New local contract brewery FAB Brewing has gotten off to a very interesting start. Ben Holmes was one of the co-founders of Aeronaut Brewing in Somerville, but had left the brewery to start his own venture with a focus on beer, art, and political activism. After he saw a Trump supporter pop a “baby Trump” […]
Every year on Black Friday there is a major set of barrel-aged beer releases from one of the biggest former-craft breweries in the country. Some people still go crazy for those beers (although many languish on store shelves), but I have started a new post-Thanksgiving tradition. Every year we go to visit my parents in […]
My life has reached a new level of crazy and busy. It has been a long time since I could plan my weekends around beer releases and brewery trips, but now I feel like I routinely miss beers that I want to try that are available in distribution. I usually buy a bunch of beers […]
In an increasingly competitive craft beer market it can be advantageous for a newer brewery to establish a niche, a particular subgroup of beer styles that they specialize in and can be immediately identifiable with their brand. The issue is, as the brewery grows this niche can be limiting, but stepping outside can confuse customers […]
It has been a rough few months for Backlash Brewing. In October there were published reports that the landlord who owns their Roxbury brewery and taproom was trying to find another brewery to take over the space. In late December I started hearing rumors that Backlash had closed the taproom, multiple people I know had […]
My number one and number two goals for Hoppy Boston in 2020 are to write more about Massachusetts beers and to visit more local breweries, especially those I’ve never been to and those I haven’t been back to in way too long. One brewery that is high on the must-visit-soon list is River Styx in […]
When you think of winter beers most people immediately jump to big, dark and boozy stouts, barleywines and porters. All of these styles are great and perfect for cold weather, but there are other styles that can also provide rich roasted malt flavor. I am also a big fan of dark lagers, I drink them […]
After the complete no-show by the Patriots this weekend, and presumably the end of their dynasty, it is officially Celtics and Bruins season for Boston sports fans. Fortunately, both teams are looking great, poised for strong playoff runs (which is especially great because the rumors from sources around the Red Sox make that team sound […]
The holiday season is in full swing, I hope everyone is looking forward to some time with family and friends, some relaxation and some delicious beers. I am done with work until after the New Year, my Christmas shopping (and most of my wrapping) is done, and I am really looking forward to some quality […]
Every November since early in college I have taken a trip to Vermont with a group of buddies to attend a wild game supper followed by an overnight in a hotel joking around and drinking beer. It is one of my favorite weekends of the year, and while the tradition remains it has evolved over […]
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