Silver Bear Distillery sits on Flansburg Avenue in Dalton, Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshires. Founded by husband-and-wife team Chris and Kristin Weld in 2019, this small-batch operation emerged from Chris’s background in brewing and their shared passion for creating spirits that reflect their New England roots. The distillery operates out of a converted industrial space that they’ve transformed into a working production facility and tasting room. They focus on whiskey, gin, and seasonal spirits, with an emphasis on using local ingredients whenever possible. The Welds handle most operations themselves, from mashing to bottling, keeping production intimate and hands-on. The journey to opening Silver Bear wasn’t straightforward. Chris spent years perfecting his recipes while working in the brewing industry, and the couple invested considerable time learning the complexities of distillation and navigating Massachusetts’ licensing requirements. They chose Dalton specifically for its location in the Berkshires, wanting to be part of the region’s growing artisan food and beverage scene. The name Silver Bear pays homage to the area’s wildlife and the couple’s love of the outdoors. Their philosophy centers on patience and attention to detail, aging their whiskeys longer than many craft distilleries and refusing to rush products to market before they’re ready. Visitors to Silver Bear get an intimate look at small-scale distilling operations. The space combines working production equipment with a cozy tasting area where Chris often leads tastings himself, explaining their processes and the stories behind each spirit. The atmosphere is relaxed and educational rather than polished or commercial. You’ll see their copper still, fermentation tanks, and aging barrels all in one compact space, making it easy to understand the full process from grain to glass.