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My wife, and I took a trip out to Northampton this past weekend. (Editors note: This blog was supposed to run more than a week ago, so it is more like two weekends ago that he went to Northampton.)
We both love the area, because it has lots of hiking, a good music scene, awesome restaurants, and is one of the best beer hubs in the country.
We stayed at the Hotel Northampton because we wanted to be able to walk around Northampton, and not have to drive anywhere. Great hotel, and would highly recommend it if you want to stay in Northampton.
First day we met up with friends in the afternoon at the Dirty Truth. Holy cow what a great place. I had a De Ranke Saison, and it was one of the best beers I’ve ever had. A great beer for that day since it was a little humid. I followed it up with a High & Mighty Fumata Nora. It was served in an old school 20oz mug, and it was really good. I can’t say enough about the Dirthy Truth. Even the food we ordered was great. Can’t wait to go back.
That evening we headed over to the Northampton Brewery. I have a special place in my heart for them, and if all goes well when I turn 40 I’ll be having my birthday there. Now, what did I have? I can’t really say, because like an idiot I ordered some spicy, and very good food, and my palette was destroyed, so I could have been drinking oil, and it wouldn’t have mattered. Next time I head back there I’m avoiding the spicy food, so I can enjoy their beer.
Next day we went hiking on the 91 degree day. Yup, it was hot, and humid, and at the end of the hike we headed over to the Amherst Brewing Company, and I right away ordered the Honey Pilsner. I love, love, love, love, love the Honey Pilsner there. It was the perfect beer after the two hour hike we did. Light, refreshing, and just damn good.
That night, we went out for our official date night to the Sierra Grille. We went there last summer for the first time, and we fell in love with it. For my first beer I had a Radeberger Pilsner. It was ok. Nothing special about the beer, but it was good enough.
I followed it up with a Scotch Ale. Wanna know the name of it? Me too. Cuz I kinda forgot. All I know is that it was the best Scotch Ale I’ve ever had. It didn’t punch me in the face with bitterness, or alcohol. Perfect for the hot day.
My final beer was Pretty Things X Ale, and what a home run this beer was. Nice aroma, great taste, and color, and was served in what looked like a white wine glass, but was bigger. The food was excellent too, as usual.
I want to mention that the Hotel Northampton had BBC’s Steel Rail on tap, and when my wife was taking a nap, I went to their bar, and had one while watching middle-aged men ramble on ESPN about sports that they were never good at playing, and it was awesome. Steel Rail on tap is fantasmagorical.
We of course did other things while we were out there, but in terms of beer these were the highlights. If anyone has not gone out to the Pioneer Valley, and you love beer then get your tail out to Northampton, and experience one the best areas for beer in the country. You’ll be glad you did.
