Visiting New England, what should I drink?

[SumnerH]

If you wind up near there, I'd check out Novare Res Bier Cafe in Portland too. Great Belgian bar that currently is doing a Belgian bier fest with nothing but Belgians on tap. http://www.novareresbiercafe.com/events.htm

Yes, Novare Res is awesome.

There's a not insane argument that Portland, ME is the best Portland in the country for beer, per capita. It might not be, but the argument isn't totally insane. And Portland, OR is a truly great beer city.

 

[rmullins]

Long Trail Double Bag was the first real beer that I enjoyed.
Smuttynose is terrific

 

[Photopilot]

Thanks Guys for the suggestions. I had to look at the responses on the browser on my cell phone. I had a hard time choosing so I tried them all. Unfortunately after trying every microbrew in NE I don't remember the details too well, but I had a great time.

I was leaving Manchester and got onto 93 and one of the first things I saw was Rest Stop/NH liquors store next stop. I thought wow I am not in Utah anymore, this is too easy. I excitedly exited and went in to pick out some beer, unfortunately it was only liquor. After 93 I was on backroads for over an hour and did not even see a grocery store until I made a wrong turn and ended up in Hancock NH and went into the grocery store to ask for directions. While there I checked out the beer selection. They had a very impressive selection of SN products. Not that i can't get SN at home but they had some types I have never seen. I ended up picking up a 6 of Harpoon IPA.

Just before I crossed the River into VT there was a store advertising beer, etc. I went in and saw the most amazing selection. I added an Arrogant Bastard, DFH 90, Smuttynose, and McNeils IPA to the weekends menu. I know they are not all NE beers but ones I have heard tons about and wanted to try.

In Saxtons River I got to try Magic Hat #9, LT IPA, LT Double Bag, a few UFO Wheats, 2 types of Scottish Ales, and a darker IPA, whose name I don't recall. These are the only ones I can remember trying but I am sure there were more.

I had a great time and tried some great beers. I was also reminded of what a desert I live in, in many ways, man NE is beautiful.

PS: one of the beers I drank, was so grapefruity, was that smuttynose?

 

[pernox]

Smuttynose IPA is probably my favorite beer. Although after enjoying a bomber of their Imperial Stout, which could be called a Black Imperial IPA really, it may have a challenger. Get your hands on it at all costs, if you are open to brews that push the envelope on style guidelines pretty far.

Berkshire Brewing Company also puts out a host of good beers, though I'm not sure if they've penetrated southern NH yet. I think I've tried everything they brew on regular rotation (being a Berkshire County resident ) as well as most of their seasonals and haven't been disappointed yet. Quality brew with no unpleasant surprises. It was this brewery that got me into "interesting" beer about six years ago when I reached for a growler of Lost Sailor IPA instead of my usual Coors or Gennessee after earning a bonus at work.

 

[the_bird]

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the BBC Steel Rail Pale Ale. Weird flavor in the malt, almost vegetal... DMS, maybe?

I gotta make my way out to the brewery someday, though.

 

[eddie]

Check out Sebago if you get around Portland, Maine. If you do, check out Allagash and see if you can get in on a brewery tour. Sea Dog, Shipyard and Gearys are easy to find but pretty blah.