Beer

Harpoon expands the League

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I have spoken many times about the new slew of non-alcoholic beers. And while I already enjoy HOP WTR, Hairless Dog, Athletic, Partake, and Heineken 00 (which I recently had the pleasure of trying IN Amsterdam!), I am VERY excited to see the eagle-eyed brewers at Harpoon get into the game with their fresh and delicious Open League!

Having prepped with their satisfying line of low-alcohol “League” beers (including the happily hoppy and hazy Rec. League, the darker Night League, and the professionally-prepared Bush League (which has nothing to do with another beer with a similar-sounding name!)), Open League offers less than 0.5% alcohol and only 35 calories and 5 net carbs! Despite all it does not have, Open League is still full of juicy tropical hops and even has superfood chia seeds and sea salt to add electrolytes, making it a great choice for your athletic league or for watching other people play.

If you need a bit of java to get you off the coach, Harpoon also has you covered with their fifth Dunkin’-inspired set that includes a cold brew-infused Porter, a hazelnut brown ale, a coffee roll cream ale (which is my personal favorite!), and (if you can believe it) an updated pumpkin spiced latte ale that may be better than the original! 

The cold brew brings the familiar flavors of a New England “regular” with sugar and cream. Speaking of creamy, as it now contains oat milk, the pumpkin latte can now appeal to more people and offers more creamy latte-like mouthfeel for all enjoyers.

Speaking of oats, the blonde is made with oat and wheat malts that give it a golden color that cuts through its Hazelnut haze.

Harpoon has also been contributing their IPA to help our friends at American Vinegar Works make another amazing flavor and the list of local partnerships keeps growing- So let’s help out some of our favorite neighbors and enjoy the taste of doing so!

PS For my neighbors- The new Dunkin’ beers can be found next to the Dunkin’ at the Needham General Store, so you can support TWO local faves at once!

www.Harpoon.com

Generally Great

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As kids go back to school and holidays lurk just around the corner many are looking for places to stock up on supplies and other good stuff.

In my town of Needham, we are fortunate enough to have most of it taken care of at the Needham General Store!

Located just across the street from the Hersey stop on the Commuter Rail, the General Store offers not only a full Dunkin’ Donuts but also great food and gifts from other local makers. They even have books from folks who have been on my TV show “The Writer’s Block” (including my book, Lions, Tigers, and…Bulldogs? An unofficial guide to the legends and lore of the Ivy League)!

One of their latest offerings is a weekly meat pick-up from Bianco’s in Medford that allows participants to trim their weekly shopping list by a few delicious pounds.

They also offer all-natural salts from Saltire Brands, a woman-owned business that took inspiration from Paris markets and now hand-harvests sea salts from Duxbury.

If you need a quick gift (or yummy snack), bags of small-batch Minute Man kettle corn are always a hit! This Worcester-based company takes inspiration and recipes from the American Revolution and is sure to change how you see (and taste) popcorn.

Another great snack that is especially popular in my house is the GIANT peanut butter cup from Swampscott’s CB Stuffers. They apparently make the largest peanut butter cups available, as well amazing bars and other sweet treats, including items with the Red Sox logo that can let you end a sour season on a sweet note.

If you need a bit of a bridge from your typical store to one that offers as much as this specifically-situated “general” store does, remember that it also has a full Dunkin’ counter so you can enjoy a “regular” while finding unique gifts.

Keep track of wine tastings, author talks, and other events by following www.facebook.com/NeedhamGeneralStore or visiting https://the-needham-general-store.business.site and have a General-ly better shopping experience!

Harpoon Swindles up some (more) fun

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There is nothing like hanging out at Harpoon’s tap room enjoying their amazing pretzels and ever-growing menu of malty favorites or chillin’ and cornholin’ in their outdoor beer garden, and their festivals (such as Octoberfest, which takes place this year September 30 through October 1) are the stuff of legend!

From October 12 through November 16, Harpoon will try to raise the fun bar once again with a premiere production of the award-winning Mr. Swindle’s Traveling Peculiarium which will be hosted at the Harpoon brewery in a custom-made and climate-controlled tent with cushioned seats that combines the ancient arts of P.T. Barnum with the modern convenience of A/C and heat.

This 90-minute Vaudeville-inspired narrative variety show for grown-ups combines live acrobats, comedy, and more. Featuring such world-class artists as the sensational whirlwind known as The Spinologist, a high-flying duo rightfully called Suspended Passion, a mind-bending mechanic known as The Contorted, Mr. Swindle’s recalls the days of travelling medicine shows, but this time the “medicine” is beer!

Speaking of beer, before each show, guests will be invited to prepare in Harpoon’s Drink-Ory Garden where they can enjoy tasty treats and try exclusive brews including “The Swindler” and special line of red, white and prosecco-style fizzes that were also created just for the show.

The tent is being raised, so grab a Harpoon and join in!

www.Harpoon.com / www.MrSwindles.com