Massachusetts Beer Guide

Deciding on a choice Massachusetts beer is a personal journey of sorts. Compare it to discovering the perfect chocolate; you thought it was a Snickers bar and then unearth Cote D' Or-Belgian chocolate at its finest. First-rate local beer is the same way. Here I provide a guide to five of my favorite Massachusetts beers.

Wachusett Brewing Company - Green Monsta & Octoberfest Ale

Located at 175 State Road East, Westminster, MA, not far from beautiful Wachusett Mountain, the company's namesake-is the flourishing Wachusett Brewery. This rapidly-growing brewery offers a variety of outstanding beer, but it also has a beer no one else can lay claim to; Green Monsta Ale.

Named after Fenway Park's renowned left field wall, the Green Monster; Wachusett Brewing Company introduced Monsta ale less than two years ago and it became an instant hit, in small part due, I believe, to its parallel with the Boston Red Sox, but essentially because of the beer's dazzling flavor.

Green Monsta, in my opinion, is substantial ale, which is made with Fuggles and East Kent Golding hops. It is touted by Wachusett Brewery as a "...big pale ale with an awesome balance of Belgian malts..." This is not just a baseball season beer; it works nicely as a beer to serve up with nachos and ribs at football gatherings.

Octoberfest Ale is a fall favorite and one I look forward to when summer draws to a close. Wachusett Brewery sells this Massachusetts born and bred beer from September 1 to mid-November.

The fact that it is only available for a short time makes it all the more enjoyable-kind of like eggnog at Christmas. Octoberfest is rich, golden ale, the color of Massachusetts in autumn. It is not too light and not too heavy-a flawless balance would best describe this beer.

Gardner Ale House - XSB Ale (Extra Special Bitter) & Naked Stout

Gardner Ale House is a well-regarded family-friendly pub style restaurant and brewery located at 74 Parker Street in Gardner, Massachusetts. The Ale House is a seriously fun, up-scale place to gather to indulge in their house-made beers or to dine on excellent food from the hefty menu.

XSB is another Massachusetts beer ranking in the upper echelons of a high-quality brew. This beer, however, is not for the weak of heart. The Ale House describes XSB as a "slightly more aggressive version of the bitter style of English Ale."

You know you are truly drinking a beer at the first sip of this smoky infusion. If you favor drink with a bit more malt and a hint of dark coffee flavor, order the XSB.

Naked Stout

If you are familiar with or partial to an Irish-type stout, Naked Stout is right up your alley. This is a delightful, crispy makes-you-talk-with-a-brogue kind of Massachusetts beer. It leans on the creamy side with a slight chocolaty/coffee taste. All around it is a great choice, even for first-time stout drinkers.

Beer Works (Boston) - Hub Light

Beer Works has several locations in Massachusetts, but the one I am a fan of is on 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston, and as the company says, "just a pitch," from Fenway Park.

Hub Light is the perfect Massachusetts beer for those counting calories or for those who simply want a lighter beer, especially on a sweltering summer day around Fenway Park.

To me, this is what I call a dream beer and suitable for anyone who even remotely likes the taste of a gently-brewed beer so-to-speak. Crisp and clean Hub Light works well alone or makes a great accompaniment to burgers, hot dogs, brats or pizza for that matter.

This Massachusetts beer guide offers some fun ideas for choosing a first class brew in the North Central part of the state or in the Boston area; always remember the golden rule, though, and drink responsibly.

Sources:
Wachusett Brewing Company
Gardner Ale House
Beer Works - Boston Location