Blizzard & Beers - Boston Edition #EBF

Well that was fun, not at all like I thought it would be, but fun just the same.  On Thursday friends and family decided to take Nemo head on (PS dear weather channel..really? Nemo? stop naming winter storms please). So we drove on down to Boston in relative calm waiting to see what impact this coming storm would have on us, the Beer Advocate Extreme Beer Fest, and the city of Boston in general.

We booked a bonus night near Downtown Crossing at the Omni Parker House because we did not want to get caught up driving from #BTV (Burlington, VT) in a blizzard. Even though the event was eventually cancelled, I don't regret doing that one bit because it turned out to be a fun weekend regardless.

Newbury Street on Saturday

Early that day the Alstrom brothers assured everyone the show must go on, despite the clear indication travel was going to be a nightmare. However  coming from Vermont I was all for it. Getting to Boston wasn't a problem for us in the slightest. The only tactical error they really made was just how intensely and vigorously they chose to stand by this. Everything pointed to a failure here, the systems were all shutting down, twitter was abuzz with angry tweets, the boards over on BA were exploding with unusable tickets and anger from guests that could not make it. It was the perfect storm, and in the end the storm won. Bottom line, I get it. Just wish they had handled it differently and set expectations  but I'm not bitter. So much was out of their control and we all just had to deal. Some handled that better than others, and although super bummed out, my friends and family owned Nemo, and the Boston beer scene this past weekend.

We got the news from a friendly bartender at Meadhall around last call early Friday morning that "the bros" were actually in the building still and filming a video about the cancellation, trying to find the right way to do it.  We had a killer time at Meadhall by the way, first time visitors. Won't be our last, the staff was phenomenal and the beer selection as good as it gets. Was impressed that they won't serve beer if they don't have the proper glassware, our bartender even told us they occasionally could not serve something if all the glasses were being used. Love it.

Earlier in the night we had discovered a dive near our hotel in an ally called Barracuda  so we hopped back in a cab and found our way back there for another hour or so before calling it night. Sweet place with good bar food and a solid beer selection.

Got Beer?

Much of Friday was spent waiting for this blizzard to hit, hardly snowed or even showed signs of a storm until 4 when I would have typically lined up for Night of the Barrels. However, instead we found or way to some great Bloody Mary's and lunch at The Pour House, followed by a walk to Bauer Wines and Spirits. We put work on the beer selection, spending nearly $500 between 3 of us. Came away with some great beer for the blizzard, stuff I can't get in Vermont like "Smoking Wood" from The Bruery, "Famine" from Backlash, and "Marooned on Hog Island" from 21st Amendment. Combined with the beer what brought from home, we were ready for anything. We found a restaurant nearby that was still serving dinner and drinks during the blizzard on Friday night, that was a fun walk, was glad I had snowpants! At that point all cars had been ordered off the road so the city was free for the walking, pretty surreal  That would continue all the way through most of Saturday as well. Later we got back to the hotel (DoubleTree near Chinatown) and kept the party going. Quite the beer graveyard we had...Bourbon County Stout, Nugget Nectar, Wookey Jack, Double Jack and more were consumed either in the lobby or out side in the middle of the street. What a blast! We made our own EBF right in the hotel.

Flowerpot turned Fridge

Keeping it classy

Saturday we wondered the snowbound city for awhile just to get out of the hotel, hit up Bukowski Tavern off of Boyleston, another sweet bar with great craft beer. Many of the folks at the bar were clearly in town for EBF, most stayed upbeat and positive because why bother lamenting over something we could not impact.

Later after more hotel beers and a little relax we made our way out to The Lower Depths in Kenmore. We needed tots, the best in the world. You have to go have their tots. Was happy they opened up after shoveling out nearly 2 feet of snow, another great beer bar. Then it was on to beer works because the Yard House was closed. Short stop there, then all but two of us rolled back to the hotel. We carried on, next stop "Bleacher Bar" who knew? A bar in Fenway on a blizzard bound night? Yes please, one drink and then we found a cab and made our way to Lord Hobo in Cambridge.

Great beer, bar, and company for this achievement!

I managed to try a few from Shorts (Bloody Mary beer anyone? AMAZING), a brewery that does really unique and tasty stuff. Was looking forward to their EBF offerings, maybe next year. The night ended sharing a Stone Vertical Epic 05-05-05 with my buddy for my 1000 unique check in on Untappd. Rad way to close out an interesting, fun, and expensive weekend in Boston.  The weather kept us from getting everywhere we wanted to go, but we made the best of it.

What was your experience like in Boston for EBF? Nemo get you down? Will you go back if they reschedule? What is/was your favorite place to enjoy a beer in the Boston area?

Until next time. Cheers!

Beer & Weight Loss - A Thin Line Between Love & Hate

Good morning,

Happy Friday! Recently some followers of my blog, Twitter, untappd and instagram (I'm @metallidan btw) have noticed a drop in consumption/posts etc... So I thought I would address that here. I actually haven't had a beer since the 3rd by my own choice. Picked up a great deal of extra holiday baggage (weight gain) over the last few months and beer, though always there for me, is the number one culprit. I miss it. Hasn't stopped me from buying beer though! Picked up Sixpoint 3Beans, Green Flash Palate Wrecker, and Lagunitas Sucks over the last couple weeks. I'll for sure be cracking those at my Super Bowl party! (Go Ravens!)

So the result is that I've lost 15lbs this month, and have turned it around heading back in the right direction. Gym, eating well etc..Unreal how much beer plays into my weight, I need to find a better balance on that one.

 Plan to reintroduce beer again next Wednesday. The Farmhouse Tap & Grill is having a Ballast Point event. Pretty psyched about that. BP is new to Vermont in the last couple months. Sculpin IPA is fantastic, as is Victory at Sea. Looking forward to trying more at this event.

Then a few days later friends and family will be heading to Boston for Extreme Beer Festival put on by Beer Advocate. I've been the last couple years, this event is fantastic. This year we are doing both the Night of the Barrels and the Saturday evening session. Perhaps I'll see some of you there? Who's going?

Anyway, short post mostly for myself. Keep any eye out over on http://www.wearevt.com for more articles and such by me. Recently did a road trip review of Hill Farmstead, Highly recommend visiting if you can.  I will be doing a series of Vermont brewery reviews on that site so please check it out. Fun to be a part of it.

Cheers!

Dan

Happy Holidays - Have a Beer!

Ho Ho Holidays!

Just wanted to drop a quick note on here. Check out great events at both the Farmhouse and Prohibition Pig tonight (doomsday 12/21/12) featuring crazy good beers on tap from many breweries like Hill Farmstead, Lawson's Finest Liquids and more.

I think I'll be breaking some good ones out of the cellar, just in case the world does end (yeah right!).


Anyways, mostly just wanted to say happy holidays, be safe, get a designated driver!!

Check out my 12 beers of Christmas article over on We Are VT a new site from Vermonters about Vermont. I'll be a regular contributing writer on that site as well. So give it a read, bookmark it, and see what other fine folks from the 802 have to say!

Cheers!

-Dan-

Chasing the White Whale | The Hunt for the Elusive Beer

As the holidays approach and the days get darker, I've been thinking a lot about the great brews sitting in my cellar waiting for consumption. This time of year I tend to gravitate towards my bigger brews. They go great with a nice big snowfall. Nice way to warm up.  However, I've also been thinking about all the brews that I'll need to obtain to replenish my stash. There are so many that I want (need, who am I kidding) but often it is a never ending chase for the white whale.

Pliny the Elder & Heady Topper

As an avid instagram user, member of the Beer Advocate and RateBeer communities it's interesting to see what people are drinking across the country, and even globally. Being a Vermonter, I have access to some of the best beers available in the world. Heady Topper from the Alchemist, brews from Hill Farmstead, and Lawson's Finest Liquids are not difficult to get. The demand for these beers worldwide is incredible. Vermont is to be home to a lot of "white whales."

This year we had a huge increase in the available beer from new breweries nationwide thanks to distributors like Craft Beer Guild. Just this week the Beverage Warehouse and the Farmhouse Tap & Grill got Ballast Point from CA, they have such a tasty portfolio of nautically themed beers. Check out Sculpin, a nice IPA and Victory At Sea a phenomenal Imperial Porter perfect for this time of year. As a result of all this new beer, some of my "wants" have have landed at my local store. Typically I'll have to trade or find other ways to fulfill my wishlist. Sometimes though, the price is too steep and many of the rare beers will still evade me.

It's a great time for beer lovers, new breweries are opening all the time and the quality of craft beer is growing so even though Surly Darkness, Kate the Great, and many more still seem far away it's nice to know that great beer is truly all around us. Drink it in!

So what is your "White Whale?"

Been awhile.....

Many great beers have been had since I last wrote, too many to count. However recent highlights that I would advise you to find if possible include Rogue's "Voodoo Doughnut Bacon Maple Ale", a really fascinating brew that must be tried to believed. Granted, not for everyone but a really unique example of what beer can be (in this case breakfast, no joke it is a bacon delight!) I also believe that Sierra Nevada's "Narwhal" is the "best bang for your buck" IRS available to the masses right now. At less than $3 per bottle I  think this is a steal, and suspect it to age like a champ.

Anyways, not much of a topic today. Just want to reflect on some things happening in the industry, and mention some "grinds my gears" things that I just can't let go of.

First of all, dear Magic Hat. Please make sure beers are available to the local market before the left coast gets it? I was fighting to find Heart of Darkness (exceptional stout by the way, get it in the winterland variety pack.) I saw via Instagram buddies and untappd that folks around the country were enjoying it, but the #BTV market could not get it on the shelves or at the Artifcatory until several days, in some cases a full week later. I've been looking forward of the return of this beer for a long time! Magic Hat has grown, I get that and they aren't what they once were. However, they still have a great local appeal here and this was a disappointing experience. Then they released a special VT only brew (Maple Chocolate Stout) and posted a picture of a growler on Instagram. Excited to try, and drove to the Artifactory after work only to find it was a fail at marketing, wasn't up yet. I know logistics and shiz get involved but come on. Really?  Still looking forward to try it nonetheless.

Next, yes it's a bummer what is happening at Goose Island. Sad to see Hall cross the party line into the darkside with InBev. However, having recently had this years Bourbon County Stout, and Christmas Ale. They are really tasty, and if they keep producing quality beer like that you won't see me foolishly boycotting them in some holier than thou statement of beer snob righteousness. Hopefully the small batch stuff stays small, and the big guys keep feeling the pain of the craft-beer growth.

And finally, did you watch the Stone Vertical Epic live tasting? Very jealous, no doubt but man does the owner seem very fittingly like an Arrogant Bastard. Good thing he still makes killer beers.  I was impressed that the panel felt most of them held up, but wonder what there real opinions might be. I'm sure those will come out soon. In the meantime, if you are in #BTV hit up the Beverage Warehouse. A bunch of the Stone 12 oz bottles like Chipotle Porter, Vanilla Bean Porter, and one of the collaborations are on sale for $1 and $2 dollars.

That is all for now. Heading to Hill Farmstead for some new brew, and old favorites (Twilight of the Idols!)

Until next time, cheers!

Beercationland - Exploring Maine's Craft Beer Scene

Recently my wife and I retreated to the coast of Maine for what I called a "sanity break" but it quickly turned into quite the "Beercation!" Vacationland, as its know is one of my favorite places in the universe. Something about the cold Atlantic ocean, crashing waves, and coastal communities is such a draw for me. I figured we would have our fair share of brews while on our little 4 day excursion, but the weather was not amazing so we had everyone elses share as well :)

A couple months ago we hit Portland and visited spots like Gritty's, Sebago, and a couple others but discovered one of the great beer bars of the east, perhaps anywhere. Novare Res Bier Cafe! Wow! If you find yourself in Portland, this is a must. Phenomenal Euro heavy draught list, and a bottle list so vast they even have a section for "beer geeks." How awesome is that? We of course, hit the place again on this trip and again was can't miss. Had some very unusual and hard to find brews from the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Earlier in the trip we discovered Boothbay Craft Brewery thanks to a sign in the harbor that just said "brewery" and pointed left! A little 3 beer brewery and resort (great idea!) We sampled a couple of delicious options and spoke with the owner and his wife both apparently good friends with Sam Caligione of Dogfish Head fame.  Great people, very good beer! Look forward to going back and staying with them sometime, check them out. We grabbed a growler to go, which I later enjoyed on top of Cadillac Mountain (among other places).

Somewhere along the way, we drove a bit south to Brunswick. Not much of a town, but I had heard about this place call the Lion's Pride. From the outside, it looks like an Asian Restaurant that might only serve cheap Sake and Sapporo but I could not have been more wrong. This place is phenomenal and rivals some of the best beer bars I've ever been to. 30 plus on draught, nothing bad at all. Again, just like Novare a great bottle list. We were in a rush, but wish that wasn't' the case I could have stayed there all day. Can't wait to go back.

Next up we went north to Bar Harbor, and thanks to my new favorite beer app, Beerbuddy (more on that in a blog to come) I was able to quickly locate the best bars and spots in town. We had a great time at the Atlantic Brewing company, worth a visit for sure. Beers are all tasty, not amazing but the BBQ joint attached certainly was! A brewery and pit BBQ is a match made in beer heaven. If you go, be sure to try the Manly Men series, especially the braggot. Awesome!

Later, again thanks to my new app BeerBuddy we found craftbeer glory at a unassuming spot called Blaze. The bartender was super knowledgeable, and we sampled a few other local offerings I had not heard of like a Demon Stout from Black Bear Brewing company out of the Orono, ME area. Delicious.  A couple others as well that were great, I would have to look back in Untappd (another kick ass beer app) to find out what they were. We also visited Bar Harbor brewing company, which is pretty much the same as Atlantic and as I understand are owned by the same place. Beers very similar with the edge going to Bar Harbor for Cadillac Mountain Stout. Mighty tasty!  

Finally back in Portland we got the chance to tour the Allagash Brewing Company, that was fantastic. I have never in my life seen such generous sample pours. The tour was thorough, and fun. Best part was checking out the barrel room. The Beeradvocate collaboration was visible, as was Curieux the delicious barrel aged Tripel. One of the better brewery tours I've been on, worth reserving tickets (free) for online. Just outside of the Old Port, but an easy drive. Was surprised to learn that they get 120 Jim Beam bourbon barrels a month, among other cool facts!  After the tour we hit the Great Lost Bear, another sweet beer bar/restaurant. Liz and I rocked samplers that were very well priced and continued to tour the regional beers including Oxbow, and Rising Tide both from Maine. Food was quite good as well. Highly recommend this spot.

Bottom line, if you know where to look Maine can be more than just a coastal vacation it is a solid beer destination. They have a lot of tasty breweries, something for everybody.  Look forward to going back.  What are your favorite Maine beers? What spots did I miss? Love recommendations, I'm only 3-4 hours away by car so I'll be back.

Follow me on Twitter and instagram @metallidan

Until next time, Cheers!

Waterbury, VT | Craft Beer Heaven

me at The Alchemist 

Yep....you heard me, little old Waterbury, VT a mere 40 minutes south of Burlington, VT is a glorified and righteous craft beer goldmine. With a small population of around 5K this is not your average beer town, but they know what is up.

Iconic home to Ben & Jerry's and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters the town has a great vibe, community spirit, and culture that I love. I had been going to the Alchemist Pub & Brewery for years, in fact my last meal and drink I had there was the night before Tropical Storm Irene changed everything. The days and months that have followed Irene have set in motion many changes in the town, and although recovery continues there is still a long way to go.

A big loss for the craft beer community and in general was The Alchemist, and although poised to reopen months later, owner John Kimmich opted to focus on the cannery and closed up the brewpub for good.  I miss it dearly, as do many however, just over a year later the town is heading in the right direction and the craft beer scene is HUGE!

Within just doors of each other exist 3 of the best beer spots in the State. Prohibition Pig,  The Reservoir Restaurant & Taproom, and Blackback Pub & Flyshop.


The Pig, recently opened in the former home of the Alchemist is finding it's groove and with 24 taps and servings available in full or half-sizes it is a must visit. Chad has done a killer job. Some folks wanted it to be the Alchemist again (time to move on), but the only reminder is the familiar stained glass beer on the back wall. Otherwise its a whole new feel, with many of the former Alchemist staff. The food is outstanding as well. RecentlyI visited for a  Dieu Du Ciel tap takeover, which in my opinion was a great success. More events like this are on the way including Hopfenstark and Allagash (on my birthday no less)! See their Facebook page for more details on those events!

The Rez, former home of Waterbury Wings has 38 taps, a bomber menu, and a ton of tasty food (get the stupid hot wings, you won't regret it!) Great selection, you never know what they might have on tap! Last night for example I was delighted to see Art of Darkness, a Belgian Dark Strong by Ommegang Brewery. Vermont beer lovers can get a sampler on the cheap, and in general the draft prices are exceptional. ($5.50 for Old Rasputin? yeah!) Check the website for updated list, or follow them on Twitter @thereservoirvt

Hill Farmstead - What is Enlightenment? - Blackback Pub

Last but not least is a little gem for beer lover and anglers alike, with a double-digit tap list and a love for Hill Farmstead and Lawson's Finest Liquids this bar is not to be missed. Right now (05/12) their Facebook page shows they are pouring 6 HF and 4 Lawson's Finest, a completely UNHEARD of opportunity for lovers of the craft.  Generous pours in beautiful glassware and great conversation with the owner makes this a favorite of the locals (and me!).

Waterbury is full of life again, and has so much to offer in such a small town, especially for craft beer lovers and fans. Make sure you stop in and say hi, have a drink or two and support the local economy as it continues to rebuild and rebound from tragedy. Stop by the cannery (on your way to Ben & Jerry's perhaps) and grab some Heady Topper, it's just a mile or so away from it's former location.

Until next time, Cheers!