“It’s within our interest and within the community’s interest for us to not just be a factory producing beer that goes into stores,” says head brewer David Soper. “The real value for us in this place comes when we get to do things and actually connect with the community.”

Given the brewery’s downtown location, driving past Mother’s often comes with a sinking feeling that you’re missing out on something, and that’s because you probably are. There are taproom-only special releases that add an aura of exclusivity for a brewery whose beer is fairly easily purchased in liquor stores across 417-land. There’s a purpose to this—Mother’s would love nothing more than to be the reason that people come to Springfield, supporting local businesses and hotels.