I got a buddy who lives in Swampscott who’s going to be sending me a box of beers, what should I suggest that he send me?
Really good locals is fine by me. IPA's, DIPA's Stouts, Porters, honestly anything as long as it is good and local to the area/region.
Gandhi-bot for a DIPA as it is out now. Lunch IPA is another but hard to find though a new batch recently hit stores. CBC has some decent stuff not sure what they have in bottles right now though. Clown Shoes Vampire Slayer is a nice Impy stout.
Ipswich Oatmeal Stout, Berkshire Brewing has some good offereings (The imperial stout and coffee porter are my favorites)Slumbrew had some good stuff,and anything from Jack's Abby.
I'd love to recommend some stuff by Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project, but to date all I've had is their Babayaga, which is out of season. Somebody else could probably tell you more. It's also only available in bombers. Not sure if that's a problem with shipping or anything. Mayflower Brewing's seasonals are very good (except for Autumn Wheat) and their Spring Hop is out now, which is good if you're into fairly light but hoppy stuff. Thomas Hooker's Liberator doppelbock is more of a Connecticut thing and might be tough to find in Massachusetts, but is extremely good and worth looking for.There's always 'gansett, for that truly New Englandy feel, though it probably isn't any better or worse than anything you can find locally. Drink them while the master is away.
Pretty Things Fluffy White Rabbit Maine Brewing Peeper or Lunch if you can find it Mayflower Porter or Spring Hop Berkshire Coffee Porter Cambridge Brewing Scotch Ale Jacks Abby Cascadian Schwarzbier Slumbrew My Better Half Troegs Nugget Nectar if you don't get that at home
Berkshire Brewing Company's RIS, Holidale barleywine(could be sold out in most places by now), Berkshire Ale, Maibock, Lost Sailor IPA, and River Ale are all great representations of their respective style. Lots of people like their coffee stout but I am not a huge fan.
Late to this one but thought it would be worth mentioning Wormtown offerings. Be Hoppy is a tremendous IPA and their ProAm Porter and Sweet Tats Stout are very good as well. I would second the Jack's Abby recommendation too. Their Jabby Brau is a great session brew.
