The Ultimate Guide to Craft Beer in New England

We rate the 15 best microbrews in New England — and then celebrate all things beer.

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Photo by Sam Kaplan

Photo by Sam Kaplan

Let Napa have its wineries, Scotland its single-malt spirits. Here in New England, our cups runneth over with porters, IPAs, and session ales. With 40 members in the Massachusetts Brewers Guild alone, not to mention scores of brewers in Vermont and Maine, we’re practically swimming in small-batch suds. In fact, there’s a whole ecosystem of local farms, brewers, and pubs that exist solely for the purpose of putting a cold, lovingly made pint in your hand. Get ready to tip one back.

The Best Craft Beer in New England

We tasted samples from 33 of our finest regional breweries to find our favorite beers in 15 styles, from refreshing light lagers to kick-you-in-the-teeth imperial ales. These picks were heads above the rest.

 

Beer maltCraft Beer Pays My Bills: The Malt Makers

How Valley Malt is bringing grain growing back to New England.

Beer hopsCraft Beer Pays My Bills: The Hop Farmers

Locavore brewers turn to Four Star Farms for sustainably grown hops.

Homebrew Craft Beer Pays My Bills: The Homebrew Guru

Modern Homebrew Emporium’s brewer-in-chief helps novices get in on the beer-making act.

Beer snobWhat, You Can’t Taste the Clover Pollen?

Think our tasting notes reek of craft beer snobbery? Check out these doozies.

Beer and foodBeer Makes Everything Taste Better

The secret ingredient in these five dishes? Liquid gold.

Beer dinnersUpcoming Beer Dinners

Three noteworthy suds-and-supper happenings around Boston.

Beer getawaysThree New England Craft Beer Getaways

Your guide to three ultimate New England beercations.

Beer glassesHow to Drink Like a Beer Connoisseur

Your cheat sheet to drinking your brews from the right glass.

Beer eventsA Year of Beer

Five Boston beer celebrations to mark on your calendar.

Best pubs for youTop of the Pub

There are plenty of great places in town to throw back a pint. But which is right for you?

 

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