dog & Pony Show” – an idiom that implies an elaborate performance – carries a wry smile: that this beer doesn’t need any drama, its beauty lies in its simplicity, its freshness, and its ability to make anyone feel comfortable. One of the main beer oldest, dating back to about 2011-2012, The Dog & Pony Show has stood the test of time to become an icon of lasting connection, a beer love song for everyone.
3. Dog & Pony Show: A Gentle Melody of Wheat and Hops

Imagine you are holding a glass in your hand. Dog & Pony Show. That first glance alone is enough to make one's heart feel at ease. It does not have the characteristic opaque yellow color of its German Hefeweizen brothers, but a color pale straw yellow to golden yellow, as clear as the early autumn sunlight filtering through the leaves. That transparency is like a promise of a pure, elegant experience.
Bring a glass of beer to your lips and you will discover the true soul of a beer. American Pale Wheat Beer. With alcohol content only 4.0%, it is a pure love song of the “session beer” philosophy – gentle, seductive and inviting you to enjoy every sip to the fullest. Bitterness (IBU) ranges from only 15-25 is a deliberate choice, not to compete, but to complement. The balance here leans heavily towards a gentle sweetness, with a hint of breadiness from the wheat, accented by bright floral and fruity notes from the American hops.
And then, the experience ends with a light, refreshing body. The smooth, silky texture, thanks to the presence of wheat, makes each sip of beer slide down the throat easily, ending in a clean, crisp finish. It doesn’t leave any heavy aftertaste, just an indescribable relief, like a cool breeze passing by, making you instinctively reach for the next sip. Dog & Pony Show is not a dramatic symphony, but a gentle nursery rhyme for the senses.

In a world that is always looking for drama and intensity, Dog & Pony Show Notch Brewing's whispers a gentle song about the beauty of simplicity. It's not the brightest star in the craft beer sky, but a cool moonlight, a gentle breeze that caresses the soul. This is not just a American Pale Wheat Beer, but a philosophy of life brewed in every barrel of beer: that happiness can come from small, subtle, and lasting things.
From the sweet taste of wheat, the brightness of hops to the gentle alcohol content, every element of Dog & Pony Show blends together to celebrate the art of connection. It is the warm handshake during meetings, the crisp laughter in the sunny garden, and the peaceful silence when we sit alone after a long day. It proves that a masterpiece does not need to scream, but just enough sweet, delicate enough to linger in the heart. So raise a glass, and let Dog & Pony Show be the soundtrack to the most beautiful stories of your life.



