Elm Street Taproom—which is not a brewery, by the way—is so scarily like Democracy Brewing in look and feel that the two appear to be like doppelgangers, almost like beer-based versions of, say, Larry David and Bernie Sanders.
Beer
BOSTON BETTER BEER BUREAU: CONNECTICUT IMPORTS VIA THIMBLE ISLAND, CITYSTEAM BREWERY, AND HANGING HILLS BREWING COMPANY
I have said for years that Connecticut beers can hang with those from Mass or the Empire State or anywhere; in some cases, they may even surpass.
BOSTON BETTER BEER BUREAU: AERONAUT-JAPAS NAMI MONO
An international IPA brewed with toasted rice, it’s like a unicorn canoeing down your throat, tapping Citra and Brazilian acerola cherry ores against every last taste bud.
BOSTON BETTER BEER BUREAU: WINTER HILL BREWING
Winter Hill’s home base doubles as a neighborhood bar, one where somebody might actually know your name. With the frigid months approaching, this is a place you’ll want to have on your cozy and comfortable list.
BOSTON BETTER BEER BUREAU: DORCHESTER BREWING CO.
It’s not just Dorchester’s own branded magic that the brewery and tap room are increasingly known for, but rather for those selections as well as a stellar roster of brews they pour from (and in some cases brew for) other companies on Mass Ave.
BOSTON BETTER BEER BUREAU: CZARFACE DOUBLE IPA + FLUME DOUBLE IPA
Like most of the beers in Bent Water’s arsenal and the Czarface musical catalogue to date, Don the Armor is the best kind of punch to the jaw.
BOSTON BETTER BEER BUREAU: BLACK HOG IPA
A 6.2% ABV number packing top notch Citra and Mosaic hops, this relatively new selection from the Connecticut-based Black Hog Brewing Co. is a certifiable standout and delicious social lubricant.
BOSTON BETTER BEER BUREAU: THE BEERS OF BOULDER
The grass is always greener, sure, but especially in the case of Colorado. Which is why we wish we had the room to bring a couple of sampler packs back to Mass.
FIRST LOOK: BEARMOOSE BREWING COMPANY
Former Everett machine shop retooled for craft beers and deli cuts
TWO NEW FAVORITE MASS BEERS
Don’t Worry by Wormtown and CBC Hopheads Guide to the Galaxy