Food & Drink
The Ultimate Six-Pack
Amanda Gibbons Baer sets out to find the best East Coast microbrews to have on hand when guests arrive this summer.
Photographs by Kyle Norton
Ahh, summer. On the patio, in the backyard or at the beach, summer evenings should be minimal fuss. Whether you’re lounging in a hammock with a good book or catching the last rays at the beach, end the day by firing up the grill and throwing a few beers on ice. A simple, festive evening can come together in a snap. Recently my husband, a few friends and I did just that: We suffered through a torturous evening of steamed lobster, grilled sausages and a dozen different microbrews (agony, I tell you). We tasted and discussed the beers as though they were fine vintages from the Old World. Narrowing our selection to eight, we quickly realized that from Maine to Delaware, Vermont to Pennsylvania, the East Coast is giving Colorado and Missouri a serious run for their money.
From North To South, A Few Of Our Favorites:
Allagash White:
Background: Allagash Brewing Company holds an annual cooking contest at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC to create beer pairings that the school posts at iceculinary.com.
Origin: Portland, Maine. allagash.com
Tasting Notes: This is spicy with a touch of citrus. Serve in an ice-cold glass with a slice of orange.
Pairs With: Try it with Asian-inspired grilled salmon and fresh greens for a simple yet flavorful meal.
Long Trail Ale:
Background: Long Trail Brewing Company prides itself on its Eco-Brew program, which was recently awarded the Vermont Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.
Origin: Bridgewater Corners, Vermont. longtrail.com
Tasting Notes: This full-bodied amber ale is dark and delicious, and best right out of the bottle.
Pairs With: Go for grilled pork chops smothered in grilled onions and apples for a succulent and sweet combination.
Harpoon IPA:
Background: This classic India Pale Ale from Beantown allows you to give back while throwing back: The Harpoon Helps program assists food banks and soup kitchens in New England.
Origin: Boston, Massachusetts. harpoonbrewery.com
Tasting Notes: A touch of floral along with some fruitiness adds a bit of depth to this popular IPA.
Pairs With: This beer goes perfectly with steamed lobsters, served with lots of fresh lemon and parsley.
Whale’s Tale Pale Ale:
Background: Cisco Brewers is located near Cisco Beach and Bartlett’s Farm on the south shore of Nantucket. The company serves up several varieties of beer, wines and spirits.
Origin: Nantucket, Massachusetts. ciscobrewers.com
Tasting Notes: Crisp and a touch bitter, with a hint of the salt air that engulfs Nantucket Island.
Pairs With: Pair a six-pack with burgers and dogs at your next picnic, with a slice of lemon in the glass.
Cottrell Old Yankee Ale:
Background: While his family owned one of the top printing press manufacturers during the 1800s, Charles Cottrell Buffum, Jr. started the brewing company for locals in CT, RI and MA.
Origin: Pawcatuck, Connecticut. ciscobrewers.com
Tasting Notes: Sweet amber ale has a caramel and nutty aroma, a hint of mild hops and a thick head.
Pairs With: This delicious choice from the Nutmeg State would go perfectly with fresh oysters on the half shell.
Brooklyn Lager:
Background: Brooklyn Brewery was the first company in New York City to be powered fully by wind-generated electricity, and its lager was the first beer the company made.
Origin: Brooklyn, New York. brooklynbrewery.com
Tasting Notes: Refreshing and versatile with a touch of caramel to complete this classic lager.
Pairs With: Citrusy start with a smooth finish, this would be a great choice for a juicy T-bone steak dinner.
Stoudt’s Karnival Kolsch:
Background: As the story goes, the Stoudt family is so beloved by the community that when the brewery was shut down, locals held a fundraiser to get the family back in business.
Origin: Adamstown, Pennsylvania. stoudtsbeer.com
Tasting Notes: This German-style beer was our favorite. It’s clean and crisp with a slight fruitiness.
Pairs With: Serve with BBQ chicken and cornbread for a classic summer night gathering.
Dogfish Head Shelter Pale Ale:
Background: If your summer travels take you down to the Delaware coast, schedule a tour of the Dogfish Head brewery and play a game of bocce on the brewery’s two regulation-size courts.
Origin: Milton, Delaware. dogfish.com
Tasting Notes: One of the first beers created by the Dogfish group, it’s a well-balanced, classic ale.
Pairs With: This ale would be right at home next to a bowlful of peanuts during a good game of cards.