Wine-o: American Microbreweries

The USA is the home to several microbreweries.  In New England I have noticed a pride in local microbrews that I didn't detect in Arkansas.    Breweries are very fun to visit, often with a dining room for sampling beer and basic pub fare.  And of course, a ton of retail items such as t-shirts, coolers, hats, dog leashes, etc.  Many breweries also offer guided tours.

The BF's favorite type of beer is IPA, and so this is more often than not the kind of beer in the fridge, and thus the kind that I try.  I am not a huge beer drinker, and my taste is narrow and specific, however I will rank beers on a 100 point scale.  I can detail the fun experiences at the breweries that we visit as well.

Printer Friendly Maps & Cheat Sheets:
New Hampshire
Vermont
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
Connecticut
Rhode Island

For more information about microbreweries, one can watch "Beer Wars" (available on Netflix Instant). This is a documentary about the market share struggle between the "big 3" and microbreweries across the country.  The narrator has a very clear opinion, but the documentary is informative.

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Beer Review: This Season's Blonde

The Aspen Brewing Company, This Season's Blonde
6.8% Alcohol

The Aspen Brewing Co. is a new Colorado brewery, but don't let that fool you into thinking they are unexperienced.  They produce a variety of beer that can be bought in liquor stores throughout the Roaring Fork valley and at their nice unassuming tasting room in downtown Aspen.

While we stayed in Aspen The BF checked out the tasting room and bought several six packs to enjoy on our adventures about the area.  He was very impressed by the tasting room, saying that while small, it was clearly a "locals spot" as it was not nearly as fancy as other bars and restaurants.

In addition to the Independence Pass IPA (such a clever name) and the Conundrum Red Ale, they have a variety of other including This Season's Blonde which was introduced in 2009 as a seasonal ale and kept on due to popularity (the graphic is way cool too, reminiscent of old time ski posters).  This Season's Blonde was a bit heartier than I usually like with a strong hoppy after taste.  I look forward to trying more of their beer!

This Season's Blonde

Cost (6-pack) $9.67
Freya Score 85
Mona Value 8.8