I recently moved out to the suburbs, more specifically to the northern part of Sudbury. Unfortunately the proximity of local breweries was not the highest priority in our house search, it fell well behind finding a house in our price range and with the amenities we were looking for along with reasonable commutes, a good neighborhood and strong school systems. Fortunately there are still some quality breweries that are in close proximity to my new home (although none in Sudbury, I think the town could use it’s own brewery). Jack’s Abby (and the new Exhibit A) are not too far away in Framingham. I am long overdue on a trip to Hudson and Medusa Brewing, and I have zero excuses now that it’s right down the road. True West and Rapscallion both run brewpubs in Acton. These breweries are all close, but I think the closest one will soon be Battle Road Brewing Company which is set to open in Maynard soon. Battle Road beers have been available for a few years now (they are contract brewed until the brewery opens), but it will be nice to have a physical brewery and tasting room. One of Battle Road’s flagship beers is Barrett’s Farmhouse Ale, a rustic saison available year round on draft and in 12 oz. cans.
Battle Road Barrett’s Farmhouse Ale pours a hazy deep orange with a solid off-white head. The scent is mostly the Belgian style yeast, fruity and spicy. The yeast also leads the flavor, notes of apricot, cardamom, pear and peppercorn. This is complemented by some floral and grassy hops and rounded out by a malt backbone that contributes touches of bread crust and honey. Barrett’s Farmhouse Ale is medium bodied and easy to drink, moderately boozy at 6.6% ABV. The finish is smooth and dry with some lingering yeast flavors in the aftertaste. I am pretty sure this is my first Battle Road beer and I definitely enjoyed it, full flavored and well crafted. I will be trying more of their offerings in the future and hopefully visiting the brewery soon after it opens! Hoppy Boston score: 4.25/5.
Hoppy Boston 
