I enjoy reading all of the beer threads, but it's more fun when I know I can try the stuff. I'm currently living in Medford, MA (college student) and looking to try some good brews. They don't have to be local, just available in the area. If you post it, I'll probably try it and write up a mini review.

Personally, I like dark/thick/malty/chocolate/coffee/licorice hints in my beers. I also really like complex IPAs. I've tried Stone's IPA, thought it was very good. Java Head by Troegs Brothers was lacking, especially for the $7 price tag. I recently tried Seirra Nevada, and really enjoyed their Stout and 2009 Anniversary Ale (IPA).

Belgian Ales aren't my taste and are often too expensive, but there are few I've liked. Delirium Tremens is my favorite golden beer (though at $6.50 for 11.2 oz, I'd only drink it on very special occasions). Duvel is nice, but too expensive. Piraat is also good, more my taste than Duvel, but also more expensive.

So what are your favorites? I'm especially interested in local and budget beers.

Thanks,

Wyatt
[Reply]

You can probablly get Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout in Boston.
Its one of my favorites beers, that I cant get in Kansas.
If you love "Personally, I like dark/thick/malty/chocolate/coffee/licorice hints in my beers", than that is the beer for you!
[Reply]

Good call on that one, Brooklyn makes some fine beer and that stout is their best IMO.

For dark rich beers, the Russian Imperial Stout category is hard to beat; although you're not going to find them in a budget category, the good news is that they are so rich you won't want to drink too many (YMMV).

I am not sure if they have Bell's in Mass but if you can find his Expedition or Bourbon barrel stouts they're worth looking for.
[Reply]

A good local brew is the Leatherlips IPA from Haverhill Brewery. Available @ Kappys in Medford. :-)

Haverhill Brewery
[Reply]

There's a Belgian Beer specialty store on Beacon St. between Washington Sq and Cleveland Circle. They have a lot rare beer that is well presented. Marty's in Newton also has a good beer specialty section. The have Jero's of Chimay and Duval, along with newest hard to find beers.
[Reply]

Are you talking about Publik House Provisions?
[Reply]

Heading up to Boston area next week for a vacation with my wife. Looking forward to trying local brews while there.
[Reply]

Sunset Grill and Tap
www.allstonsfinest.com

:-) :-)

(Beer Menu - http://www.allstonsfinest.com/menus/..._beer_menu.pdf)
[Reply]

I think so.
[Reply]

Check out the Harpoon factory in the seaport. They sell Growlers that are awesome and only sold at the brewery.
[Reply]

Speaking of which - I completely missed this year's 09.09.09 Vertical Epic. Has anyone seen it still in stock?
[Reply]

Thanks for the replies. I've been meaning to go to a brewery tour.

Also, does anyone here have recommendations for a cheap kegerator? My friend and I thinking about investing to save some money in the long run. I see CO2 kits going for $100 which isn't bad, but cooling the damn thing is expensive.
[Reply]

That will go on the list. Thanks!
[Reply]

Craigslist. They're on there all the time.

I know someone who brews his own beer and has a nitrogen injection system into the keg that will keep one of his kegs fresh for a year! I was amazed how good his beer tasted, and his keg was plugged in for like 4 months!
[Reply]