First up, the “Brooklyn Brewery Mash: Advenutres in Food, Film, Music, Books & Beer” is coming to Boston from July 9 – 14.

There will be tons of events in Boston throughout the week at such locations as Stoddards Food & Ale, 48 Temple Place; The Tip Tap Room, 138 Cambridge St., and Bear’s [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130618/BLOGS/306189973/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:21:10 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130618/BLOGS/306189973/-1/blogs01 For some reason, several people have asked my about my review policy lately, so I’m going to explain it here.

If a brewery sends me beer, it’s not guaranteed I will review it. I review brand new to the market beers, but if its a beer that is released year in and year out, I’m not going to review it. I also typically only review beers that are available in Massachusetts.

Also just because a beer is sent to me and I decide to review it does not mean there [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130613/BLOGS/306139972/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:15:43 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130613/BLOGS/306139972/-1/blogs01 Last week, I wrote a blog making fun of the new OnTap Liquid Beer Enhancer, scoffing that a squeeze of some liquid into a beer can turn a bland, mass-produced lager into a fine craft ale.

The fine folks of OnTap stepped up, sending me a sample package of its two beer enhancers, the American Ale and the Pale Ale.

So, armed with these little bottles of liquid [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130612/BLOGS/306129977/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:15:37 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130612/BLOGS/306129977/-1/blogs01 The Copper House Tavern, a new pub at 477 Totten Pond Road, will host a Harpoon Brewery tap take over on Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Among the beers available will be two new pilot beers, the Schwarz Bier and the Barrel-aged porter.

Also available will be several of the Leviathan series, including the Czemobog Russian Imperial Stout (the best of [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130611/BLOGS/306119972/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:15:49 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130611/BLOGS/306119972/-1/blogs01 If you read this blog often, you’ll probably notice that I have one particular pet peeve – seasonals that are released waaaaaayyyy before the season they’re brewed for.

Last night, I got an email that instantly irritated me – the Paulaner brewery of German is releasing its limited edition Oktoberfest Wiesn early this year – this month. June. Oktoberfest beers on the shelf in June.

I enjoy Oktoberfest beers. They’re probably my favorite [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130610/BLOGS/306109976/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:12:57 +0000 Andrew Kuhn http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130610/BLOGS/306109976/-1/blogs01 My neighbor was generous enough to give me a bottle of Hill Farmstead Ephraim this past week.

He didn’t need to, but I’ve given him a lot of my beer, and he was kind enough to return the favor. I [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130607/BLOGS/306079971/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 7 Jun 2013 17:13:03 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130607/BLOGS/306079971/-1/blogs01 Craft brewers be warned, you are no longer needed.

There is no longer a need to pay the extra money for your finely crafted beer. Now, I can buy an 18 pack of cheap beer and then buy an OnTap Liquid Beer Enhancer and you’re all set.

OK, maybe not.

The OnTap Liquid Beer Enhancer ads have been making the rounds on Facebook and Twitter today. It is basically a http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130606/BLOGS/306069975/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 6 Jun 2013 17:13:31 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130606/BLOGS/306069975/-1/blogs01 Narragansett Beer has once again released a tie for Father’s Day.

The new ties – one designed by Ivonne Blanco of Boston and the other by Ricky Perotta, of West Warwick, R.I. 

The ties are [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059977/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 5 Jun 2013 17:13:18 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130605/BLOGS/306059977/-1/blogs01 Founders Brewing Company easily falls near the top of my list of favorite breweries, but I’m not so sure about the newest entry into the Backstage series – Mango Magnifico.

I like mangoes, and I actually think it’s a flavor that could translate well into the right beer. However, it includes an ingredient I can’t stand – habaneros. I don’t like any pepper – I don’t even use pepper on food.

But, Founders does a good job with [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049900/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 4 Jun 2013 17:12:17 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130604/BLOGS/306049900/-1/blogs01 It’s time to take a look at a few new beers that have hit the liquor store shelves in the past few weeks – some are tasty and others … well, others may be an acquired taste.

First up is the Jack’s Abby Brewing’s Smoked Maple Lager. This beer was a collaboration with Lawson’s Finest Liquids of Vermont, and features maple syrup and [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130530/BLOGS/305309993/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 30 May 2013 11:12:20 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130530/BLOGS/305309993/-1/blogs01 Beer Advocate’s American Craft Beer Fest is kind of presenting a problem for me this year, but it’s not a bad problem – there’s just too many beers to choose from.

Each year I go, I always seek out new breweries that attend the fest and try at least one of their beers, while also checking out some of the special beers from some of my favorite breweries. http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130530/BLOGS/305309994/-1/blogs01 If you’re a fan of Samuel Adams Boston Lager, don’t go to Howlers in Pittsburgh, Penn.

The bar has announced that they will not sell Boston Lager or any other Boston beer during the NHL Conference Championships between the Penguins and the Bruins. http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130528/BLOGS/305289976/-1/blogs01 After mowing the lawn, and doing some yard work I usually drink a beer. I don’t know what it is but for some reason mowing the lawn makes me crave a beer.

There’s just something satisfying about drinking a beer, and [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130523/BLOGS/305239974/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 23 May 2013 22:21:12 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130523/BLOGS/305239974/-1/blogs01 Do you like learning about beer, hearing what’s going on in the beer world or listening to brewers talk about their breweries and the beers they brew?

Then, I have the podcast for you. (Spoiler alert, I take part in it).

Every Monday, live on Google Plus, the Seacoast Beverage Lab Podcast takes place beginning at 8 p.m. and goes for about an hour.

The podcast is [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130521/BLOGS/305219976/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 21 May 2013 20:20:54 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130521/BLOGS/305219976/-1/blogs01 One of the things I like the most about the beer world is there is a sense of community – those who work at various breweries seem to really get along with each other and seem united against the big boys of brewing.

However, being a brewery is still a business. The people who own and work at the breweries must protect their interests and sometimes that involves lawyers.

The latest is Magic Hat Brewing Company’shttp://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130520/BLOGS/305209992/-1/blogs01 I had planned to bottle the Imperial Coconut Stout, or ICS for short, but life got in the way.

The coconut has now been sitting in the bucket downstairs with the beer for about a month. I have no idea how this will turn out, but I do [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130516/BLOGS/305169961/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 16 May 2013 17:13:02 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130516/BLOGS/305169961/-1/blogs01 Earlier this month, the ALS Therapy Development Institute announced that 38 breweries across the country will be taking part in the Ales for ALS campaign.

The Ales for ALS campaign is designed to raise money for ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, research.

As part of the program, brewers received a special blend of “experimental hops” donated by B.T. Loftus Ranches and Hopunion. With the [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130515/BLOGS/305159967/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 15 May 2013 17:13:25 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130515/BLOGS/305159967/-1/blogs01 Looking for something to do on Friday? Come to the Canton Public Library, drink some beer, listen to be talk about beer and buy my book.

The library, 786 Washington St., is hosting a “Book & Brew” event to raise money for the library. Admission is $10.

There will be beer sampling form 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and then I’ll talk at 8, and then there will be more sampling. I will also be signing copies ofhttp://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130515/BLOGS/305159968/-1/blogs01 Foolproof Brewing Company of Rhode Island has officially launched in Massachusetts.

I wrote a column about this new brewery, and why I’m excited about them coming here, a few weeks ago. Click here to read it.

Here’s the info from Foolproof:

Foolproof Brewing Company Launches in Massachusetts

PAWTUCKET, Rhode Island, May [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130514/BLOGS/305149958/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 14 May 2013 17:20:12 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130514/BLOGS/305149958/-1/blogs01 Summer is just about here, and that means the weekend calendars are packed with beer events nearly every single weekend.

Here’s a look at several upcoming events that all look like a lot of fun. I’m hoping to get to most, if not all of these.

First up is Julio’s Liquor’s 11th Annual Spring Beer Fest. The free festival will be on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rte. 9 liquor store. [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130513/BLOGS/305139993/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Mon, 13 May 2013 12:12:57 Andrew Kuhn http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130513/BLOGS/305139993/-1/blogs01 I have a couple of friends who can’t have any wheat products.

I think this is a shame, because it means they can’t enjoy beer. Sure they drink wine, and cider, but beer is something that they stay away from.   http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130509/BLOGS/305099960/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 9 May 2013 17:20:28 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130509/BLOGS/305099960/-1/blogs01 Stella Artois has announced that it will be introducing its new European-style cider in the U.S. this month.

Described as a “crisp, distinctive European-style cider made with apples hand-picked from wine growing regions,” the cider will be available in four packs of 12-ounce bottles and 24-ounce single bottles.

“Stella Artios Cidre is designed to be savored and is very different from http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130508/BLOGS/305089972/-1/blogs01 There are probably only a handful of breweries that I like every beer they brew, and now two of them have announced that they are releasing a collaboration beer.

I’ve been a fan of Boulevard Brewing Company since before they started distributing in Massachusetts, and I’m a constant drinker of the beers from Sierra Nevada and have been ever since I started drinking beer.

What does this mean? It means I’m excited as heck to try the new Terra Incognita when [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130507/BLOGS/305079973/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 7 May 2013 17:24:24 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130507/BLOGS/305079973/-1/blogs01 I have mixed feelings about beer auctions.

For the most part, I’m against them. I look at them sometimes as beer hoarders taking advantage of other people, jacking up the price for beers for those who truly want to it to enjoy.

I advocate beer trading – that way both people benefit.

However, I have a somewhat different opinion when its a true auction house such as Skinner

http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130506/BLOGS/305069966/-1/blogs01 The other night on Twitter there was some back, and forth on beer, and perceptions of beer for women.

The gist of the conversation was that the beer industry tends to think hoppy beers are for men, and chocolate, or fruity beers are for women. I don’t know what I think, but I do know the perception of hoppy beers being drunk by mostly men is out there.  http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130430/BLOGS/304309963/-1/blogs01 The most hyped can in craft beer is finally here, the Samuel Adams can, or as it has become known, the Sam Can, is about to hit store shelves.

Samuel Adams spent billions of dollars (OK, reportedly $1 million) designing the new can, which is designed to “provide a drinking experience that is closer to the taste and comfort of drinking beer from a glass.”

The can’s special design is supposed to enhance the flavor in such ways as http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130427/BLOGS/304279995/-1/blogs01 I just want to say how much I have hated this April. It was awful even before what happened on April 15th, and then got worse from there.

The events that have taken place are horrible, and hopefully some good will come of all of it

. I’m hoping May will be much better, and [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130426/BLOGS/304269965/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:18:07 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130426/BLOGS/304269965/-1/blogs01 There are several new beers that will soon be hitting store shelves that you need to keep a look out for.

The first one, which I had the extreme pleasure of trying last night, is the Boulevard Brewing Company’s Love Child No. 3.

The Love Child series is a set of wild ales that are barrel aged with wild yeasts.

If you’re a fan of funky sour beers, Love Child No. 3 is for you. There is a pleasant [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130424/BLOGS/304249968/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:17:36 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130424/BLOGS/304249968/-1/blogs01 The Harpoon IPA turns 20 this year, and Harpoon wants to hear your stories about the beer. And, if your story is magnificent, you could win a prize.

Here are all the details, as well as a photo of an early version of the IPA bottle/six pack:

20 Years of Harpoon IPA

The brewery celebrates with favorite stories

Boston, MA (April 24, 2013) – Twenty years ago in Boston, Harpoon IPA was brewed for the first time.  Harpoon [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130423/BLOGS/304239965/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:21:30 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130423/BLOGS/304239965/-1/blogs01 Whenever the seasons get close to changing, the liquor store shelves get flooded with a bunch of new beer.

Here is a look at a few beers that you may (or may not) want to try.

First up is the latest in Full Sail Brewing’s Pub Series, the ESB, which had previously only been available in the Oregon brewery’s tasting room. http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130422/BLOGS/304229972/-1/blogs01 What to do with a day off?

I know, bottle the wheat ale and move the stout to a secondary where its going to chill out with some coconut.

That’s a good day off indeed, and [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130418/BLOGS/304189942/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:21:09 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130418/BLOGS/304189942/-1/blogs01 The Harpoon Brewery is joining the list of breweries that are doing their part to help those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings.

Here are all the details about how sales of beer and pretzels at the Harpoon Beer Hall will help those in need:

Brewed For Boston Nights” at Harpoon

Like most in and around Boston, Harpoon employees immediately felt compelled to “do something” after the tragic events of Marathon Monday in Boston. So for the next three [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130416/BLOGS/304169933/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:21:55 +0000 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130416/BLOGS/304169933/-1/blogs01 In my post from earlier today, I mention the kindness and generosity that I’ve seen from breweries, and beer people in general, over the past few years, and now I have another example of it.

Jack’s Abby Brewing and The Tavern, 102 Irving St., Framingham, are joining together to host a fundraiser on Wednesday to raise money for those affected by [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130416/BLOGS/304169977/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:13:14 Norman Miller http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130416/BLOGS/304169977/-1/blogs01 Most of the people who read this blog know me as a beer writer, but that’s not all that I do.

I’m also the cops and courts reporter for the MetroWest Daily News here in Framingham. For the past 12 years, I spend my days writing about bad things. I’ve written about some truly unspeakable acts over the years – husbands killing wives, fathers killing children and women being kidnapped off the street and rape.

Writing about beer has been an escape for [...]]]> http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130413/BLOGS/304139990/-1/blogs01?rssfeed=true Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:20:24 +0000 Andrew Kuhn http://www.sleepyeyenews.com/article/20130413/BLOGS/304139990/-1/blogs01 The first sign of spring. The hops are rising.