Tag Archives: craft beer
Black Hog Brewing Co.
We’re rolling out the welcome mat for cans of Black Hog Brewing’s terrific beer.
Made just down a ways in Connecticut (Oxford, to be exact), the popular craft brewery with the super hot label art is the creation of three beer-loving pals: Tyler Jones, whose brewing chops were honed at Mercury Brewing, Smuttynose and Portsmouth Brewery (NH), and brothers Jason and Tom Sobocinski (the latter a PC alum!), owners of the fantastic New Haven-based cheese shop & bistro Caseus, the award-winning bar Ordinary, and Smoke Box BBQ.
We love their Granola Brown Ale, which is brewed with a mix of oatmeal, grains, hops and roasted malts. The guys say they were inspired to make this beer on the hikes they take before beginning one of their legendary pig roasts (which they do often, hence the brewery’s name). While hiking and munching on crunchy granola they decided to incorporate the oat flavors into their beer. It’s smooth and malty, and finishes with – you guessed it – notes of chocolate and raisin.
Their Easy Rye’ Da is an “easy drinkin’” low ABV rye India Pale Ale. They cut back the ABV on this session style rye so that, according to their (really awesome) website, “you can cruise on it all day long, take it easy, have a few and remember what it’s all about.” It’s hoppy, with sweet and spicy citrus notes.
And check out the super hot Ginga’ Ninja, a red India Pale Ale brewed with 6 lbs of fresh ginger in every batch, and named after Tyler’s fiery-haired wife. It’s all ginger up front, and finishes with a lasting hop flavor.
In addition to images of their vibrant design-forward cans, the Black Hog Brewing website is chock full of strong pairing suggestions. And, not surprisingly given Tom and Jason’s background, lots of terrific cheese pairings are offered.
Black Hog Brewing Co.’s cans are on sale for the month of March at Bottles. Come give them a try!
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Top 5 Fall Beers
At the end of summer, there is a sudden and abrupt change in season, at least in the beer world.
Though we may not be ready for it, we are inundated with mountains of pumpkin, harvest, and fest beers, even though it’s still warm outside. Each year, the familiar arrivals are joined by a growing roster of newbies, and it can be easy to overlook some unfamiliar gems.
So here are some of our favorites for your perusal. We hope that, when you’re ready, you’ll be able to find a new favorite from the mix. Cheers! – Liam, Bottles Beer Manager
1. Grey Sail Autumn Winds
What’s better than Grey Sail’s award winning Captain’s Daughter? A Grey Sail beer you can actually find! This rich & bready brew is a great way to usher in another New England fall, especially with the sausages you barbecue before packing up the grill for another season.
2. Mayflower Autumn Wheat
Mayflower’s perennial favorite among the Bottles’ staff. A dark wheat ale, it has the richness & complexity of a robust ale, but with the lightness of a wheat beer. It’s the perfect brew for those in-between days, when it’s not quite summer & not quite fall yet.
3. Ayinger Oktober Fest-Marzen
When in doubt, go for a classic. Ayinger makes a benchmark Oktoberfest beer. Deep amber in color, with a crisp, clean, & refreshing maltiness. Drink like a German!
4. Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale
Smutty pumpkin makes the list because it’s one of the driest, purest pumpkin beers out there. It tastes like a real beer, with just a smattering of spice & toasty pumpkin. With a dry, lightly hoppy finish, it accentuates the best flavors of the season without a cloying finish.
5. Two Roads Roadsmary’s Baby
On the other end of the pumpkin spectrum is this surprisingly quaffable rum barrel-aged beast of a beer. We think everything Two Roads makes is liquid gold, and this beer is no exception, striking a very tasty balance of spice, oak, & malt.
BONUS BEER!
Not ready for summer to be over? Can’t find your favorite summer ale in midst of the pumpkin conflagration? Try one of our favorite Saisons as an alternative to the autumnal madness. Allagash Saison is available year round, and tastes like sunshine in a glass. Cheers!
Bottles Loves Craft Cans!
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!
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!
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.
Looking for more behind-the-scene tours of breweries?
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