Historically, imperial stouts were highly alcoholic dark ales brewed in Britain for export to Russia as it was a favorite of the Russian monarchy. More recently Russian imperial stouts have become one of the most popular styles for craft breweries, especially in the winter months. It seems that a large segment of craft beer drinkers […]
Author: ryanbrawn
Beer Bar Review: Gather, Boston Waterfront
It is crazy how quickly a neighborhood can transfrom in Boston (or any other city, I imagine). It wasn’t too long ago that the Seaport/Waterfront area of Boston was mostly rundown warehouses, and now it is one of the most popular destinations for a night out. The addition of the convention center, hotels and the […]
Maine Beer Co. Another One IPA
With their hop-forward selection of ales Maine Beer Co. in Freeport, ME has become one of the most popular new breweries in New England. Some of their ales, including their IPA Lunch, are very difficult to find, selling out as soon as they are released. I am originally from Maine and Freeport is on the […]
Nightshift Taza Stout
Some breweries focus on using just the four key ingredients in beer: yeast, malt, hops and water. The wide variety of available malts, hops and strains of yeast give a solid range of flavor profiles. Other breweries, like Night Shift Brewery in Everett, MA, like to use adjuncts, non-traditional ingredients that add complementary flavors to […]
Notch Saison
It seems like many craft breweries are focused on bigger and bolder beers. Imperial stouts, barleywines and barrel aged strong ales can top out at over 12% ABV. Beers that would have been double IPAs just a few years ago are plain IPAs now. This makes it difficult for some beer lovers to enjoy more […]
Geary’s London Porter
D.L. Geary Brewing Company of Portland, ME was the first microbrewery in New England. When Geary Brewing was incorporated in 1983 there were only 13 microbreweries total in the United States. Co-founder David Geary traveled to England and Scotland to train in breweries and learn more about brewing traditional British style ales. Geary’s sold their […]
Gritty McDuff’s Christmas Ale
My wife loves Christmas, it is her absolute favorite time of year. I’ve never been a big seasonal decorator, but our apartment now has a large and fully decorated tree, stockings and a host of other festive Christmas ornamentation. My wife is also a craft beer drinker with a very respectable palate, she loves IPAs […]
Baxter Phantom Punch Stout
Until recently the thought of canned beer brought back memories of cheap, mass produced lagers. There has been a push over the last few years by many craft beer companies to start canning beer. Cans have a few advantages over bottles – they are easier to transport, allow less harmful UV light into the beer, […]
Stock-up run: Craft Beer Cellar Newton
Just stopped by CBC Newton to refill my beer fridge. As always the selection was so good that it was a little overwhelming, but I managed to limit myself (a little). Looks like I’ll be drinking a lot of delicious dark beers, nothing better than porters and stouts during the winter months. Check the blog […]
Olde Magoun’s Saloon, Somerville MA
When I first moved to Boston it seemed like there were two kinds of bars. The first catered directly to the college crowd, with unimaginative drinks, loud house music, and hammered twenty-somethings looking foolish on the dance floor. The second was the Irish pub/sports bar with local games on the TV and a predictable beer […]
Hoppy Boston 