Beer Around The NFL: New England Patriots
Football season is here and you know what that means, don't you? If we weren't so freakin' beer happy all year round, we would call it beer season, because there really is no better way to cheer your team than with a pint or mug of your favorite local craft brew. All season we will be taking a look at the beer scenes in cities representing all 32 NFL teams — from local brewers to beer-centric bars to the finest beer shops. And if you're not into sports but enjoy a quality imperial oatmeal stout (it's OK, we're not judging), then read on anyway to see how cities across the country are taking their suds more seriously than ever. Up next, the New England Patriots.
WHAT TO DRINK
Smuttynose Finestkind IPA: This quintessential IPA from the acclaimed Portsmouth, New Hampshire microbrewery is light, crisp and cloudy in the glass. Expect the requisite citrus and pine notes, with fruity and malty hints rounding it out. smuttynose.com
Allagash Black: Portland, Maine has its fair share of lauded craft breweries, and this is one of its best. The Belgian-style stout is full of roasted, coffee and dark chocolate flavors, with a hint of smoke on the finish. allagash.com
Peak Organic Pale Ale: As the name implies, this Portland microbrewery aims to use organic ingredients when possible. Its Pale Ale is floral on the nose, with nutty, caramelized character in the mouth. peakbrewing.com
Harpoon Octoberfest: 'Tis the season for Octoberfest beers. Deep red in color, this full-bodied ale balances the bitter and the sweet, with fruity, spiced, toasty and mild hoppy notes. harpoonbrewery.com
WHERE TO DRINK IT
Publick House: This Belgian-accented resto-bar boasts 36 draft taps and has another 130-odd bottles from around the world. The menu is described as "cuisine à la bière." Think moules, frites and Belgian beer. 1648 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 617-277-2880
Deep Ellum: A craft beer and cocktail haven with a Lone Star theme, expect 28 taps and another 100 bottles on the beer list, plus a cask ale that changes regularly. 477 Cambridge Street, Allston, MA, 617-787-BEER, deepellum-boston.com
The Great Lost Bear: This 30-plus-year-old institution has a whopping 69 taps, with a strong local focus, as well as up to four cask-conditioned ales available at a given time. 540 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME, greatlostbear.com
WHERE TO BUY IT
Craft Beer Cellar: Started by two ex-restaurateurs, this beer shop boasts an inventory of 754 microbrews from 348 craft breweries. Don't expect to find Bud or Coors Light here. 51 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 617-932-1885, nocrapbeer.com
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