BEER - Half Light Sunbeam IPA

For my final beer of 2023, I ended on a super high note!

The fantastic Half-Light Sunbeam IPA hails from Brick & Feather Brewery out of Turners Falls, MA.

The beer is light, fresh, citrusy and very hazy. It smells fantastic coming out of the can into the pint glass, there is no boozy scent or flavor, despite the 6.5% ABV. It's surprisingly refreshing. I'd rank it in my Top 10 Beers of the year, and since their In Absentia IPA is also very good (see recent post) I have marked the brewery down for a visit sometime in 2024.

A Niece Night for Davis

Tonight I took my sister's 3 daughters into Davis Square to 'Hang Out with Food', and show them a few of my regular haunts.

After a swift, little-traffic drive down Route 2, we had dinner at The Burren (because who doesn't love Guinness and live music?). Celia and I each had a Burren Burger (the thick cut fries were amazing), and the twins (Helena & Georgia) split a Margarita Flatbread Pizza and a basket of sweet potato fries. Plus beers all around. We hung out there for about 90 minutes and then headed off for my next planned destination.

Sadly, for some reason, Saloon was closed.

So we backtracked a bit and went to The Foundry instead. With its red leather booths beyond the main bar, exotic lighting, and being not very crowded, it was a worthy alternative to Saloon, with a similar drinks menu. The girls were all enamored with the selection and the ambiance, and it was cool to have them see one of the newer hang outs of the Not Lame Minus crew. They each tried something different (for their first round - I was the driver), and I, not being a big spirits drinker, chose a Velvet Crush (rum, spiced pear, lemon, velvet falernum, and amaretto) which was very good, and I'd definitely have again. Another 90 minute hang out there, and then it was a walk back to the Red Line, back in the car, and amazingly, home by ten.

SUCH a fun night, with three of my favorite people! I'm sure we will do something similar sometime soon...

BEER - In Absentia IPA

I was fully immersed in playing the very fun Konkr.io all evening, and as I did I had a few pints of Brick & Feather Brewery's In Absentia IPAs.

The beer had a fantastic pine scent as I cracked the can, followed by a mix of orange and tropical flavors. It went down very smoothly, and despite its 7.2%, without any overpowering alcohol feel. I definitely want to check out this small brewery in Turners Falls, MA.

BEER - Otherwise IPA

Tonight I had the other beer I'd taken away from Sterling Street Brewery, their Otherwise IPA.

It poured out of the 32 oz. growler with an undesireably wasteful big head, but the citrussy scent was fantastic. And for a 6.9% ABV, the booze didn't register at all. Light and breezy, the beer goes down smoothly with a pleasing aftertaste. A nice blend of Citra and Amarillo hops. Next time I'll snag it in a 4-pack of fresh cans, which is actually a better value than the small growler. A very good IPA.

Sterling Street Brewery

I had today off, and was running errands in the area anyway, so I decided to check out Clinton, MA's Sterling Street Brewery.

I had a pint of their Down With the PumpKIN' pumpkin spice ale, and at the bartender's suggestion I forewent the cinnamon/sugar rim (which would have been my inclination as well). It had just the right amount of seasonal flavors without being overpowered. And at 5.1% didn't pack a huge punch. It'll be my baseline for all other beers of this type this autumn. Highly recommended! Also, the place itself was clean and airy, and the staff was super friendly and knowledgeable.

I left with a pair of pint glasses, a 32 oz. growler of their Otherwise IPA (for another day) and a 4-pack of 16 oz. cans of the DWtP. I'm definitely glad I stopped.