We reach for beer. I bet they're swilling mightily on Wall Street this week with the Lehman Bros. blues. We here in the Merrimack Valley are relatively safe, for now. However with all the uncertainty emanating from the global markets, it's a good time as any to know your beer halls. Deep Ellum in LA (that's Lower Allston, not Lowell Area) is one of the cooler places to ale yourself silly. I counted more than 20 taps pouring diverse gold from across the globe. Belgium has a strong presence here and Maine does too. Speaking of Maine, Deep Ellum is like a Portland pub. Low-key and friendly. I had the Berkshire Brewing Company's Coffeehouse Porter and Gourmet Guy settled on a German Oktoberfest. The latter came in special glass. Poured like a Guinness, the porter was too sweet for the guy, but I loved its creamy head and cappuccino-effect. We weren't hungry at the time, but nibbled ( i hate that word) on a bratwurst appetizer. It totally hit the spot. All food here is meant to go w/ beer, like pretzels and I forget what else, but this place is worth the trip. Good guy to female ratio too. Ladies, if ya like beer (they also have a tantalizing cocktail menu) hit the DP, near Twin Donuts on Cambridge St., www.deepellum-boston.com. Closer to home, the Lowell Beer Works has a harvest ale and pumpkin ale on tap now. And J's Restaurant at Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton pours a Maple Oaktoberfest. Can't wait to try that. What's your favorite autumnal beer spout?
When times get tough
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I don't know anymore. Rib & Brews festival was cancelled.
I absolutely love anything from Berkshire Brewing Company and so far I'm really enjoying Lowell Beer Works. The Pumpkin Ale is delicious. Very subtley spicy.
Lowell Beerworks has been out of the pumpkin for a few weeks now (as well as the Harvest Ale) which has been a let-down, but the bartender told us last night that they are brewing more and it should be ready in about a week.
The Shipyard also makes a great "Pumpkinhead Ale"...it's very light and not as pumpkin-y as some of the other pumpkin brews. For a stronger pumpkin flavor, try Dogfishead "Punkin Ale" (higher % of alcohol too). Southern Tier makes one that tastes like pumpkin pie - it's a single bottle and, believe me, that's all you'll need.
My favorite place for beer is The Publick House in Brookline...aside from the great selection of beer, they also have a great food menu (gastropub style). The Sunset Grill and Tap in Allston and Bukowski's Tavern in Cambridge also have great beer selections.