NERAX (2019)

Got my tickets for Saturday's 12-4 session... heading over with a bunch of friends! This is easily one of the best beer fests of the entire year and STILL a hidden gem.

 

Kudos to NERAX and Redbones for the great kickoff event last night. Super laid back with free wings/apps for everyone.

The two casks showed off the extreme ends of the IPA spectrum: Aeronaut Double Hop Hop (super peachy, sweet and smooth) and the classic Greene King IPA (herbal / medicinal and malty).

Can't wait for Wednesday!

 

Couldn’t agree more.

https://www.boston.com/culture/beer/2019/04/01/nerax-best-boston-beer-festival

 

Ha, damnit, you beat me to it.

I would say it's the best period...but I might be biased.

 

Does this chart factor in Tuukka's inevitable backslide into wing addiction at Buff's Pub around playoff time?

 

Well, there's always Halak.

Wait, I just realized you quoted this chart from the "Complaining about prices" thread.

 

Mark Bowers is quite the dichotomy. He’s brewing absurdly juicy NEIPAs/Pastry and Brut IPAs over at Aeronaut on one hand and helping to keep the ancient real ale process alive on the other. A beer renaissance man?

 

That's interesting, because I've had some terrible casks at Aeronaut that were well past their prime.

 

did you read the article

odd - that has not been my experience.

 

I must win the "most tabs of BA open" title for the day

 

Yup, it was a pretty short article. I wished there was more to it.

 

Really jonesing for my first cask right about now....

 

48 casks flowing on a Wed night. Does it get any better?

 

What highlights were there?
Not getting there till Friday myself. Make sure you leave me some good ones.

 

Actually I don’t care if he leaves good ones. I want fresh casks. In great condition. That gives me a good Friday night. Call me crazy, but I’m willing to trust NERAX on this one (and those not so good casks that lack condition and are under carbonated or are at too high of a ABV for the cask - I’ll be willing to overlook because there is no other event in the U.S. even half-way close to the quality of this event).

 

Yeah it's not really up to the people consuming the casks...it's up the oxidation gods...

 

Excellent first night. Really outstanding selection of UK and US beers. I stuck to Mostly traditional UK beers and everything was in good form. I did have this Lithic Brewing session IPA — really a UK take on a NE IPA and it was solid. Tons of tropical fruit made all the better w/the low carb and cellar temp. Saw lots of other non traditional casks pouring from both sides of the pond as well - a PB Stout, a Maibock, some funky sours. This is what I love about NERAX - the quality and amazing selection - something for everyone - traditional and new age. Biggest bummers cause they weren’t pouring yet - Hill Farmstead Amarillo pale and the Fyne Ales Jarl. I Hoping to get back Friday. Cheers real ale lovers!!

 

Cheers! I'm in total agreement - NERAX puts on a great show every year. Super laid back. Lots of beer options. Fantastic volunteer staff. And dozens of beers you won't see anywhere else on this side of the pond.

I mostly stuck to the UK beers too. I really enjoyed a dark English Bitter from Great Heck called "Dave" - silky chocolate and toffee at only 3.8%. And Mild Thing from Papworth was also a favorite - 3.5% with notes of toasted rye bread.

NERAX is also one of the few places in New England where you can sample cask cider. There were four US options and one from the UK flowing last night. The barrel-aged "Old Forest" from North Country Cider was tasting fine - dry and leathery and mildly tart with hints of bourbon.

And I'll share my NERAX pro-tip - stop at Cafe Polonia in Andrew Square before to load up on pierogis and kielbasa!

 

Went with the sampling glass huh? I never opt for that because I can't get a larger pour if I want one.

Didn't know about this place.

We usually just hit up Worden Hall right after since I rarely get out that way from Davis Square.

 

The Great Heck Dave was probably the top beer of the night for me