Curious: How's Blue Lobster's beer been?

They just posted a new tap list on their Facebook page. They're offering a IPA now, interested to see how it is.

 

I'm hoping to get there this weekend for some growler fills, but I'm not sure if I'll have the time. If I do I'll check back in to this post.

 

I haven't had any of the new beers, but I've kind of been curious about this - are Straw Point Pale and Substation 7 completely new beers or are they Gold Claw and Black Claw with new names?

 

Joining this thread to find out as well. I enjoyed their offerings last August when I went, but I am quite skeptical to visit the next time I'm up in the Hampton area. Hopefully the quality is still there. Judging by the styles they're offering, I'm not too sure though. Belgian Single?

 

huh? strange statement. The styles may not be what you were looking for but how does a change in style say they changed quality? I am still waiting to try and determine the new beers.

 

sounds like her was referring to the new brewer, which certainly could effect the change in quality.

 

New styles certainly means new recipes. So that's a risk. Or an opportunity, depending on your Positivity Quotient.

 

Straw Point Pale is NOT Gold Claw. I would say Straw Point is true to style, and there's certainly nothing wrong with it, but when compared to Gold Claw it's forgettable. Only beer I've had from the new brewers.

 

My wife and I dropped by Blue Lobster a few weeks back before heading to Stoneface's tap room opening. The beers are definitely different with the new brewer on board. Overall, neither of us were impressed and we left without filling any growlers. They seem to need more work on yeast management and process. The pale was bland and lacked any discernible hops, while the stout and Belgian single both were dominated by the yeast without anything else to round out the beers. The porter did have a nice nose, but not much beyond that.

 

I've had Straw Point, Little Boar's Head, Substation 7 and The Shire and was left underwhelmed. All those labels and everything going forth will be new brews. I think I remember them say they will keep using the Gold & Black claw labels but with new recipes.

Straw Point was apparently the first beer brewed by Ian and he was getting used to the system. It is substantially under-hopped, which they are planning to rectify in future renditions. Substation 7 drank more like a rauchbier. The Shire and Little Boar's Head didn't do much for me. LBH had a ton of leather taste up front. I had the second pour out of the first keg they put on and it was under carb'd, so that may have thrown me off. The Shire was apparently the fan favorite thus far.

Overall, there is a lot of room for improvement. I'll keep stopping in and keep my hopes up for my socks to get knocked off.

 

I went last night and had a few tastings. We sampled the Pale Ale, IPA, Stout and Belgian. Out of the 4, the Belgian surprisingly seemed to be our favorite. We thought it was well rounded and tasty. The Pale Ale was decent but seemed to be lacking in some areas. The IPA if I recall correctly but like 5% so I'm not sure if that was their version of a session but the hops weren't really there for me. I ended up grabbing a growler of it so I can give a proper review. The stout was really strange, it was very thin and watery and again, if I recall correctly it was like 5%. I'd like to give the brewer some more chances because he seemed like a nice guy but for now the lineup seemed mediocre.

 

Didn't even realize this was Ian from LD surf shop brewing the beer now. Good dude and rips in the water when I'm out there. I know he has worked up to this.

Cheers to him and hope all is well moving forward with Blue Lobster.

 

I'm glad this topic was brought up because I'd been wondering about this myself. I used to try to get down to Blue Lobster every time David had a couple of new beers on tap. The last time I was there was late September/early October and I haven't bothered making the trip since I found out about the change. From the sound of things I haven't missed out on anything. Did David's Belgian Stout ever go on tap?

 

WHYM had it on tap a few weeks ago. It was damn good. Looking forward to David's next venture.

 

Damn, I was hoping to try that. Has there been any news lately on David's plans? Do we even know if he's staying in the NH area?

 

Staying in the area and he will have news to announce.

 

Awesome, thanks for the info!

 

Rumor mill hints to Newmarket, NH, but nothing is confirmed. I think it would be awesome if David and Tod Mott came on line right around the same time. Until then I plan to drown myself in Stoneface IPA. Cheers.

 

I had the new brewer's pale ale last night at Cask and Vine. I had it after Devil Dancer, Doom, and Sucks, so I can't give a fair review. It seemed decent.