I will be visiting the area north of Boston (Danvers, specifically) for four days next month on business and I'm hoping I can get some help from the local BAs so that I can be efficient in my beer hunting. I would really appreciate any help I can get. I should add that I'm only really looking for IPAs. I'm hoping to stop by Trillium on the way North, but I may not be able to. Are Trillium beers available in bottle shops? Tree House is too far out of my way to visit, are their beers available in bottle shops? Also, are Trillium and Tree House beers available enough that I might be able to set up an in-person trade for some Russian River beers? (I'm local to RRBC) Who else makes great IPAs in Mass that I should be looking at? What are the good breweries in the Danvers area? Thanks!
You should be able to set up an IP trade no problem. nightshift is putting out some nice stuff just north of Boston and close to 93. I would suggest hitting Redstone Boytle shop in Andover. other locals to look for include: Jack Abby, Brewmaster Jack, Stoneface (may only be in NH)....
Stoneface is indeed unfortunately only in NH, though from Danvers you can get up to the Portsmouth, NH area in under an hour and won't have to worry about traffic once you're on 95. You could hit Smuttynose and Stoneface for great examples of both older school and newer school NE IPAs. Definitely hit Nightshift, though from Danvers I'd say to to take route 1 south to route 16 rather than 93. It's not far at all though it can be trafficy. None of the true heavy hitters are available at bottle shops, but keep an eye open for Ipswich Route 101 IPA. It's west coast style and not cutting edge or anything, but it's damn tasty and you can get 12 packs of cans for under $15. Long Trail Limbo is also decent and readily available though again not really in the vein of Treehouse/Trillium (avoid their standard IPA unless you want an old English style version. Same goes for Ipswich). Otter Creek Backseat Burner and Kind Ryed are both good. Wachusett makes a couple of decent to great IPAs as well in Green Monster and Larry. If you like older school bitterness, Newburyport's Green Head is good. Jack's Abby's IPLs are great if you're willing to trade ale for lager. The closest you're going to get to TH/T with any degree of actual availability is probably going to be Brewmaster Jack as mentioned above. And if you see BoomSauce, which is everywhere these days, it might be better to buy a single than a 4 pack because many around here have found it somewhat dissapointing (especially for the price). Oh, one last thing. They don't often can their stuff but if you're looking for a place to get some good pub food with a cool view and some great, if somewhat traditional, beer head up to Cape Ann Brewery in Gloucester. Just 30 minutes from Danvers. Happy Hunting! edit: ack, sorry for the length!
Stoneface has been in Mass for about 4 weeks now. They even have it at the BJ'S liquor cage (don't have to be a member). Both Kappy's on 114 have great selection/prices. Probably your best bet to find stuff you can't get in CA.
Thanks for the info! Quantity (of information) is what I was looking for. I assumed that TH and T weren't available in bottle shops, but I had to ask. I'm familiar with that situation, living a couple of miles from Russian River. I know Jack's Abbey and will definitely be checking them out. Night Shift is new to me, so thanks, I'll be on the lookout. "Route 101 IPA" is a weird name. Sure, 101 links San Diego and Portland, but...dude...no one in California uses the word "route" to describe a freeway! I've started a list with your other suggestions. Thanks!
I'm thinking the IP trade might be my best bet. Unfortunately, I'm making the trip with my new boss and I'm not sure how amendable he will be to making side trips (like to Trillium) between the airport and Danvers. Thanks for the suggestions. I was in New York last month. I managed to make it to Other Half, but they didn't have any cans at the brewery. That left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm determined not to come home from Mass empty handed!
For bottle shops near you, Kappy's in Danvers has a very good selection of Mass. stuff. Bogies in Beverly, Quality Liquors in Salem, and Vinnin Liquors in Swampscott (great selection and best prices available) are also local and offer good selections. As previously mentioned, Redstone is excellent. For nearby watering holes, I recommend Naumkaeg Ordinary or Gulu Gulu Cafe...both in nearby Salem, or Barrell House in Beverly. There is a prior thread on this topic at http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/boston-danvers-suggestions.329474/#post-4021318
