New England Beer Hit List

Next weekend I'll be driving up to Providence, RI and Boston to first visit friends, and then second, drink all their (good) beer. It's been a about 4 years or so since I pulled up a stool in this neck of the woods, so there's plenty of work to be done. Here's a few of the brews that'll be on my radar.

Berkshire Brewing Co. Lost Sailor IPA
Frankly I'll be trying to get my hands on anything and everything from BBC. And luckily, it appears most craft beer bars are ready to help me out. This English IPA has actually been on my want-to-try list for years, as I love this seldom-brewed (in the US) style.

The People's Pint Extra Special Bitter (ESB)
While I can't decide if the brewery name is more socialist, populist, or democratic, I'm pretty certain this beer will eb mighty tasty. This is also another favorite style of mine that I find particularly pleasant if I'm having a couple beers. In fact, I'll be having an ESB tonight with dinner.

Element Brewing Co. Dark Matter
Being classified as an "American strong ale" means this beer could be just about anything except boring. I can be fairly certain it will be good, but hope to be surprised by how the beer does it.

Mayflower Porter
Mayflower Brewing opened back in 2008 and I've heard nothing but praise for this traditional American craft brewery. That, and I love a good porter.

Haverhill Leatherlips IPA
I really only know two things about Haverhill. One, all their labels have pinup girls on them. And two, they only make tasty, tasty brews. I'll start by looking for their flagship beer and work my way through the rest of the lineup if possible.

Clown Shoes Black IPA
Any brewers with balls big enough to name their brewery "Clown Shoes" had better know what they're doing. My research indicates they do, and that this beer rocks.

Bike Ride Beer

I've had a few good rides lately with either a beer stop, or with cold brew waiting at the end. When you're sweating bullets in the summer heat, even a well-rounded drinker like myself, will grab for the lighter, drinkable beers. Here's a few of the fine ales I've been sipping when I get out of the saddle.


Namaste
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Witbier | 5.00% ABV

B+ / 4
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | drink: 4

I split a large bottle at Little Ortino's in Schwencksville, PA. The beer poured a hazy light gold with a soft white head. The mix of subtle spice dominates the flavor (not in a bad way) while there's a smooth Belgian wheat background. The individual spices don't stand out so much as just melt together from the orange peel, to the coriander, then lemongrass. All in all a tasty beer, near the top of the style.


Stegmaier Summer Stock Lager
Lion Brewery, Inc.
American Pale Lager | 5.00% ABV

B / 3.65
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | drink: 4

Picked up a case (under the name Summer Stock Pils) while visiting friends in Scranton. Not a bad beer at all. The label has some nonsense about being a German style pils, but I think the flavor is plainly American. The malt is smoother, bready, and with just a hint of inoffensive corn. This is followed up by a grassy hop kick with a share of orange rind. The lager finishes with a mild, spicy bitterness. All in all, it seems like a tasty and somewhat traditional American take on the pilsner.


Devotion Ale
The Lost Abbey
Belgian Pale Ale | 6.25% ABV

B+ / 4
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | drink: 4.5
rDev: +2.7%

On-tap from a friend's kegerator. I know it's a touch strong, but this comes off like a Belgian session ale. It's light, tasty, and I could drink it all day.

The Tettanger hops had a slightly sharp and interesting herbal flavor in addition to the spicy citrus background. There's a smooth grain and bread flavor with hint of subtle Belgian fruit esters. My only complaint is that the flavor can seem a touch muted at times. I suppose this is on the hoppy side of a Belgian pale ale, but it's still very drinkable. Check this beer out.