I stopped in at Ale Asylum in both Madison and Milwaukee. The Thai Peanut Salad was great and the Curry Chicken Sandwich was also great. Madtown Nutbrown was malty and sweet. Radler was a tasty mix of Hefeweizen and grapefruit juice. The food and drink was superb and I highly recommend both.
I stopped in at New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Getting there is quite a trip from most major cities, but worth every minute of the drive. I enjoyed a sample of the Spotted Cow, which New Glarus is famous for. This is a delicious farmhouse ale which everyone should try. Very drinkable. This would be a go to beer for me if available back home. I also tried the Sour Raspberry which was delicious! The self guided brewery tour is also worth the trip. Stop in if you have a chance.
I stopped in at Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis, Massachusetts and tasted the Summer Ale which was light and refreshing. I also picked up a four pack of IPA and or Red for a beach outing. These both delivered as advertised with the IPA living up to it’s slogan “It’s Got a Bite” and the Red living up to it’s slogan Red – Right – Return. Both were in 16 ounce cans – perfect for a beach bonfire. As Cape Cod Beer says – there’s “A Vacation in Every Pint”. So, take a vacation!
I stopped in at the Somerville Brewing Company, also known as slumbrew, in Somerville, Massachusetts. I enjoyed a turkey sandwich for dinner along with the Flagraiser IPA, which was delicious. The brewery is hidden away in Somerville, MA and worth the trip to find it!
I stopped in at Blue Collar Brewery in Poughkeepsie, New York for a beer. The Rye Pale Ale was what caught my attention. It was spicy – as influenced by the rye – especially in the beginning of a sip. Toward the end of the sip it became malty and buttery – the spice dissipated into a delicious flavor, almost sweet. This beer had a great deal of character and I’d enjoy it again given the opportunity and I’d recommend it to anyone.
I stopped in at Mill House Brewing Company in Poughkeepsie, New York for dinner and a beer. I actually tried a flight of five beer samples. The Buffalo Fried Brussels Sprouts appetizer were outstanding! Great flavor!. I enjoyed the Hubar IPA and Pine Tar best with these because the spiciness of both food and drink was perfect. For dinner I enjoyed the Grilled Swordfish which was deliciously paired with tabouleh and I preferred the cream ale and Kilt Spinner best with dinner. The beer I enjoyed most was the Pine Tar with spiciness and hints of pine. I hope to enjoy this beer again!
I made a second stop at Mill House Brewing Company and had another outstanding experience. This time I ate at the bar with colleagues. We had the great pleasure of chatting with owner Chris Crocco for quite a while this evening. He’s a great guy. So we shared a number of items this evening: fried pickle chips, fried chickpeas, smoked garlic sausage with pierogies and fig and pig pizza. EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS. Just FYI the sausages are all made in house and they have a number of them. I might try to get some to take home with me. The fig and pig pizza was exactly what it sounds like and it was sweet and awesome. I knew I wanted Pine Tar and it delivered – see above. I also tried Kold One Kolsch which was light and refreshing. And I ended the evening with Sexual Chocolate Stout and yes it is everything you can imagine but keeping this blog rated PG we’ll leave it at that.
I stopped in at Bellevue Brewing Company in Bellevue, Washington for dinner and a beer. I decided to go with the Cuban Sandwich and surprisingly it was better than the one I had at a Cuban restaurant back home recently. Delicious. The Rye IPA was the bartender’s recommendation and its spiciness paired wonderfully with the sandwich. Great food and drink.
Considering the name, Bad Jimmy’s Brewing in Seattle, Washington, I felt right at home. I tried the Habanero Amber and after that everything tasted like habanero. I like spicy things and this really delivered. I would have liked to enjoy the beer with some food. But time didn’t permit. I’m sure it would go wonderfully with a burger or many other entrees.
I stopped in at Reuben’s Brews in Seattle, Washington and tried the Robust Porter. I figured this would be the best bet since the origin of the porter is British and the owner is British and I wasn’t disappointed. You should try it.
I love the Stoup Brewing story which added to my enjoyment of Stoup Brewing in Seattle, Washington. So, I tried the Azacca Pale and the Citra IPA and from that point on have been trying to figure out how I can get this beer at home in Maryland. Given the option I’d make this my go-to IPA. And I’d serve the Azacca Pale to all my friends all the time. I wish I could have stayed and enjoyed more.
I Stop For Hops 