OT: Local Beers

[bob]

So a friend and I have the goal of visiting all 50 states in the next five years, and plan on drinking a local beer in each one of them. Sorta stupid I know, but a decent way to go out and see our country. Since local beer can be hit or miss, I'm looking for recommendations for the following states, which we will be visiting this month:

Connecticut (Hartford / N Branford)
New York (NYC)
Massachusetts (Boston / Walpole)

Thanks,
Bob

[bob]

Any beer drinkers in these states? Just trying to make sure this doesn't fall off the front page if anyone can be of any help.....

[Klinglerware]

NYC - Brooklyn Beer (There's Ommegang, but that's upstate)
Mass - Harpoon

I'm sure there are more local brews around. I live in Connecticut, but haven't lived here long enough to find a local beer yet...

[bob]

Cool, thanks.

[Klinglerware]

And in NJ, try Cricket Hill beers if you can find them. They're still in very limited distribution, but it's pretty decent and interesting stuff...

[Karlifornia]

Missouri-Budweiser
Colorado-Coors

Just kidding.

[bob]

We decided that things like Bud and Coors would only count if we did the tour.... I'm sure we can do better than that though.

[bob]

NYC - Brooklyn Beer (There's Ommegang, but that's upstate)
Mass - Harpoon

I'm sure there are more local brews around. I live in Connecticut, but haven't lived here long enough to find a local beer yet...

Thanks for the suggestions. Brooklyn Beer was a bitch to find, given that we were only in NYC for the morning and very early afternoon. Finally found it at a small bar tucked in the corner of the Grand Central dining area. Paid cash, drank it in about a minute, and ran to my train, getting on it as the doors closed. I had about given up finding it on this visit, but it actually paid off to keep looking.

The Harpoon was easy to find. Pretty good.

Missed out on Connecticut, but will be going back for another wedding there next month.

I'm also looking for recommendations for the following states, which I will pass through during my road trip to Columbus for the US - Mexico WC Qualifier next month:

- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Ohio
- Indiana (maybe if we have time)

Bob

[McSweeny]

if you're still looking for Connecticut beers, Cottrell Old Yankee Ale is pretty good and it's brewed just down the road from where i live.

[bob]

if you're still looking for Connecticut beers, Cottrell Old Yankee Ale is pretty good and it's brewed just down the road from where i live.

Thanks - is that sold in lots of bars, or just at the place it is brewed? Also, how close is it to N Branford?

[Airhog]

this might help you in your search

http://ratebeer.com/Users/Users.asp

[cody8200]

Indiana has a lot of different local beers. If your in southern Indiana you can find Upland Beer which is actually in the city I'm living in (Bloomington, IN). Anyway, they have several different kinds. Pretty decent stuff.

[Sublime 2]

Vermont - Long Trail
NH - 7 Barrel Brewery...not sure if that's local

[BYU 14]

When you get to Utah here are two excellent Choices...

O'Douls or Near Beer.............;)

Visit the Wasatch Brew Pub in Park City (about 25 minutes from Salt Lake) a few good micro Bews there.

[McSweeny]

Thanks - is that sold in lots of bars, or just at the place it is brewed? Also, how close is it to N Branford?

it's sold in most bars around here (SE Connecticut), but i don't know if it's sold state wide.

[bob]

for any one that cares, I knocked out Hawaii recently on my honeymoon. Kona Brewing Company is pretty good. I think you can buy it on the west coast too, and it is worth trying if you have the chance.

[George]

Here are two Connecticut brewers. Trout Brook/Thomas Hooker has some very good varieties.

hxxp://www.troutbrookbeer.com/index.html
hxxp://www.oldeburnsidebrewing.com/home.html

[saldana]

damn, i wish i had been on the board when this thread started....ive tried 34 states, 5 canadian provinces, and 23 foreign countries without even actually trying.

[Fighter of Foo]

Sam Adams and Harpoon both do brewery tours in Boston should you be interested.

[MrBug708]

for any one that cares, I knocked out Hawaii recently on my honeymoon. Kona Brewing Company is pretty good. I think you can buy it on the west coast too, and it is worth trying if you have the chance.

One of my favorites

[MikeVic]

I had something recently called a "Hoegaarden" (or something similar). Forget where's it's from... Belgium? But it was sooo lite. Felt like I was drinking water, but still got a bit buzzed after. Replaces MGD as my doesn't-feel-or-taste-like-beer of choice. :)

[Klinglerware]

I had something recently called a "Hoegaarden" (or something similar). Forget where's it's from... Belgium? But it was sooo lite. Felt like I was drinking water, but still got a bit buzzed after. Replaces MGD as my doesn't-feel-or-taste-like-beer of choice. :)

Sort of like a Hefe-Weissen (and yes, I think Hoegaarden is Belgian), and one of my favorites as well.

[st.cronin]

Don't come to New Mexico, that's all I've got to say.

[WSUCougar]

If/when you get to Missouri, I'd suggest Schlafly (St. Louis) and Boulevard (Kansas City) for starters.

[ISiddiqui]

When I went out to Colorado, Fat Tire was VERY good.

In Georgia you can do the Sweetwater tour, but I prefer Terrapin Ale, though while it says it is Athens based is really brewed in South Carolina (IIRC).

[cartman]

In Texas, the list begins and ends with Shiner Bock.

[st.cronin]

In Texas, the list begins and ends with Shiner Bock.

Oh yes. That's a nice beer. I like the Left Hand Brewery in Colorado, and the Capital Brewery in Wisconsin.

[MacroGuru]

Squatters in Utah is a microbrew that has some damn good beer...

[cartman]

In California, there are a bunch I liked. Anchor Steam was up there, as well as some from the SLO brewery. But the best was He'Brew, the Chosen Beer. It was certified kosher, and their motto was "Don't pass out, Passover".

[Grammaticus]

Thanks for the suggestions. Brooklyn Beer was a bitch to find, given that we were only in NYC for the morning and very early afternoon. Finally found it at a small bar tucked in the corner of the Grand Central dining area. Paid cash, drank it in about a minute, and ran to my train, getting on it as the doors closed. I had about given up finding it on this visit, but it actually paid off to keep looking.

The Harpoon was easy to find. Pretty good.

Missed out on Connecticut, but will be going back for another wedding there next month.

I'm also looking for recommendations for the following states, which I will pass through during my road trip to Columbus for the US - Mexico WC Qualifier next month:

- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Ohio
- Indiana (maybe if we have time)

Bob
In Tennessee, they are starting to get more involved in Micro Brews. Try New Knoxville Brewing Co. India Pale Ale. Also, Calhoun's brews their own beer on site. I like the red ale. In Nashville, go to the Blackstone and try any of their house brews.

In Colorado, yes Fat Tire is the local fave. I would suggest Odell's 90 shilling as a great amber. Then try the Oaises in Boulder, I like the Scarab Red Ale.

[mckerney]

For Wisconsin I'd recommend New Glarus. They don't sell anything outside of Wisconsin, and I enjoy their Spotted Cow (Unfiltered Ale), Yokel (Unfiltered Lager), and Fat Squirrel (Nut Brown Ale), and plan on trying their Bock soon. Their Belgium Red is worth trying too.

I love most of Leinenkugel's craft beers (not the new Sunset Wheat, they basically turned Blue Moon into a chick beer). Apple Spice is worth trying if you're there in the winter.

Some other Wisconsin breweries I can think of off the top of my head that could be worth trying in Wisconsin are Capital Brewery and Sand Creek.

For Minnesota I love Grain Belt, and some breweries to try would be Summit, Schell, and James Page.

[saldana]

In Texas, the list begins and ends with Shiner Bock.
no way dude, there are alot of good beers from St Arnolds in Houston.

[saldana]

In California, there are a bunch I liked. Anchor Steam was up there, as well as some from the SLO brewery. But the best was He'Brew, the Chosen Beer. It was certified kosher, and their motto was "Don't pass out, Passover".
If you are in california, it is a criminal offense to not go to Stone and Alesmith, as well as Pizza Port.

[saldana]

In Colorado, yes Fat Tire is the local fave. I would suggest Odell's 90 shilling as a great amber. Then try the Oaises in Boulder, I like the Scarab Red Ale.
double dola, Colorado has Avery, their Fallen Angel line is amazing, although a little hard to handle for some people that arent into high gravity, barrel aged beers.

[saldana]

For Wisconsin I'd recommend New Glarus. They don't sell anything outside of Wisconsin, and I enjoy their Spotted Cow (Unfiltered Ale), Yokel (Unfiltered Lager), and Fat Squirrel (Nut Brown Ale), and plan on trying their Bock soon. Their Belgium Red is worth trying too.


for the grand triple dola, the Belgium Red is awesome from NG, the Raspberry Tart is also supposed to be excellent, although i have yet to try it...also, anything from their "Unplugged" series is outstanding.

[mckerney]

for the grand triple dola, the Belgium Red is awesome from NG, the Raspberry Tart is also supposed to be excellent, although i have yet to try it...also, anything from their "Unplugged" series is outstanding.

I do think the Belgium Red is very good, though it's not something I'd drink that often. It's definitely something that I'd recommend having at least once.

[scooter]

I do think the Belgium Red is very good, though it's not something I'd drink that often. It's definitely something that I'd recommend having at least once.

Every time I go to visit my parents in WI, my wife (the beer geek of the family) insists on my bringing back at least one Belgian Red. We've tried the Raspberry Tart too. Side by side though, the Red wins out.

[Bonegavel]

If in Eastern PA, try some Yuengling Lager. Best around.

[saldana]

If in Eastern PA, try some Yuengling Lager. Best around.
as much as i enjoy a nice lager once and again, IMO, its hardly the best in Eastern, PA...victory, troegs, weyerbacher, stoudts, sly fox, bethlehem brew works, and barley creek all make outstanding beers and are within an hour of where you live.

[terpkristin]

In Virginia, come by where I live and go to Old Dominion. :)

I'm a big fan of their Oak Barrel Stout, but I've honestly not had a "bad" beer from them. :D ;)

http://www.olddominion.com/

/tk

[saldana]

In Virginia, come by where I live and go to Old Dominion. :)

I'm a big fan of their Oak Barrel Stout, but I've honestly not had a "bad" beer from them. :D ;)

http://www.olddominion.com/

/tk

i was just there 2 weeks ago...the brewpub version of the OBS is awesome

[PineTar]

Illinois: Goose Island Brewery (http://www.gooseisland.com/pubs/wrigleyville_tour.asp)

[Bonegavel]

as much as i enjoy a nice lager once and again, IMO, its hardly the best in Eastern, PA...victory, troegs, weyerbacher, stoudts, sly fox, bethlehem brew works, and barley creek all make outstanding beers and are within an hour of where you live.

My mileage varies. Every time I try something else I keep coming back to YL. I thank the gods that it is on tap everywhere around here.

My tastes aren't all that sophisticated so maybe that's why I keep coming back. Once I found YL, it is just about all I drink.

[Grammaticus]

My mileage varies. Every time I try something else I keep coming back to YL. I thank the gods that it is on tap everywhere around here.

My tastes aren't all that sophisticated so maybe that's why I keep coming back. Once I found YL, it is just about all I drink.
Yuengling is a very good beer. Tops for East coast stuff.

[saldana]

My mileage varies. Every time I try something else I keep coming back to YL. I thank the gods that it is on tap everywhere around here.

My tastes aren't all that sophisticated so maybe that's why I keep coming back. Once I found YL, it is just about all I drink.

like i said, i am a fan of YL, it used to be my everyday beer until i turned into a beer geek, and i still drink it ocassionally if the bar i am at doesnt have any craft beers...i was just pointing out that there are a ton of awesome breweries in eastern PA now a days.

[Grammaticus]

I don't get around the PA area much, so I really only know the mainstream brews like YL in that area. I think the good thing about YL, it's so smooth and has no hoppy bite. Kinda like Fat Tire. Generally I go for some of the more bitter beers. But, I would take YL over stuff like Sam Adams.

Bye the way, I'm going to be in the Orlando, FL area Wednesday and Thursday. Are there any good local brews anyone can recommend in that area?

[ISiddiqui]

I enjoy Yuengling every time I can get into North Carolina (that's the farthest South it has penetrated AFAICT). Though NC also has this very nice beer called Highland Gaelic Ale.

[Grammaticus]

I enjoy Yuengling every time I can get into North Carolina (that's the farthest South it has penetrated AFAICT). Though NC also has this very nice beer called Highland Gaelic Ale.
Actually I pick up Yuengling in Rosemary Beach Florida (in the pan handle)when we go to the beach in the summer. It is available in the grocery stores.

Oh, I like the Highland Gaelic Ale too.

[saldana]

I enjoy Yuengling every time I can get into North Carolina (that's the farthest South it has penetrated AFAICT). Though NC also has this very nice beer called Highland Gaelic Ale.
i have a bottle of the Gaelic Ale in the cellar...mayhaps i will drink it when i get home

[Peregrine]

All of the Highland beers are pretty good, Gaelic ale, they have a nice Oatmeal Porter, and a sort of hard to find (at least here) Tasgall Ale which is excellent. There are a good number of local breweries in my part of the state, though some of them are just starting up like the very promising Duck-Rabbit Brewery which makes some fantastic dark beers like their Baltic Porter and Rabid Duck Russian Imperial Stout. I guess overall the Highland Brewery is the best known and most distributed if you want a state beer.

[ice4277]

Michigan: Bell's,from Kalamazoo

If you can get their Oberon on tap, it is a beautiful thing. Most of their other beers rock as well.

[Ryche]

Summit is good in Minnesota, it's rare that I don't have some of their EPA or IPA in my fridge.

Just went to the newest brewery in the Twin Cities this weekend, Surly Brewing. They make some really great beer although it's not as easy to find. Only available in 20 bars or so. But their Furious beer is one of the hoppiest I've ever had, absolutely delicious.

[saldana]

ive had the tasgall, it is outstanding, and i have a trade currently set up for the 2 duck rabbit beers when they come back around...ive heard they are both very good and since stouts are my favorite style, i am looking forward to them greatly.

[MacroGuru]

Oh, and one more from Utah is Wasatch, great brewery out of Park City...great beer...especially the Cuthroat

[flere-imsaho]

If you come to Illinois, I'd recommend checking out both Goose Island (now somewhat of a macrobrewer, but still does good runs of real craft beer) and Piece Brewery.