Geary’s is a Maine based brewery with a prolific Pale Ale. I had it on tap at Bukowskis in Inman Sq, Cambridge a couple of years back and I was extremely impressed. I hadn’t seen their Hampshire Special Ale before but thought it was worth a blind buy. It’s an English Strong Ale, a style which is typically more robust than a Pale with some serious fruity ester and a noticeably high alcohol content. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: November 2010
Geary’s comes on Strong
Granite State doing it right
We attended a Halloween Party at friends-of-a-friend’s house in Cambridge last month. When we got there I added my 6 pack to the coolers only to notice that there were more awesome craft brews between those two coolers than in some liquor stores in Boston. Later, as we left the busy party I took a quick look to see how the inventory was fairing and it was almost as full as when we got there. Boy was I jealous! Fast forward to this past weekend and our now new friends, stopped by and brought some of that great left-over beer from their Halloween Party. One of them happened to be Smuttynose’s Finestkind IPA. Continue reading
Friends with/out benefits?
Nope, this isn’t going to be pretty. I’ve been hearing about unemployment benefits for 2 years now and the story just doesn’t change. The GOP and Blue Dog Dems have recently balked at the bill to extend benefits to the long-term unemployed. I have many problems with this stance, mostly because it’s mired in so much hypocritical bullshit it’s almost comical. Continue reading
De-Kennebunking an IPA myth
On a recent trip to Trader Joe’s I decided to to pick up a couple different brews, one of which was the never-before-seen Kennebunkport IPA. Now I’ve already made it known that I’m a hop head and the IPA is my preferred style. Let’s get something straight, this is no IPA! Ain’t no way, no how this brew is getting away with calling itself an IPA. Not happening, Nope! Continue reading
South Paw for the lactose tolerant
I tasted Left Hand Milk Stout on draft at Cornwalls in Kenmore Sq, Boston a few weeks back and really enjoyed it. At the local Lion Liquors they allow you to mix and match your own 12oz 6 pack so I threw one in for a review.
Carbonation was limited and the off-white head made the required cameo appearance but obviously had a more fun party to attend. Lame! I don’t even know why that a-hole was invited! Aromas of roasted chocolate covered coffee beans were forefront. First sip unveiled an incredibly smooth mouthfeel, lots of silky body. Continue reading
People’s Pint – Provider Pale
Ok, it’s a regular Pale Ale so it should be judged as such. It should have the requisite hop prominence and solid malt but not be too strong in any one way or another. In some respects the PA needs to be more finely balanced than other styles because it can’t hide behind tons of exaggerated flavors like hops, coffee, chocolate or cloying sweetness. Continue reading
Raging Bitch? More like cuddly puppy!
A Belgian Style IPA really tries to balance two extremes and not all brewers can pull off a successful marriage of the styles (I’m looking at you Haverhill!). Despite not enjoying this on draft the first time I tried it, Flying Dog definitely makes this unconventional brew work out of the 12oz bottle.
The aroma bouquet is very sweet with a good amount of hops and some Belgiany notes of citrus and banana. Initial sip gave me a whole lot to think about! Continue reading
Larry, Babayaga and Radeberger walked into a bar…
…and I drank them all!
I just ate at my favorite Somerville restaurant for beer, Redbones. The BBQ food’s really good, but more importantly the beer’s awesome! They have a wholebunch of taps and they feature anything from PBR to limited, cask conditioned micros. Yep, I said PBR. Continue reading
Dems take a drubbing!
Holy crappoli! Yep, that’s a straight up Irish phrase. Prove me wrong punk!
The Democrats took a hell of a beating in the midterms. Continue reading
Sam’s Sweet Schwarz!
Boston Beer Company is the biggest craft brewery while still maintaining that trendy classification. They have a pretty vast portfolio with a mixed bag of beers. I’ve had their Black Lager before and thoroughly enjoyed it. This particular tasting was poured from a 12oz bottle that was due to expire this month.