Picnic Lightning IPA

Since I am on vacation beginning tomorrow, I decided to grab a four-pack of a beer that was new to me. So I snagged what turned out to be a great beer out of San Pedro, CA's Brouwerij West - Picnic Lightning IPA.

It turned out to be so yummy that I needed to drink it outside (the first warm day of the year, at 67 degrees). The 6.8% ABV Picnic Lightning is the smooth intersection between citrus and pine, and the hazy color is a cool surprise. Plus my nose has been filled with heaven! I am going to make this 4-pack last all week...

Ethereous IPA

As you may or may not know, for me the initial scent of a beer is hugely important. It sets the tone and expectation level for the flavor. Tops in this category is the ridiculously good Ethereous IPA from Proclamation Ale Company out of Warwick, RI.

The perfect co-mingling of hops and citrus, my senses where pleasantly overwhelmed. This beer was so enjoyable that I plan to have no more than one each time, to fully savor its perfection, though at a reasonable 6.6% ABV, it could make for a great afternoon in the sun. The final amazement was when I was rinsing out the can. Orange seeds!

I can't say it enough: I love this beer. ♥

Sherwood IPA

I had today off, and as I am wont to do, I had a beer that was new to me. I grabbed a 4-pack of pint cans of Sherwood IPA, a New England-style double IPA from Connecticut Valley Brewing Company. It is a hefty 8.2% ABV, but it goes down so smoothly that one doesn't notice until a few minutes later. It has a subtle floral undertone, and a fantastic tangerine-y zing. It smells fantastic.

I highly recommend this beer. It is already a new favorite!

Echosmith

As you know, music is in my blood. Thankfully it has trickled down to several of my nieces & nephews. So on the occasion of my sister's oldest daughter graduating this year, I took them both to see Echosmith at Royale in Boston on Thursday April 26th.

The doors were supposed to open at 8:00 pm, but apparently that was misinformation. The two opening acts were both finished by the time we rolled in at 8:30! Thankfully, we only missed a song or two, and we got to experience Echosmith in full swing. They played old favorites "Cool Kids" and "Bright", and also gave amazing performances of most of the songs off their recent EP "Inside a Dream". it was quite a thrill to hear those songs live, after having the EP in heavy rotation for the last month or so.

Highlights: "Get Into My Car", "Future Me", "Goodbye"

Sarah, me and Celia @ Royale Boston post show.

P.S.: Check out the nearby Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery for kickass burgers and beer!

Paperwhite

Old chum Erik & I each made the trek from our respective homes to Boston Sunday night to catch the Paperwhite show at Great Scott. We met at Alewife and hopped on the Red Line to Davis Square for a great pre-show dinner at old haunt The Burren. They had their usual Sunday night Irish music going on in the front room as I had an amazing ½ pound Burren Burger with cheddar, bacon & mushrooms, and some awesome thick-cut fries, along with a Harp Lager to wash it down. It was fantastic to be back in a bar that I've spent so many great nights out with friends from as far back as 1996, when it first opened.

Then it was back on the Red Line to Park Street Station, with a switch to a B-train on the Green Line to Harvard Street, and Great Scott. The opening act, Iyves went on first, and while she had a strong voice, her songs were too slowly-paced and not very energetic for the most part. Super-nice girl though. I'm glad I had a few Lagunitas IPAs to make it better (haha). Then it was time for the headliner! Wow. Katie Marshall, the singer had such a great voice, super high-energy, and it was so great to hear all of the songs I've been obsessing over for the last few weeks in person! They played a set that felt way too short, but at least I got to hear "Only Us" at the end, followed by an encore of "Unstoppable". I can't believe the tickets were only ten bucks. I am so glad I had that whim, and sprung for them back in January. A fine time had by all...