All New England beer, all summer long.
SUMMER BEER FESTS
A few that we can’t wait for.
HYPER-LOCAL CRAFT BREW TASTING
But–is it local? Yes, hyper-local, in fact. Two sessions with more than 30 brewers, distillers, and vinters, and local food and bands, to boot.
[Sat 6.16.12. The Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $30. @bostonlocalfood. hyperlocalbrew.eventbrite.com Facebook Event]
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THE FESTIVAL
A truly international festival of brewers and cider makers, including big names like Cantillon, Jolly Pumpkin, and Dieu du Ciel. Meet famous brewers, feel like a badass (by association).
[Sat 6.23.12-Sun 6.24.12. Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester. $60 day; $160 weekend pass. @TheFestivalUS. the-festival.us]
DRINK CRAFT BEER SUMMERFEST
“A celebration of farmhouse ale” with 70-plus farmhouse ales and summer beers from 25 New England breweries, that’s taking place right off the Red Line. Doesn’t get much more summer, or local than that folks.
[Fri 7.13.12-Sat 7.14.12. The Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. $45. @drinkcraftbeer. drinkcraftbeer.com/summerfest]
VERMONT BREWERS FESTIVAL
Try the brews from one of the nation’s finest beer states, including hard-to-find hyperlocal breweries like the Alchemist, Lawson’s Finest Liquids and Hill Farmstead.
[Fri 7.20.12-Sat 7.21.12. Waterfront Park, Burlington, Vermont. $30. @VermontBrewFest. vtbrewfest.com]
EBENEZER’S 8TH ANNUAL BELGIAN BEER FEST
Free camping, free firewood, clean Porta Potties, and a jaw-dropping list of Belgian beers? Yes, it’s a bit of trek to Northern Maine, but this one’s worth it. Celebrations include a dinner hosted by Belgian beer restaurant De Bistronoom, a birthday bash, and a Day of the Kriek.
[Thu 8.23.12-Sat 8.25.12. Ebenezer’s Pub, 44 Allen Rd., Lovell, Maine. Prices vary per event. ebenezerspub.com Facebook Event]
NEW BEERS FOR SUMMER
Refreshing sips.
A “crazy drinkable” 2.8 percent ABV Belgian table beer is “dry, tart, and refreshing with an old school European hop aroma.” I’m dreaming of summer sessions at the [picnic] table.
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SAM ADAMS PORCH ROCKER
Sam’s newest summer seasonal is an interpretation of a German “Radler”—that’s “a light, crisp beer that’s part light-bodied ale and part real fruit.” A bit tart, a bit sweet, it’s an interesting style that might take you by surprise.
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NIGHT SHIFT BREWING SOMER WEISSE
Somer Weisse got its start as a solution to a hot July with no AC. That means it’s a true thirst quencher: sour, with hints of lemongrass and ginger and at 5.3 percent ABV, it’s also stronger than a standard Berliner Weisse.
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SUMMER BEER TRIPS
Call out sick.
DO IT IN THE AFTERNOON: PROVIDENCE
Take the train to Trinity Brewhouse in downtown Providence for fresh Rhode Island beer, then swing by artisan cheese shop Farmstead, Inc. for your cheese-charcuterie-pickle fix.
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DO IT IN A DAY: WESTERN MASS
An unexplored territory to most Bostonians, Western Mass has no shortage of breweries, brewpubs, and bars. In Amherst, there’s Amherst Brewing Company, famed beer bar the Moan and Dove and new beer bar High Horse. Or head to Northampton for beers at Northampton Brewery, The Sierra Grille, and The Dirty Truth.
DO IT IN A WEEKEND: MAINE
Spend a day in Portland touring Allagash Brewing, Maine Beer Company, Rising Tide, and Bull Jagger and drinking around town at the Great Lost Bear and Novare Res. Then head north on the coast to town of Newcastle, to visit Oxbow Beer, a new farmhouse brewery that’s home to classic and funky farmhouse ales. Buy fresh growlers on Fridays from 2 pm-6 pm.
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