Skeptical about craft beer in a can? Worried about a metallic taste? Or, maybe you’re just looking for the ideal summertime brew.
To help you out, here are 9 reasons why you should choose cans this summer.
Cheers & Happy Summer!
Category Archives: Learn About Beer
How to throw an Oktoberfest party!
Friends! Let us beckon the arrival of fall and cooler weather by throwing an Oktoberfest party! Brisk autumn evenings provide the perfect back drop for having a casual get together with friends and family.
Historically the first Oktoberfest was held in celebration of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. Citizens from all over Munich were invited to come and join in the celebrations.
Traditionally Oktoberfest is held in late September and up to the first weekend of October. Nowadays, it’s an internationally famous festival. Many of us aren’t in Munich, but you can make up for it by finding local celebrations, or heck, having one at your place!
Want to know how to put an Oktoberfest party together? Here are the essentials.
BEER (and lots of it)
Let’s talk libations: with a party like this, it’s is best to serve only French red wine.
Just kidding! What would an Oktoberfest party be without German beer?
Also known as Mӓrzen style beers, these are generally medium bodied, with rich toasty malt notes and a creamy palate. They tend to fall between 5-6% ABV so as not to leave you feeling too weighed down. And as far as drinking seasonally goes, there is nothing more satisfying than a hearty Oktoberfest style beer.
Here are a few of our favorite picks:
– Erdinger Oktoberfest
– Spaten Oktoberfest
– Brooklyn Oktoberfest
EAT FOOD
Sausages! Bratwursts! Knackwursts!
The more the merrier is the idea here. If you need a lesson on the different kinds of sausages that are available out there here is a great article listing a variety of choices.
Mustards
In every shade of yellow! Well, perhaps not every shade — but I would make sure to have a few different types varying from the coarser grain to smoother yellow mustard. Or if you’re feeling up to it, why not try making your own? It’s super easy and the end results are well worth it.
Sauerkraut
For what would the humble sausage be without this deliciously tangy accompaniment? Ah, fermented cabbage. This recipe is great if you feeling like eating homemade sauerkraut.
More Food Ideas
– Braised red cabbage
– German potato salad
– Assortments of pickles (personally I love having pickled green beans, tomatoes, and good ol’ fashioned dill pickles)
– Roasted squash or sweet potatoes – they are in season and their natural sweetness will complement the other salty dishes.
– Soft pretzels!
– Spaetzle try this recipe
DRESS YOUR HOUSE & YOURSELF
Interested in having some themed decorations for your shindig? Oriental Trading Company has these Oktoberfest goodies.
Lederhosen & a Dirndl dress? Yes. Especially if you’re really serious about Oktoberfest. Check out your local costume store, or do a quick internet search for more authentic costumes.
AND FINALLY
I hope this humble guide acts as inspiration for you to host your own Oktoberfest get together!
Prost, or cheers as we say here in the U.S.!
The Hard Cider Revival (Learn all about Cider)
Ask someone to name a hard cider, and you’ll find that most folks are familiar with names like Woodchuck or Angry Orchard. More similar to beer than wine, these fizzy beverages are on the slightly sweeter side (one of our very favorites is Downeast Cider, made in Boston).
But did you that there’s a whole range of cider styles out there? In this video, Liam talks about cider history and the differences in styles.
He also paid a visit to Farnum Hill ciders in Lebanon, N.H. to chat with cidermaker Stephen M. Wood, and to get a behind the scenes tour of the cider making process. Farnum Hill is worth the visit — they grow their own apples, press, ferment, and blend them to create their cider.
More similar to wine than beer, Farnum Hill ciders are made from heirloom apple varieties (too tart for snacking!) that are grown specifically for their juices and high tannins, resulting in a dry style of cider that is aged and then blended in small batches.
Now, go drink some cider!
Cheers!
Autumn Elixirs: Top 5 Pumpkin Beers
Pumpkin beers are a great source of debate among beer lovers. For some it is a gimmicky trend that has yet to move on, and for others it’s the taste of autumn in a glass. Here are our Top 5 Pumpkin beer picks of the season!
Two Roads Roadsmary’s Baby
What a great name! I love Two Roads’ unique take on the classic Pumpkin ale. The body of this beer is remarkably smooth, with notes of pumpkin, balanced spice, and subtle toasted grain. This ale also spends some time aging in a rum cask, which only acts to accentuate the vanilla and spice notes. www.tworoadsbrewing.com
Southern Tier Pumking
Everyone hail the Pumpkin King! Considered one of the most sought after pumpkin beers, I would be remiss if I didn’t include it on our list. Let’s start with the rich golden-orange color, a sign of delicious things to come. For me this is the epitome of classic ‘pumpkin pie’ ale. At 8.6%, the higher ABV helps counter and balance the indulgent spice and pumpkin flavors. This warming beer is ideally suited for sipping during those cooler fall months. www.stbcbeer.com
Dogfish Head Punkin
As with all of beers in Dogfish Head’s lineup this beer is definitely off kilter, but in the most delicious way! This ample brown ale is brewed with pumpkin, organic brown sugar, and finally the addition of some spices. What I love most about this brew is that it is a BEER FIRST and then pumpkin ale. Not overwhelmingly flavored, just the right amount of malt to pumpkin goodness. www.dogfish.com
Cape Ann Fisherman’s Pumpkin Stout
Locally made in Gloucester, Massachusetts, this brew is Cape Ann’s fresh interpretation of a classic fall staple — a stout. This is loaded with dark roasted malt notes, which couples nicely with the balanced flavor of pumpkin and pie spices. At a warming 7% ABV, this is the perfect brew to cozy up with on those brisk autumn evenings. www.capeannbrewing.com
Brooklyn Post Road Pumpkin Ale
Last, but certainly not least, we have Brooklyn’s offering which might possible be the most restrained pumpkin beer off this list. Brewed with the addition of Dickinson pumpkins and nutmeg, this is a very food friendly ale! This beer would be a great pick for Thanksgiving; it pairs perfectly with a turkey that has all the fixin’s. *audible gasp* That’s right I mentioned Thanksgiving! www.brooklynbrewery.com
And so as the leaves begin to fall and the air feels slightly crisper, then and only then do I enjoy cracking open a pumpkin beer.
Sadly, we find that they continually arrive far sooner than autumn does and it just isn’t the same drinking them when summer is still upon us. This is partly due to the high demand and ‘seasonal creep’ for which beer drinkers get up in arms — by the time the season really gets going most of these beers are long gone. 
My advice for all this pumpkin hub-bub? Enjoy them any way you can get them!
Meet the Guys at Bucket Brewery!
Bucket Brewery is one of Rhode Island’s newest craft breweries. Watch Liam’s visit to their new Pawtucket brewery, learn how they got started and what beers they’re currently brewing. You’ll also be happy to find Bucket Brewery Growlers in our beer coolers!
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Bucket Brewery
http://bucketbrewery.com/
Tastings Saturdays 10-5
Tours Saturdays 2, 3, and 4
Dogfish Head is Coming Back to Rhode Island!
You’ve got the inside scoop! A few years ago, Dogfish Head Craft Brewing made the decision to leave Rhode Island (just awful, right?). But now, they’re returning! Watch Liam, our Beer Director, with Sam Calagione, founder and President of Dogfish Head.
Welcome Back to RI, Dogfish! With Sam & Liam
You may have seen their video announcing their return to Rhode Island and a few other states:
This was our response: Come to Rhode Island! A Beer Shop’s Open Threat to Dogfish Head.
And thus, Liam pulled one over on us, and made the epic journey to Delaware to visit Dogfish Head Brewery, chat with Sam, and scope out the situation.
Here are the results.
How we “brought” Dogfish to Rhode Island
*NOT IN STOCK YET*
Look for Dogfish Head Beers on our shelves next week!
Follow us to find out first!
Welcome back, Dogfish Head! Cheers!
Bucket Brewery Growlers at Bottles!
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| Photo: bucketbrewery.com |
We’re excited to welcome Bucket Brewery craft beers to our store! Until now, Bucket Brewery was only available in restaurants around Rhode Island, but now you can get them at Bottles in growlers. Bucket Brewery is a local brewery located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and only a hop, skip and a jump away from our Providence liquor store.
Hurry up and get your Bucket Brewery growlers before they’re gone!
Bottles is next to Eastside Marketplace, get directions here.
Bottles is next to Eastside Marketplace, get directions here.
Watch our visit to Bucket Brewery!
Foolproof Brewing Company
Foolproof Brewing Company is the newest Rhode Island craft brewery, and they are located not to far from us in Pawtucket, RI. Nick Garrison, President & Founder of Foolproof, was kind enough to invite us over during their canning of Raincloud, a robust porter. We got to try beer fresh from the canning line, take a tour of the brewery, and let Nick guide us and give insider’s information about each of Foolproof’s year-round beer offerings: Barstool, Backyahd, and Raincloud.
Watch the video above, and be sure to browse our other brewery tours.
Empty cans of Backyahd, ready to be filled! Backyahd is Foolproof’s India Pale Ale, and a perfect pairing for grilling, summer bbq’s, and all your ‘backyahd’ activities.
Barstool is an American Golden Ale, and the beer of choice for a night out with friends. Foolproof 6-packs come in these handy and distinctive boxes. Conveniently portable, in our opinion.
The Foolproof guys at work! They have weekly tours of the brewery, so you can hang out, drink fresh beers, and see the brewery. If you’re near Pawtucket, Rhode Island, swing by and check them out.
We’re loving Raincloud at Bottles! This porter is “dark, smooth, and mysterious,” and a tasty treat for those rainy (or snowy) days.
Beer in a can? There are many reasons why Foolproof and Bottles like cans over glass bottles when it comes to our craft beer.
- Cans block all sunlight from the beer, which eliminates any chance for skunking.
- Cans have less airspace at the top, which increases the shelf-life of a beer.
- Cans don’t break & shatter! No one likes spilled beer.
- Cans are environmentally friendly and recyclable.
- Cans are lightweight, portable, and take up less space, making them perfect for hiking, the sailboat, the beach, picnics, golf courses…
Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project
This past spring, Bottles (we’re an inquisitive liquor store in Providence, RI, full of local beer enthusiasts) was fortunate enough to pay a visit to Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project. Dann and Martha Paquette run Pretty Things, which is based in Somerville, Massachusetts, but brewed in Westport, MA. Pretty Things beers are known for being delicious, quirky interpretations and twists on classic beer styles. Watch the video to take a quick craft beer journey with Liam, the Bottles Beer Manager.
The visit happened to coincide with the 4-year anniversary of the first batch of Jack D’Or. You can read the full description of Jack D’Or and the emblematic, mournful grain of barley named Jack, HERE.
Watch our other brewery tours >
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| Jack D’Or |
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| Bottled Jack D’Or ready to go. |
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| The resident gnome with a few Pretty Things Beers and hop vines. |
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| Martha at work! |
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| Dann chatting with Liam, Bottles Beer Manager. |
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| Westport, Massachusetts. |
Sixpoint Brewery Tour
Watch Liam’s (Bottles Beer Manager) visit to Sixpoint Brewery in Red Hook, Brooklyn this fall. Learn about Sixpoint’s history, the brewery, their hip can and packaging design, and about their beers, including Sweet Action, Resin, The Crisp, and Brownstone.
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