New England Beer Follow Up

I didn't drink everything on my list while in Providence and Boston a couple weeks ago, but damn I had some good beer. Over the course of the day, I hit up Cambridge Brewing Co, Deep Ellum, and American Craft with friends and here are a few of my favorites from the trip.


Clown Shoes Black I.P.A.
Clown Shoes
American IPA | 7.00% ABV

B+ / 3.9
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | drink: 4

Had a glass at Deep Ellum along with some tasty Parmesan fries. This is a pretty decent take on the style. The malt background is a bit more like a Irish dry stout than anything with its dry and bitter roasted character. The hops are predominantly citrusy and amplifies the dry character. Unfortunately, the hops and malt blend instead layering flavor.


Session In The Rye
Lawson's Finest Liquids
Saison / Farmhouse Ale | 4.50% ABV

A- / 4.15
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | drink: 5

Rare Batch #142, Bottle #51.

I think this is a great session beer and Belgian ale. The yeast spices are subtle like a true Belgian and there are mellow layers of barley and rye backed by balanced floral citrus hops. The aroma has a mix of spicy rye bread and vanilla coriander. The bread carries over into the taste with a slight cocoa note and crust.

For the strength, this is a complex beer that's also quite drinkable. It's a shame this is a small-batch brew.


Pied PIPA
The People's Pint
American IPA | 5.20% ABV

B / 3.65
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | drink: 4

I picked up a bomber for $5 while in Boston and think this is better than a B-. Sure, the beer is undercarbonation and has no head, but it's pretty tasty overall. The hops bring a big, smooth mix of floral and citrus rind flavors and aromas. There's a hint of a nutty malt backbone and a dry bitter finish (though the finish does fall a bit flat. It's not the biggest or most bitter IPA, but it's a fine beer to drink a bomber of solo. It's a little juicy, a little earthy, and all good. Sort of reminds me of a lighter version of Victory Hop Devil.


"The Wind Cried Mari..." Scottish Heather Ale
Cambridge Brewing Company
Scottish Gruit / Ancient Herbed Ale | 4.40% ABV

A- / 4.05
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | drink: 4

Had a glass with Sunday beerunch at the CBC and it was a great beer for my eggs benedict. I'll often say a beer tastes like bread, but none have matched the fresh whole-grain taste of this brew. The herbal additions match the seeds and spice of a craft-baked loaf (if that makes sense) and the light lavender with wildflower honey. This is one of the most interesting beers I've had in a while. Check it out.

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.