We actually have some nicer weather today, and I felt like drinking a few spring beers. Look for the reviews of porters and stouts to wind down in favor of pale ales, witbiers and saisons. There will be lots of saisons! I think they are the perfect beer for spring. Needless to say, there will still be IPAs, […]
Author: ryanbrawn
Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA
Firestone Walker Brewing Company of Paso Robles, CA is one of the most highly respected craft breweries in the country. There have been numerous awards and honors bestowed upon their beers, and the brewery has been named the mid-sized brewery of the year at the World Beer Cup four different times. One of Firestone Walker’s flagship beers […]
Sam Adams Cold Snap
Mentioning Sam Adams beers in the presence of craft beer enthusiasts always elicits a strong response. On one hand, some think Sam Adams is too big to be called a craft brewery. On the other hand Sam Adams has been instrumental in bringing craft beer into the mainstream consciousness. I know I am one of many craft beer […]
Long Trail Ramble
Despite the snow this morning there have been some recent signs of spring in New England, including occasional sunshine and warm weather this past weekend. As this transition happens I like to switch out some of the dark stouts and porters for lighter bodied beers that complement the warmer weather. Local breweries also begin shipping […]
Otter Creek Citra Mantra
The growing popularity of craft beer has led to an increased interest in the ingredients that make beer. Craft beer enthusiasts often dabble in homebrewing, and even those who don’t at least try to learn about the varieties of malt, yeast and hops used in their favorite styles. The craft beer movement has also led to the […]
Rising Tide Calcutta Cutter
With the ever increasing number of craft breweries competeing for attention from customers, as well as shelf and tap space, it is important for any new brewery to have a calling card. One of the most effective calling cards is a beer that creates buzz. Typically this beer will be a seasonal/limited release, and it should […]
HoppyBoston Best Beers: Winter 2013/2014
Hoppy Boston is officially six months old! Thank you for following the blog, and feel free to follow on Twitter (@HoppyBoston) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/hoppyboston) for frequent updates and notices. This post gives a quick recap of some of my favorite beers reviewed on the blog this winter (December-February). Click on the titles for the full reviews! […]
Foolproof Raincloud Robust Porter
Foolproof Brewing Company in Pawtucket, RI was originally founded as High Jinx Brewing, but changed their name to prevent a potential trademark dispute. Foolproof was founded on the principle of experience based brewing where each beer was brewed to be perfect for a particular drinking experience. For example, their flagship “Backyahd” IPA was brewed as an […]
Slumbrew Snow Angel
I think it is really important for breweries to continuously experiment with new beers. The best way to do that is one-off seasonal brews. The brewer can play with a recipe then brew a batch and listen to the feedback from customers. Many times these beers undergo a few iterations and later become brewery staples. One […]
Banner Beer All Nighter ESB
The older I get the more I appreciate a well done session beer. I love double IPAs and imperial stouts, but if I’m out with friends and having more than a beer or two it is nice to have a craft beer that is full on flavor and lower in alcohol. Banner Beer Company is a […]
Hoppy Boston 