Massachusetts Beers: Exploring the Best Brews of the Bay State

Massachusetts is renowned for its vibrant craft beer scene, with a variety of breweries offering exceptional beers that reflect the state’s rich brewing traditions and innovative spirit.

From hoppy IPAs to complex stouts and refreshing lagers, Massachusetts’ breweries have something for every beer lover.

Here are ten of the best Massachusetts beers you absolutely must try.

1. Harpoon Brewery’s “Harpoon IPA”

Harpoon Brewery’s Harpoon IPA is a classic example of a well-balanced American IPA, known for its hop-forward character.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.0%
• Description: Aromatic and hoppy with flavors of grapefruit, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

2. Samuel Adams’ “Boston Lager”

Samuel Adams’ Boston Lager is a flagship beer that helped pioneer the American craft beer movement with its rich, malty flavor profile.

• Style: Vienna Lager
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Rich and malty with notes of caramel, toffee, and a balanced hop bitterness.

3. Night Shift Brewing’s “Santilli”

Night Shift Brewing’s Santilli is an American IPA known for its bright hop character and refreshing finish.

• Style: American IPA
• ABV: 5.2%
• Description: Juicy and hoppy with flavors of citrus, pine, and a smooth malt backbone.

4. Tree House Brewing Co.’s “Julius”

Tree House Brewing Co.’s Julius is a highly sought-after New England IPA that’s celebrated for its juicy, fruity flavors.

• Style: New England IPA
• ABV: 6.8%
• Description: Juicy and hazy with notes of orange, pineapple, and a hint of pine.

5. Trillium Brewing Company’s “Fort Point”

Trillium Brewing Company’s Fort Point is a classic American Pale Ale with a well-balanced hop and malt profile.

• Style: American Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.4%
• Description: Crisp and hoppy with flavors of citrus, pine, and a smooth malt finish.

6. Lord Hobo Brewing Co.’s “Boomsauce”

Lord Hobo Brewing Co.’s Boomsauce is a popular IPA with a bold hop profile and a smooth, balanced finish.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 7.0%
• Description: Bold and hoppy with flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and a touch of caramel.

7. Cambridge Brewing Company’s “Atlantic Pale Ale”

Cambridge Brewing Company’s Atlantic Pale Ale is a well-crafted pale ale with a refreshing and balanced character.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.6%
• Description: Balanced with flavors of citrus, pine, and a smooth malt backbone.

8. Berkshire Brewing Co.’s “Steel Rail Pale Ale”

Berkshire Brewing Co.’s Steel Rail Pale Ale is a classic pale ale with a crisp and refreshing taste.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.2%
• Description: Crisp and clean with notes of caramel, citrus, and a touch of hops.

9. Harpoon Brewery’s “UFO White”

Harpoon Brewery’s UFO White is a Belgian-style Witbier with a light and refreshing flavor profile.

• Style: Belgian Witbier
• ABV: 4.8%
• Description: Light and refreshing with flavors of orange peel, coriander, and a hint of wheat.

10. Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.’s “Fluffiest”

Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.’s Fluffiest is a unique milk stout inspired by the classic marshmallow fluff treat.

• Style: Milk Stout
• ABV: 6.0%
• Description: Rich and creamy with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and a hint of marshmallow fluff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Harpoon Brewery?
Answer: Harpoon Brewery’s Harpoon IPA is a well-balanced American IPA known for its hop-forward character.

What makes Samuel Adams’ Boston Lager a classic?
Answer: Boston Lager is celebrated for its rich, malty flavor profile with notes of caramel and toffee.

What are the key characteristics of Night Shift Brewing’s Santilli?
Answer: Santilli is known for its bright hop character with flavors of citrus, pine, and a smooth malt backbone.

What distinguishes Tree House Brewing Co.’s Julius?
Answer: Julius is a highly sought-after New England IPA with juicy, fruity flavors of orange and pineapple.

What is special about Trillium Brewing Company’s Fort Point?
Answer: Fort Point is a well-balanced American Pale Ale with flavors of citrus, pine, and a smooth malt finish.

Summary

Massachusetts offers a dynamic craft beer scene with breweries producing a wide range of exceptional brews.

These top picks showcase the best of what the Bay State has to offer, reflecting its rich brewing traditions and innovative spirit.

Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of Massachusetts’ craft beer!