Beer Buyout News - It’s Getting Nasty

I just read in the Boston Globe that Anheuser-Busch is suing InBev.  The back story - in case you hadn’t heard - is that Belgian InBev is trying to buy out A-B.  InBev owns Stella Arteois, Beck’s, Bass and other fancy beers like those.  Sometime last month, InBev decided to try to buy A-B for $46 billion.  The big guys at A-B were kind of offended that anyone would think of such a thing, and for so little (gasp!).  So in what was I’m sure a kindly-worded letter, A-B declined the offer.  But InBev was not about to back down that easily.  In fact, InBev just threatened to buy out most of A-B’s board of directors and therefore gain control over the company.  Now, in response to InBev’s, A-B is going to the courts.  A-B is suing InBev for trying buy out board members and asking the federal courts to officially stop them.  Scandalous world of beer conglomerates.  I’ll keep an eye on where this goes…

In semi-related news, I recently had the chance to test the brand new Bud Light Lime.  I must say, it wasn’t nearly as awful as I was expecting.  It was surprisingly refreshing on a hot day.  The artificial lime flavoring brings a sort of new, refreshing twang that is best enjoyed nearly frozen on a too-hot day.  As far as sticking limes into things, I will most likely stick with the basics: Corona, Margaritas, and Mojitos. (Note: if Corona takes that step out of the process, I can say with confidence that I will NOT go there).  So I say, if you’re feeling adventurous, bored, or have had a few regular Bud Lights, give the BLLime a try.

Cheers!

Bell in Hand, Bouncers, Bachelorettes and my Birthday!

It’s been a while…I supposed because being a working woman and everything I don’t have a ton of time to blog. That’s not to say that I don’t want to, it’s just tough. So here’s my latest insight.

I celebrated my 22^nd birthday last weekend. I did not get to the American Craft Beer Festival, as I had posted about, but I enjoy myself. My family came to town to spend some time with me and after we finished dinner, some friends and I headed to Bell in Hand Tavern down by Faneuil Hall and Haymarket in a very touristy area of downtown Boston. I had heard good things and had enjoyed myself at other bars in the same block, so what the hell!?

I was not terribly impressed. Bell in Hand boasts that it is the oldest tavern in the states. That is a pretty cool fact, regardless of whether I enjoyed myself or not. We got there very early (9:30) and walked right in. By “right in” I mean that I showed my ID and paid the $10 cover. I have issues with covers sometimes, particularly when the drinks are overpriced and the bar does not live up to the door price. Anyway, getting the first round, I ordered a Harpoon UFO and IPA (anyone surprised?). I was excited by the large pilsner glasses they served the beers in, but had to catch myself when the bartender asked for $13. Yes, I understand that it is a downtown bar and that it’s a large beer, but in my neighborhood bar, earlier that day, I enjoyed the same-sized beer for 4 dollars. Come on. I anted up and decided to drink bud light for the rest of the evening. (Even that was $4.50).

At 10:20ish, a couple more friends showed up…after waiting in line for 10 minutes. Not so bad, I guess you have to wait sometimes. But when I received a text from another friend a half hour later, she was at the end of a 4 block-long line that was not moving. I went out to meet my friend and was rudely greeted by the door staff. The big used-to-be high school football allstars ordered me back inside, without making eye contact. Listen, all I ask for is a little respect. I’m not someone to go out and plead or make a scene but not having the decency to look me in the face and say something is simply uncalled for. Needless to say my friend could not wait and left shortly there after.

I went back to my Bud Light and friends and the second set of a brilliant cover band who never quite made it out of the 90s. I enjoyed their particularly grungy rendition of the ACDC gem, “Shook Me All Night Long” while watching a classy (ehem wasted) bachelorette hoist her blow-up man-friend in the air. As the doll’s, um, endowment, grazed the spotlights, I couldn’t be too upset.

Bell in Hand might be better during the day when you can enjoy a decent beer at a tavern with actual history.  It probably won’t get my attendance again anytime soon, but let me recommend the lesser-know The Point. It’s right next to Bell in Hand to the left and around the corner, and has provided numerous good times for my crew. Better cover bands, cheaper cover, better beer selection (had the seasonal Blue Moons before anywhere else), and, in my humble opinion, a better crowd. Plus, their bouncers looked me in the eyes as they invited me into the bar.

Cheers!

Beer Festival on my birthday? Coincidence, I think not.

So a week from Saturday, June 21 (the first official day of summer), I turn 22. Also on this glorious day is day two of the American Craft Beer Festival (ACBF) which just happens to be in Boston. It’s as if the Gods knew that I would be looking for a way to celebrate my birthday and they made it happen. I still haven’t decided if I will attend yet - it’s $40 a session (yikes!) and my mother will be in town. Though the thought of introducing mom to the wonders of the Craft Beer World is quite appealing. Tickets are on sale now and you have three sessions to choose from: Friday night at 6, Saturday afternoon at 1, or Saturday night at 6. With the ticket you are authorized to test EVERY beer there. I think they are actually just posing a challenge, one I might attempt. You also get a souvenir glass, granted attendance at that session’s lectures and the respect of all your friends (and me!).

As far as who is going to be there, it looks like many brewers are from the good old North East. Lots of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. OF course, as it is an American beer festival, brewers from the majestic purple mountains using their amber waves of grain to produce some of the best stouts, weizens, and IPAs we’ve ever known. Some of my favorites - Smuttynose, Harpoon, Sam Adams, and Dogfish Head - will be presenting. If you share my love for beer and happen to be in Boston next weekend, I really recommend that you go.  It’s right at the Seaport World Trade Center.

So if you go, let me know.  If you have any other suggestions for my birthday, also let me know!  Cheers!

I’m a Sucker for Seasonals

I realize that I have posted at least once before about summer beers, but I keep trying them and loving them. So here are a couple more…

Recently, my go-to bottled summer brew comes from Portsmouth, NH’s Smuttynose Brewery. The Summer Weizen was introduced to me on one of the most humid, stickiest days of last summer. It’s what a refreshing wheat beer should be - crisp and light, not too fruity, and exactly what I need to quench my thirst when I’m sweating out of places I didn’t know I could (gross - sorry - but true). After a long winter, and the promise of heat coming soon, I picked up a 6 pack of this fantastic stuff and enjoyed it as I prepared all of the fans in my apartment to cool us down. Turns out it would rain for the next three days and not break 65. But I still enjoyed it.  Oh, and all of Smuttynose’s bottles have great packaging.  They feature hilarious photos from a time when my parents were my age and silly caption.  Besides beer, I love great packaging - Smuttynose = homerun!

I feel the need to give Harpoon yet another shout out. This summer offering is delicious and the perfect addition to summer BBQs and pool parties. I’ve been enjoying it at my new local haunt, Costello’s in Jamaica Plain, MA. While watching the Celtics win (which they’ve been doing a lot of recently - YAY!), I keep the Harpoon Summer’s coming.

Two more quick things…first, Harpoon is having another party! The Harpoon Summer Session is tonight, June 6 and tomorrow, June 7! I can’t make it (damn!) but you should definitely check it out! Second, I’ve been getting a ton of traffic recently - more than ever! So thanks everyone. I hope you keep reading and like what you see. Please let me know if you have suggestions or anything! Cheers!

If you hold on to beer for months at a time…

I just came across this article as I was reading some Tech stuff for work. (And yes, I am employed!) Apparently these Venezuelan scientists have discovered a way to keep beer tasting fresh for months longer than before. Reportedly, this compound or chemical, when added to a brew, preserves the flavor we all love for a little longer. Here are my objections:

1. Who is holding onto their beers for months at a time?? I mean, if you aren’t pouring through your six packs, then you should at least have friends (like me) that will help you out.

2. In the times of organic this and sustainable that, I hardly think that adding yet another chemical into our mix is the best selling point right now. I have my old faithfuls, but I’d sooner try an organic offering than try to make a Blue Moon stick around for 90 additional days.

3. They only tested the chemical on Pilsners. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good Pilsner, but if this stuff isn’t going to work on hefeweizens or lagers, then I’m out.

Anyway, who knows what will come of this chemical preservative. All I will say is that, in honor of my skepticism of this, I plan on purchasing a six pack of organic brew on my way home, and enjoying it with my friends sooner than later. Enjoy the moment. Cheers!

It’s beginning to look a lot like…SUMMER!

Hi All!  Apologies on being so MIA recently.  I am now a proud graduate of Boston University…and even more proud to be employed!  The past few weeks have been quite chaotic in terms of closing out on my college life and beginning my new “grown up” life.  Though it might be hard to believe, my beer testing has not been too frequent throughout the recent weeks.  I’ve stuck by my old faithfuls - Amstel, Landshark (yay found it at home again), and Blue Moon.  As the sun stays out a little longer, the types of beer we crave are lighter and refreshing - not as filling as the heavy winter brews we need to stay warm. I did get a chance to try out a few summery brews.  

The first is Honey Moon - Blue Moon’s summer beer.  It’s pretty similar to the original, but with a sweet, honey (go figure) accent.  I also tried a Magic Hat Aprihop beer.  Here are a couple of fun facts you might’ve figured out about me…I love clever names for beers and I am not afraid to try fruity beers.  Though apricots are not my favorite fruit, they make a surprisingly good mate for a light beer.  Aprihop is refreshing and just fruity enough to avoid being offensive.  One more…Sierra Nevada’s summer offering was also impressive. I love it when summer beers are actually something I would want to drink on a scorchingly hot afternoon.  Sierra Nevada’s Summer was light, but not lacking flavor and best when super cold.  

So that’s my quick wrap up.  If I would recommend one of these to try first, I would probably push the Sierra Nevada your way.  What is your favorite summer beer?  Cheers!

A True Irish Pub in Boston

My mom was in town this past weekend. Before the shopping excursion of the century, we decided to pop into a bar - any bar - for a beer to lighten the mood. After I got us semi-lost somewhere beyond Downtown Crossing, we wandered around until we found a bar that was…open. Mr. Dooley’s Tavern on Broad Street was our pick.

This bar, or should I say pub, was the epitome of an Irish pub: photos and paintings of Irish leaders and friends on the walls, dim lighting, an Irish bartender and a couple of older Irish ‘regulars” drinking tea and eating an Irish breakfast at the end of the bar. As I sipped on my Guinness, I reminisced about the Land of Eire where I left just a year ago. I spent a lot of time in the pubs of Ireland. They truly are the best places to observe the Irish and to get into their world. It makes me so happy that a pub in the heart of downtown Boston has actually gotten it right. This is not a place to come grind on other singles as house music blares through the surround sound, but instead, it is a place to order some greasy pub food and enjoy a good beer with a good conversation. Definitely check it out.

One more thing, apologies on the slowing of my posts. I’m graduating from Boston University in 13 days (who’s counting) and have been doing a lot to a. finish strong in my classes, b. pull my life together in terms of a “big girl job” and such, and c. trying to still fit in time for having fun with my brilliant friends. I assure you, the posts will keep on coming - slowly, but surely! Cheers!

Hand-Picked 6 Packs

Trader Joe’s is my favorite place on Earth. No joke. I love to grocery shop, but I could spend days in a Trader Joe’s neighborhood store. For those of you who are not blessed to have a TJs by you, it is a market that sells lots of tasty organic food, most of which is under the TJ’s name. So you won’t find your Kraft Mac & Cheese or Cheerios, but Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese and Joe’s O’s (which I prefer to the original). Another plus is that my local TJs, in Brookline, sells beer and wine. Aside from the famed “Three Buck Chuck” aka Charles Shaw wine that is three dollars a bottle, comes in many varieties and is actually decent wine, the Trader Joe’s beer is not half bad either. They supplement their namesakes with other quirky brews from the local area. For example, Newton’s Folly cider is on the Trader Joe’s rotation. Anyway, one of my favorite ways to test the ever-rotating selection is through the pick your own 6-packs. They are letting me take one of each so I can find the beer-loves of my life, and the ones to tell you not to try! Here are the results from my most recent 6-pack.

1. Sierra Nevada ESB (Early Spring Beer) This copper-colored creation was full of flavor and perfect for an April afternoon. Tasting very similar to an IPA, it was a little more refreshing and light. The surprisingly pleasant bitterness stuck around and I didn’t want it to leave. I drank it quickly because I think it needs to be enjoyed ice cold: as soon as it borders on warm, it’s charm is lost. It’s fizzy, but not bubbly, much like a cider. I would love it with some delicious Chinese or Thai takeout, but probably not in a bar. Definitely my favorite out of all six. Sorry to start out with the best…please keep reading!

2. Stockyard Oatmeal Stout I always like trying stouts to see how they live up to the king of them all that my beer love was spurned from (Guinness). Stockyard’s attempt fell short. It is a dark beer and it not overpowering. In fact, I think it was actually underpowered, to create a word. Tasted a bit like a watered down, “poor man’s Guinness.” It had a hint of coffee flavor, which I usually enjoy, but with the lack of aftertaste, this beer was not one of my favorites. Maybe I’m too critical of dark beers, but I know what I like and this wasn’t for me.

3. Trader Joe’s Hofbrau Bock This beer also tastes strangely like an IPA, though in a different way than #1. It was dark and pleasant to drink. It wasn’t anything mind-blowing but it was a good bock and, for the price, I would definitely buy it again.

4. Joseph Brau Dunkelweizen I don’t know what the brewers of this one were smoking when they mixed this up, but I did not like the outcome. Usually, I enjoy a creamy or bitter aftertaste when drinking a dark beer. A glorious mix of the two is ideal. However, this amazingly-named beer missed both of these marks by miles. The taste was almost banana-like, far too fruity for anything this dark. If the taste whilst drinking wasn’t strange enough, the aftertaste made me put the beer down. I refused to finish this one - something I rarely do as a poor college student. Not okay Joseph, not okay.

5. Trader Joe’s Bohemian Lager DELICIOUS BEER! This is a pretty smooth lager. It’s just bitter enough and packed with the right kinds of flavor. I noticed so sweeter undertones which complimented the bitterness. Even my non-beer drinking friend, Natalie, loved it. A good lager that a would get again…and again.

6. Anchor Summer Beer This was just disappointing. I always look forward to seasonal beers because their point is to compliment the weather, right? Well this San Fran-based brewery did not make a refreshing beer I want to drink in the middle of the hot summer months. It’s skunked flavor proved that sometimes, cheap beer tastes like cheap beer. There was very little beer flavor and it was hard to swallow. It was the flavor on the swallow that was offensive, not before it and not after it - a first for me. Drink a Sam Summer or a Harpoon Summer or a Corona! Skip the Anchor.

That’s my six-pack run down…some good, some bad. As that supply has clearly diminished, I returned to my favorite place in the world today to pick up some more beer (and food). To my happiest surprise, a new Trader Jose line of beers were lining the shelves. I picked up a light, Corona-looking 6 pack, and my boyfriend got the “Dark’ version. Cannot WAIT to try these. What would be in your ideal six-pack? Let me know. Cheers!!

Beer on Bravo

Just wanted to let all of you know that Top Chef is one of my favorite shows. I say this not only because it’s entertaining and usually I actually want to eat what they make, but on this week’s ep the Quick Fire Challenge (the one that doesn’t send people home) called for the chefs to taste various beers and then whip up a dish to complement their brew. They each got to sample three beers and then pick the one they wanted to use. Brilliant. My mouth was watering. Here’s the play-by-play from a completely wonderful, non-beer blog blog. For the rest of the hour, the chefs cooked for a football tailgate party. I must say that I am a little upset with Top Chef this season. The challenges have not been about being a skilled cook. Instead, they’ve had to cook at museums and block parties - hardly the fine dining we’re used to watching/dreaming about. Hopefully they will step up the “fine” part of the dining soon.

Final side note: Speaking of tailgate parties, in t-minus 5 days, Boston’s Marathon Monday will be in full swing. While watching the extremely in-shape and talented athletes cross the finish line, the rest of us will be cheers-ing their success with the finest beers Boston has to offer. Updates of the day’s events will follow, but keep in mind, just because you don’t live in Boston doesn’t have to stop you from celebrating the marathon properly. How will you celebrate? Keep me posted. Cheers!

Green Beer

Now I know the day o’ St. Patty has long past, but I am not talking about that kind of “green.” As the whole going-green, eco-friendly, sustainable stuff is a really hot trend these days, I’ve come across a couple of ways to drink green. Two tips I’ve picked up from Ideal Bite, a website offering “sassy” tips about going green, can make your drinking experience better for this earth of ours.

1. Drink Local Beer! I pretty much can guarantee that there are microbreweries close to where you live. It’s always fun to try out new brews and find out what your neighbors are cooking up. I know I blog a lot about Boston’s big name local brewers, but there are plenty of smaller brewers around here that I know would give the big boys a run for their money.

2. Drink Draft Beer! Simply put, it saves glass and aluminum bottles from being used. And, in my humble opinion, draft beer tastes better.

One other idea is something I’ve already written about: Homebrewing. Not only will you learn about a really cool process but you will also be saving the earth, one home-pint at a time.

It’s just something good to think about. Maybe it’ll give you the rationale to go out for happy hour tonight, as long as you order the local microbrew on tap. Cheers!