Beer

I WANT IT NOOOOOW!

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As we get ready for another reboot of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (as if we need anything better than the legendary Gene Wilder!), the idea of finding a “golden ticket” that allows its bearer access to a magical food-related wonderland will be swimming in more than just a heads of children everywhere.

And while Wonka Bars and Everlasting Gobstoppers may be great, older fans may be more interested in something more age-appropriate.

Leave it to our friends at Harpoon Brewery to jump on this holiday trend with their “Spread Holiday Cheer Giveaway!”

As they are the creators of New England’s first IPA, it may be no surprise that Harpoon is once again on the forefront of food trends. 

For this special holiday season giveaway, the folks at Harpoon are hiding golden cans of their legendary IPA in their new, limited-edition 12 packs. Whoever finds the special cans will have a chance to win an amazing holiday party where they can bring up the 30 guests to Harpoon’s brewery in Boston or Vermont to enjoy the best, freshest beer (and pretzels!) around at the best, freshest time of year!

This year also marks the 30th birthday of Harpoon’s IPA. And while there may just be 27 Harpoon lovers who will get a taste of the brewery’s latest special prizes, anyone who enjoys their IPA while searching for the golden can will have reason to celebrate!

So don’t be an Oompah-Loompah. Grab a Harpoon and celebrate the season!

http://harpoonbrewery.com

FALL IS ON THE RISE @ HARPOON

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Though there is little pleasure to be taken in the high temperatures of what is traditionally a time of cooling and slowing down (especially when you consider the source of the scorch), we in New England are especially privileged to have the bounty of fall produce and people who know what to do with it all to help people cool down even when that should not be an issue.

In addition to being the home of the king of coffee – Dunkin’ – Massachusetts is also the base for Harpoon Brewery and its affiliates – all of whom have once again come up with a great slate of ways to slake thirst whether it is supposed to be hot or not.

In addition to bringing back Harpoon Dunkin’ Pumpkin, which combines one of the best beers around with the coffee that keeps the entire country moving along with the fresh flavors of pumpkin and authentic seasonal spice, Harpoon has also brought back a perennial fall favorite called Flannel Friday, which is a golden great way to end the week or get ready for the big game. On September 29 and 30, they will also host their popular Octoberfest party at the brewery in Boston’s Seaport district, complete with “oompah” bands and stein-holding contests (and of course their AMAZING pretzels!). 

Over at UFO, the fall flavor craze in full effect as the unfiltered team releases its own pumpkin-flavored Hefeweizen, and an apple-infused beer that combines the best of beer and cider and all that is good with our part of the world at this time of year. While the apple beer is currently available only as part of UFO’s popular Fresh Pick’d mix pack, you are sure to not be disappointed in any of the other offerings.

For those who prefer to head down the Long Trail, the VT-based brewery is also getting in on the apple-infused game day beverage game with their apple wheat beer.

No matter which you pick, you are sure to love the fresh-picked flavor and hand-crafted beer expertise that goes into every pint, no matter whether you use it to cool off after a hot day on the gridiron, to enjoy by the firepit after what may be the last barbecue of the season, or after your latest effort to support environmental causes and help stem the steam.

www.harpoonbrewery.com / https://ufobeer.com / https://longtrail.com/

OH, THE HOP-ANITY!

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Whoever said “Good things come in small packages” never tried beers from Dirigible Brewing!

From their fruity Little Zep New England IPA and Blue Sky Balloon Blueberry Sour to the floral bloom of Parasols Parading in the Park French Saison, the Steampunk-inspired Oamaru New Zealand Pilsner, and the deep and rich 24 Porter Porter that comes from their brewery and tap room on 24 Porter Road in Littleton, MA, these massive cans of love-packed brews are plenty to share but worth the time to enjoy alone as well. Dirigible also offers their own hard seltzer called Flexion Elixir that can be infused with a wide range of flavors to make the perfect match for any occasion.

No matter which Dirigible brew you try (or how much), you are sure to enjoy the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and get that self-propelled, high-flying, and handcrafted vibe that, like the Kiwi Pilsner, is inspired by Steampunk – a mindset and movement that treasures the simpler pre-industrial era of steam power and the ingenuity it fostered.

Speaking of foster, the 25 oz cans that Dirigible fills and labels by hand remind many drinkers of the famed 32 oz. drums that the Aussie brewery uses. Instead of having Paul Hogan for a spokesperson, however, they would probably prefer Jules Verne!

With music and other live events at their taproom and off site at places like the Solomon Pond Mall (check the website for information), Dirigible is easy to access and enjoy and is sure to take you on a delicious flight of fancy whenever you try some. 

https://dirigiblebrewing.comhttps://dirigiblebrewing.com

ROLL OUT THOSE LAZY CRAZY HAZY RAYS OF SUMMER

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While many people talk of beaches and barbecues, summer is, at its over-21 base, beer season! And while Bud Light and Modelo duke it out for world domination, we can take great pride in our locally-sourced legends!
From Harpoon and Sam Adams to your neighbor’s latest homebrew, it is the New England work ethic and ingenuity that have created so many sudsy stars.

Another such story is that of Lawson’s Finest Liquids.

Started in a University of VT dorm room by a savvy over-21 fan of Catamount and other 14thSate staples, Lawson’s now partners with other New England brewers (like Two Roads in CT) and even VT Public Radio to reach and support communities throughout the region with its foamy faves and Social Impact Program (cleverly known as “SIP”). 

Among my current go-to’s are the summer-perfect Sip of Sunshine IPA and the internationally-ranked Double Sunshine Ruby Red Grapefruit, a double IPA that adds the juicily slimming smack of grapefruit to up the refreshment even more! As fall approaches, I will look forward to more servings of Mad River Maple which includes pure syrup from Lawson’s tree-tapping neighbors. And as new versions are always in development and as all of them are made with the best ingredients Green Mountain greenbacks can buy, there is always more to look forward to regardless of the time of year or your personal tastes.With offerings such as these, it is small wonder that Lawson’s was named the best beverage made in VT (which is certainly saying something!) two years in a row by Vermont Business Magazine and 2022 Brewery of the Year by Beer Connoisseur (LOVE those connoisseurs!). In fact, the only thing I wonder is why you aren’t enjoying one right now! www.lawsonsfinest.com

MAINE-LINING FLAVOR

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In New England, we are blessed with some of the best food and drink makers around. Among my favorites are Kane’s Donuts and UFO beers. And while these two companies may seem to share little more than a home state, believe me- When they combine forces- Look out!

Through the month of July, this dynamic duo is proving that one plus one can be way more than two with the debut of their limited-edition Maine blueberry donut. In addition to featuring the mind-melting cake-style donuts found at either Kane’s in Saugus or downtown Boston, the new offering adds fresh Maine blueberries (another reason to celebrate life in this area) and a reduction of UFO’s Maine Blueberry beer that takes out the alcohol while enhancing the flavor that much more for fans of all ages!

If you have had more blueberries than Sal, Kane’s still has you covered with their gluten-free Lime Rickey donut that comes loaded with real lime and topped with Kane’s legendary glazes, a vegan glaze-glistened Funfetti donut with patriotic sprinkles, the chocolate sauce and marshmallow-slathered S’mores donuts, and creamy, fruity Watermelon donuts that look and taste almost like the real thing!

If you want to enjoy UFO and its sibling sippers from Harpoon with another fun summer tradition, Harpoon has also partnered with HubSportsBoston to open a set of pickleball, shuffleboard, and cornhole courts that will offer lessons and leagues for new and experienced picklers and that will also feature selections from its League line of lower-alcohol beers.

Summer in New England offers many special treats. Fortunately, two of them are just over a mile apart and make for a perfect pairing, with pickleball or alone.
www.kanesdonuts.com / http://ufobeer.com / http://harpoonbrewery.com / https://hubsportsboston.com

Harpoon Gets H[o/a]ppier

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As Matt’s Meals fans know, I am a BIG fan of local makers, especially when it comes to beverages. Living in the Boston area, we are spoiled with the legendary likes of Dorchester Brewing (who are sponsoring the Premiere Hockey League champs the Boston Pride), Sam Adams (who help Red Sox fans make it through another season), and, of course, my pretzel-making pals at Harpoon, whose pretzels alone have gotten me and many food-loving friends through many a long day at the office.

What may set Harpoon apart in this notable crowd is its partnerships. Having made the most of relationships with the equally legendary likes of Mike’s Pastry Dunkin Donuts and even Joanne Chang’s famed Flour Bakery, Harpoon has recently branched out into a whole new area of growth.

In a partnership with Novel Beverage Co., which is northeast’s premier manufacturer of THC-infused beverages, Harpoon has recently released Rec. Weed, the latest (and perhaps most fun) member of its popular lower-calorie and alcohol Rec. series. And while the rest of this seasonal set is great any time of year for recreating, the new addition (which is available at dispensaries in Novel’s home states of MA and ME) takes relaxation to a new level while taking the alcohol as low as it can go.

While the 5 mg of pure THC may be attractive, as with all Harpoon products, the taste of Rec. Weed is the real high point! Made with real passionfruit puree and green tea, Rec. Weed offers citrusy notes amidst its hoppy hempiness. And as it cold-steeped and carbonated but not fermented, the sugars are low and the alcohol content is non-existent, allowing the easy aftereffects to come on quicker and linger longer, all while not getting in the way of your busy day.

While Harpoon’s partner in Mass. Bay Brewing Company – Long Trail – has released CBD-infused seltzers, Rec. Weed represents the company’s first THC-tinged beer and Harpoon’s first foray into the space. As usual, they have made a big hit!

 www.drinkrecweed.com / www.harpoonbrewery.com

Harpoon Serves Those Who Serve

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I have often spoken about how Harpoon beer supports other local food friends and the community by partnering with the legendary likes of Mike’s Pastry and Flour Bakery and has even offered new ways for their fans to relax with their no-alcohol Rec. series (which includes their premiere THC-infused beer known as Rec. Weed).

Thus summer, they have found even more ways to bring sunshine into the lives on many, including our brave Veterans.

Knowing how unpredictable weather in New England can be, Harpoon has recently released two new beers that are meant to capture the sunniest days of summer in a bottle (or can).

Together with their partners at UFO, Harpoon is now offering their Juicer Hazy IPA and UFO Florida Citrus, both of which feature fruity undertones, intense citrus aromas, and crisp, refreshing flavor that can brighten any day (or night). To celebrate, they recently sent a fan to Miami through their UFO Florida Citrus Spring Break Giveaway but, even if you didn’t win, you can still enjoy the taste of sunshine every time you pop open one of these new brews.

Looking ahead to Independence Day, Harpoon is also doing what it can to help those who fight for our independence by offering another pair of new beers called American Flyer Lager and American Flyer Light that will donate $1 from every case sold to Folds of Honor and the Fisher House Foundation. These worthy organizations help members of military families pay for their education and offer them a place to stay while their family members undergo medical treatment at VA hospitals. 

While many may think of our Veterans primarily on Veterans Day and Independence Day, Harpoon reminds all of their friends and fans that these people are fighting every day, even after their deployments, and that we owe them all a debt of gratitude for the freedoms that we all enjoy every day. What better way to celebrate and support them, then, and to bring more sunshine into every day, than by raising a delicious toast from our friends at Harpoon? 

www.harpoonbrewery.com

The Brothers are BACK ;)

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Many years ago, I sang the praises of a great restaurant just outside of Boston called Brothers. It not only offered great food made by – you guessed it – a set of brothers, but it also featured amazing music by two of the most talented brothers in the area – Bill and Bo Winiker. 

When COVID shut the restaurant down, I was worried that the music would be over too. Fortunately, not only have the restaurant and the band returned, but they are now even closer to where I live!

The talented team behind Brothers recently took over Cook in Needham center. While I had not been there basically since Covid started, my return to the restaurant was well worth the wait! 

Not only does the simple but ample menu feature such tempting treats as charred broccoli with chimichurri sauce, a pita and dip set with creamy whipped feta cheese and zingy za’atar sauce, and an intricately-flavored sesame, mandarin salad that can be topped with falafel, chicken, shrimp, or salmon, as well as great burgers, pizzas and specials, but also great drinks, like the tequila and Mezcal-based Cactus Cooler, a spicy pineapple Margarita, and the wicked fresh Cranberry Bog.

Though the kids menu is less ample than that meant for older eaters, all the options are spot on and well-made. Our girls loved the chicken fingers and pasta, but suggested that they may get burgers or mac and cheese next time.

And then, of course, there is the music! Not only have Bill and Bo played at the White House, the closing of the old Boston Garden, and the opening of the new one, and at Symphony Hall, they also played my wedding and are booked for a number of future family celebrations. They are, to put it mildly, the best of the best! So to be able to hear their music while enjoying delicious quality food in a comfortable neighborhood place (that just happens to be in my neighborhood) made for a great way to spend an evening and I look forward to doing it again soon and often.

www.cookneedham.com / http://www.winikermusic.com

Drink to our Pride

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While the Bruins have been said to win just because they play, Boston has another professional hockey team with a proud tradition- The Boston Pride.

Having thrice won the Isobel Cup (which is the championship trophy named for Lord Frederick Arthur Stanley’s daughter), Boston’s Premier Hockey Federation women’s league team is bringing more fans to Warrior Arena each weekend. 

As a way to capitalize on this growing popularity and support of the team. Dorchester Brewing Company has partnered with the Pride to release a limited-edition beer and hard seltzer that are available at games and that donate partial proceeds to the Pride. 

The “All In” Golden Lager and “Hear Me Roar” Prickly Pear seltzer are available in cans at Pride home games and also in the Dorchester Brewing Company tap room. 

 As Dorchester Brewing already offers Boston’s own M&M BBQ and hosts an ever-growing menu of events that includes community support drives, art classes, and tastings that often involve other delicious neighbors like the cheese-masters at Brookline’s Curds & Co. on January 31.

Whenever you drop by, be sure to try the latest sudsy sensations, such as the Galaxy Lights New England IPA, the fruited sour beer known as Indigo Sunrise, and the Beantown Coffee Stout, but more in-house brewed faves are hitting the taps all the time, making both the brewery and the Warrior Arena great places to catch great local teams over and over.

While it is true that the Bruins have a long and proud tradition in Boston and are one of the most successful and storied teams in hockey, they too had to start somewhere. So why not hop on the Pride fan wagon soon and enjoy some great professional women’s hockey with some great local brews.

Like so many great drinks, these Boston-based beverages go great on ice!

www.dorchesterbrewing.com https://pride.premierhockeyfederation.com

MEET ME AT THE CLUB CLUB

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Though I firmly believe that most golf courses should be used for low-income housing, I am a fan of the miniature edition.

Unfortunately, around New England, the “putt-putt” season is relatively short.

That is why I was psyched to find a place where I can play regardless of the weather and even enjoy an adult beverage while enjoying what some may say is a child’s edition of a pastime that otherwise takes up far too much space, time, and money.

Combining great food and even greater beverages with some of the most creative and electrifying (or at least electrified) miniature golf holes around, Puttshack in the Boston Seaport is a great place to combine the 19th hole with the rest of the front nine!

Using country club technology that keeps track of your game for you and offers bonus points for especially chic shots, Puttshack not only allows you to drink while you play and not have to worry about keeping score but encourages it with such swing-saving swillers as the porn star martini (with passion fruit liquer and a smoke-filled side of Sofia Coppola’s sparkling rosé), the umami bomb bloody Mary (with umami ice, pecan wood bacon, and pepperoni), and the peach tea on a peachtree (featuring Tennessee whiskey from our old friends at Ole Smoky).

If you need something to absorb the liquid fun, Puttshack has such savory stroke savers as wood-fired Thai octopus, Korean BBQ bao buns, Puttshack poutine with red wine bacon gravy, and lobster mac n’ cheese rolls known as Boston tailpipes, proceeds from which are donated to Wonderfund to bring joy to the thousands of Commonwealth kids who are involved with the Department of Children and Families.

No matter what you eat or drink (and drink…and drink), the soul of the Shack are the holes, some of which replicate such other party-themed faves as beer pong and others of which involve trivia questions about Boston (though you might want to tackle that one early before your beverages bogey your bid).

And did I mention the TVs and DJs all around? Well, there’s that too!
So grab a club and head to the club that lets even duffers have a ball!

www.puttshack.com