Posts

Brewery Spotlight: Champlain Orchards

Fall is in the air! As the weather gets colder it’s the perfect time to take a trip to VT and grab a hard cider! Fresh from Vermont, Champlain Orchards is the perfect destination to walk around, pick some apples, and have fun with friends.

Interested in taking the trip? Here is a little more about this wonderful destination –

  • Location: Located in Shoreham, Vermont this orchard is the perfect getaway for the day or weekend to enjoy the crisp, fall air with friends and family. Champlain Orchards is a place everyone will enjoy with lots to do!
  • Variety: At Champlain Orchards, their Orchard-Made Cider is crafted using locally sourced Vermont fruit. Overlooking Lake Champlain, their cidery presses, ferments, and crafts every cider at their orchard. With core and seasonal options, you will not be disappointed with the selection of ciders here!
  • Food: With over 115 apple options as well as pears, peaches, plums, and more, you will find the perfect snack to enjoy alongside your choice of cider! Champlain Orchards also offers delicious homemade donuts and pies to enjoy if you are craving a sweet treat.
     

Not able to make the trip to Vermont? Look no further than Mystic Wine Shoppe for all your cider needs! Take a quick ride to our shop in Arlington and browse our selection of ciders from Champlain Orchards.

Orchard Photos by Champlain Orchards

/by
,

Brewery of The Month: Idle Hands Brewer

The August sun is out… let’s go grab a beer! Based out of Malden, MA Idle Hands Brewery is the perfect option for a fun (& beer) filled summer’s day. Have you been?! We have been loving it and want you to as well!

  • Location: Conveniently located in Malden, a four-minute walk from the Malden Center stop on the MBTA Orange Line (20-minute ride from downtown Boston) and Haverhill Commuter Rail (10-minute ride from North Station.) This brewery is in the heart of Boston and is a perfect place to meet up with friends no matter where you are coming from.

  • Variety: At Idle Hands Brewery, they have a wide variety of in-house beers. Varying from their seasonal Endless Summer West Coast  IPA to their Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout–there is a beer for everyone at your party. They currently have 11 beers on tap.

  • Food: Cold beer and fried chicken…does it get any better than this? Every weekend at Idle Hands Brewery, they serve Hot Chix Boston (a local fried chicken restaurant) to be paired with their beers. It most definitely does not get better than that!

  • We Carry It: Want to give it a shot before going to the brewery? No problem. Here at Mystic Wine Shoppe, we carry their Four Seam Ale! Come by and pick up a 4-pack!

 

Brewery photos by: Idle Hands Brewery

/by

Brewery Spotlight: Lord Hobo

“Hey Siri, show me breweries near me…” LORD HOBO BREWERY!

There is nothing better than a brewery during the summer–especially when it’s local. Lord Hobo Brewery in Woburn is going to be the hot spot of the summer here on the north shore. Aside from their legendary BOOMSAUCE beer, the brewery has so much fun to offer this summer, and you need to get in on it. Here at Mystic Wine Shoppe, we are all about the Lord Hobo buzz and wanted to share our excitement with you. Allow us to share some of our favorite features of this extraordinary local brewery.

Lord Hobo

Outdoor Seating All Summer Long
Working on your summer tan while drinking a beer = multitasking at its finest. Lord Hobo Brewery has a brand new outdoor patio at their Woburn location, and we are all about it. Outdoor dining makes for a perfect summer afternoon or night, especially with a brew in hand.

Games, Games, Games!
Lord Hobo likes to keep things playful. From live music to trivia, to bingo–they have it all, creating an upbeat aroma for you and your party. And if you aren’t a competitive person, that’s okay too. Kick back, relax and enjoy the excitement running through the brewery (and maybe go and snag some of their cool apparel too, while you’re at it.)

Beer. Food. Happiness.
Food and beer make us happy, what about you? Lord Hobo Brewery has a full kitchen that provides a rotating menu filled with delicious food each week. And the best part…even if you don’t dine in with them you can still take your food and beer to go.

Don’t Like Beer? No Problem!
Hey, not everyone likes beer, and at Lord Hobo–that’s okay! The brewery serves cider, white wine, red wine, nitro iced coffee, and various non-alcoholic beverages alongside their legendary brews. Everyone in your party can find something they like, making it a great destination for meeting friends and family.

We told you we loved it. Do you now want to try it too? Lord Hobo Brewery in Woburn is open Monday through Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday through Saturday 11am-12:00am, and Sundays 1am-10pm.

For more information visit their website!

 

Cheers!

Photos By: Lord Hobo

/by
,

Brewery of the Month: Peak Organic Brewing Co.

Local, local, local! Peak Organic Brewing Co. is dedicated to creating the most fantastic brews straight from their designated, local farmers from all around New England. “The idea is simple. Find the best ingredients being grown to create amazing flavor and truly delicious beer.” Each farm that Peak utilizes focuses on quality versus quantity. Peak has a passion for sustainability rooted in the way they run their company.

14263981_10154490745048560_5739901642037939637_nPeak likes to participate and dedicate its efforts to innovating new flavors that have never been done before. They achieve this by collaborating directly with their local farmers, chefs, and other organizations connected to sustainability as well. This company background and passion for being different, guarantees a unique, well-crafted taste when you give their brews a try! (If you’re a fan, you know that already!

Here are some of the delicious, specialty beers Peak Organic Brewing Co. has to offer!

Peak IPA: This is Peak’s classic, signature brew. Their India Pale Ale contains a flavorful initial taste thanks to the Amarillo and Simcoe dry hop. No bittering needed, just an abundance of floral and citrus flavors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Juice: This WICKED dry-hopped pale ale provides aromas and strong zests of tangerine and berry notes. The carefully brewed mix contains amarillo, simcoe, and hints of Azacca hops.

Happy Hour: Here we have Peak’s signature pilsner. Crisp and clean, this light brew makes it impossible to pass up more than one. 43038827_10156674963963560_8427614777018155008_o“This beer is easygoing and pairs well with everything, including another beer! With this new pilsner, it’s always Happy Hour.”

Sweet Tart Cranberry: We’re drooling just at the name of this brew. This Cape Cod Sour Ale ties together tangy, cranberry, and sour flavors into a refreshing first sip. The locally sourced Cape Cod cranberries provide a special rose-like effervescence for this perfect, light-bodied brew.

Winter IPA: ‘Tis the season! Peak’s hazy, New England Style IPA was created to lighten things up as the cold weather starts to hit. With a bright, juicy mix of Calypso, Azacco, Simcoe, and Citra hops, this brew will help you survive the winter by hinting at springtime.

The story behind Peak Organic Brewing Co. is an inspiring, lovely New England story. By choosing their brews for your next holiday or tailgate, not only are you supporting sustainability, but you’re guaranteed to find a light, new favorite. Stop into Mystic Wine Shoppe to pick up a pack to try! It’ll be the ~peak~ of your day 😉

19092976_10155372832513560_8915183709461887008_o

(all photos and quotes taken from Peak Brewing)

/by
,

Brewery of the Month: Ipswich Ale Brewery

Located in Boston’s North Shore community, Ipswich Ale Brewery has been a bean town classic since 1991, making them one of the oldest craft brewers in New England. They are a well-known, household name to beer lovers all over Massachusetts and in New England in general. The overall vibe and image of the brand and brewery is just timeless, fun, and classic Boston. It is the perfect environment and brew selection for the exemplary beer lover.

The team at Ipswich Ale Brewery is jam-packed with industry experience and Boston culture. Their president started with the company back in 1994 as just a plain-old volunteer! Over the years, he had worked his way up from delivery guy, 12509583_409137799282531_1551170967375270316_n.0.0productions, and to Director of Operations! In 1999, he bought the brewery and molded and showcased it into the reputable, lovable brand we see today.

Now, what you’ve all been waiting for, the beer selections! Ipswich Ale Brewery offers 8 year-round beers at all times. Throughout the year they release 14 different seasonal beers. Along with these, they offer a special 3 types only available on tap at their on-site restaurant, the Brewer’s Table!

Here are some descriptions of some classics, limited, and on-site offerings!ipswich-ale-brewery

  • “Original Ale” Pale Ale: This original Ipswich classic provides a caramel malt accent with a bitter finish. This beer was created for drinkability, leaving you craving more than one (or two).  Year-Round
  • “Pesky Pils” Pilsner: This carefully brewed Pilsner has a proper German malt, Czech Saaz hops, and lastly, a bright, uplifting touch of Lemondrop hops. This beer is known for its refreshing, light taste.  Year-Round
  • “Oatmeal Stout” Outmeal Stout: This dessert-type beer is a deep, rich malt enriched with flavors of coffee and chocolate. “It’s what espresso would be if it had the gumption to be beer.”  Year-RoundDm5llh7VsAAvnlP
  • “Pumpkin Porter” Brown Porter: This is a traditional brown porter brew with actual, real pumpkin and a pinch of pumpkin spice. This festive choice includes sweet caramel malts, cloves, and nutmeg.  Seasonal
  • “Blueberry Shandy” Blueberry Shandy: This brew will change all the shandy-hater’s minds. Zesty and sweet, this lemon and blueberry combo will leave you begging for more!  Seasonal
  • “Revival” Belgian Style Saison: A beer for the working man and woman, this golden-hued brew contains fruity yeast esters and a hop aroma.  Seasonal 

Make sure to add Ipswich to your list of breweries to visit! Along with tasty brews, you can also grab a bite to eat at their restaurant! Being huge fans of Ipswich Ale Brewery ourselves, we at Mystic Wine Shoppe also carry their year-round and seasonal beers! Make sure to stop in and pick up a pack. You can’t go wrong with this timeless, New England classic!

download

/by
,

Brewery of the Month: Lamplighter Brewing Co.

The vibe that Lamplighter Brewing Co. embraces is a modern, funky environment that allows visitors to experience a unique twist on their basic brewery trip. This eclectic brewery, located in in downtown Cambridge, Massachusetts, focuses in quality, community, and craft. With a saying such as “I Love Lamp,” a reference from the comedy hit, Anchorman, it comes as no surprise that this location meets its goal by being a fun, hip place to be.

lamp1The team at Lamplighter is an energetic mix of different backgrounds in education and expertise who all share a strong passion for producing delicious beer. This team makes for a very fun, welcoming environment from the minute you enter the brewery. The space has a very modern, industrial look to it. From the exposed pipes to the classic Boston brick work, this brewery is a neighborhood favorite.

Now for the most important part, the beer. All together, Lamplighter creates 44 different types of brews. Impressive, right? Within these 44 unique choices, they focus on aroma-packed and flavor-driven ales, with an emphasis on New England IPAs, barrel-aged sours, and unique seasonals.

To help narrow down your possible selection, we’re going to provide you the info on the 13 brews that happen to be on tap today!

  • “Alyosha” Abbey Ale: low ABV, and light body allow hints of fruit and spice to shine, while the addition of wheat and pilsnerScreen Shot 2018-09-04 at 5.08.04 PM malts leave each sip soft and approachable.
  • “Brothers Antitoi” Brettanomyces Fermented Wild Beer: smooth and bright acidity is complemented by subtle underlying funk, layered atop flavors of fresh strawberries, ripe pineapple, and candied peach rings.
  • “Cuppa” Brittish Ale with Cold Brew: light and fruity hot bloom roast is added at the end of the brewing process to preserve as much coffee flavor as possible. The finished beer is made up of about 10% coffee.
  • “Ele” Saison: citrus forward flavors, hints of clove and spice, and a dry and peppery finish. Inspired by the character Eleven from “Stranger Things.”
  • “Finnegan’s Wake” Irish Dry Stout: akin to a smooth and creamy Guinness, with each sip bringing forth waves of bitter chocolate and freshly roasted coffee.
  • “Gestalt” Altbier: bright copper in color and exceptionally smooth, balancing assertive hop bitterness with warm malt character.
  • “Group Theory” Wheat Ale with Chamomile and Honey: despite the addition of syrupy raw honey to the brew, GroupScreen Shot 2018-09-04 at 5.09.01 PM Theory has a lovely, dry finish as a result of the fermentation of its simple sugars. It takes its name from a central concept of abstract algebra, which pays homage to both the math background of one of their co-founders, and to their brewery name (a small math reference itself).
  • “Looking Glass” Extra Special Bitter: balanced notes of dark bread, toasted hazelnut, and a robust earthiness. The beer is then lightly hopped with Target and Challenger to accentuate those flavors.
  • “Luminati” India Pale Ale: each batch of this hoppy beer highlights a different hop addition, presenting ever-changing flavors atop the same bold, brash base beer. (citra, mosaic, bru-1)
  • “Metric Systems” Gose: this tart German wheat ale is refreshing and light, with notes of orange peel and lemon.
  • “Rabbit Rabbit” Double India Pale Ale: veritable juice bomb, boasting huge hop flavors of mango, melon, and ripe fruit.
  • “Space Monster” West Coast Style IPA: fresh departure from smooth and juicy New England-style IPAs, instead boasting a prominent bitterness and slight sweetness. From that base emerges omnipotent and monstrous flavors of sweet cedar, prickly pine, and ripe pineapple.
  • “Speedwagon” Kolsch: fermented with ale yeast, but then finished in cold temperatures like a lager. The resulting beer exhibits some of the best characteristics of both categories – light and quaffable, with a touch of muted fruitiness and a crisp, clean finish.

Screen Shot 2018-09-04 at 5.05.46 PMFind something you’d like to try? No surprise there! Lamplighter Brewing Co. has something for everyone! Make sure to stop into Mystic Wine Shoppe to pick up one of their brews on the go. If you need another excuse to try them, they hold trivia nights every Tuesday from 8pm – 10pm. Check their website for more upcoming events! With all the options they have to offer, the fun, funky environment, and the amazing location, make Lamplighter your next brewery must-see and the next pack you pick up from us!

/by

Brewery of the Month: Stony Creek Brewery

The culture Stony Creek Brewery embodies is one of creating high quality beer that inspires people across the region. Located in Branford, Connecticut, their modern brewery is a sight to be seen. They have a stunning indoor/outdoor taproom, game pit, dock access, and a first-hand look at their canning and bottling lines right from the taproom.

1

Stony Creek believes that this is the time for Connecticut craft beer. Their team is comprised of local residents that are working alongside some of the industry’s best.

Stony Creek offers multiple styles of beer including The Crankies, an IPA selection, Lagers, Ales and their Seasonal collection. They also offer a limited series called “Flip The Bird”, basically flipping traditional beer styles on their heads.

 

4

  • “No Egrets” American Imperial Stout: bold, pitch black brew is loaded with decadent notes of dark chocolate and roasted barley. Extended aging on White Oak contributes subtle layers of vanilla and caramel that lend a smooth complexity.
  • “Sour Silhouette” Sour Stout: What presents as a traditional stout is then kettle soured and aged on cabernet oak. The result is a beer that opens impeccably tart and finishes smooth, rich and roasty.
  • “Imperial Stony Joe” Imperial Golden Mocha Stout: Burundi Mpanga coffee lends complex notes of cocoa, spice, and fruit while Guatemalan coffee contributes a dark roast finish.
  • “Chahklit” Baltic Port: Chahklit is a Baltic Porter brewed with almonds and earthy Ceylon Cinnamon. Cacao Nibs impart rich chocolate depth. It ages in Caribbean Rum Barrels to lend oak complexity and subtle Rum nuance.
  • “Crimsang” Soured Double IPA: Adding fresh Blood Orange Juice, and then souring the wort. It is fermented with our their Saison Yeast Strain, lending spiciness, and a lush texture. In the end, you get an aggressive, west coast IPA with a refreshingly tart dry finish.
  • “Reposado Negro” Black Wheat Wine: Reposado Negro is A Black Wheat Wine aged in Tequila Barrels. A marriage of sweet alcohol warmth, smooth bready texture, and roasted malt “charred” flavors, this jet black brew will have you swearing you are sipping a top-shelf tequila.
  • “Lichtenlizzy” Hybrid of a Berliner Weiss and a smoked Rauch: A low alcohol wheat beer is lightly soured to contribute a tart finish. Balancing this are two types of smoked malt (Beachwood and Oak) combining to offer an incredibly soft, yet ever-present smokiness. Smooth and smoky, yet tart and refreshing. Intricate and distinct.

2After reading through the list of Stony Creek’s “Flip the Bird” series, if you need another reason to visit the Brewery, they have a long list of events to attend, including live music and good eats. You can also check out their gift shop and flaunt their apparel, as well as checking out their blog posts on their website. With great craft brews and good company, Stony Creek is a proud establishment that everyone can rally around.

/by

Brewery Spotlight: Night Shift Brewery

What happens when you take three friends, a love for beer, and an interest in homebrewing? You get Night Shift Brewery of Everett, MA. Founded in 2012 through love and passion, three friends brought their homebrewing to life. In 2007 they began homebrewing in their apartment kitchen. They were desk workers by day, homebrewers by night. They called themselves “Night Shift Brewers“.
mystic blog
Night Shift offers a wide variety of delicious brews year-round. First up, is The Crew. This group of beer is their core crew of brews on tap year-round and consist of –
  • Whirpool- New England Pale Ale
  • Santilli- American Indian Pale Ale
  • The 87- American Double IPA
  • One Hop This Time- Rotating single-hop IPA series
  • Morph- Rotating IPA series
  • Nite Lite-Craft Light Lager
Next is the a group of seasonal brews called The Rotators. This group is their smaller-batch, limited release offerings crew. They may not always be available, but when they are, they’re worth picking up a pack or two.
  • Awake- Porter aged with coffee
  • Bennington- Oatmeal stout brewed with dutch-processed cocoa and maple syrup
  • Furth- German-style hefeweizen
  • Matisse- Classic Saison
Looking for a great sour beer? Try their Mixed Fermentation Sours, which are fermented exclusively in stainless steel tanks with both lactobacillus and brewer’s yeast to achieve a high level of complexity and refreshing tartness.
  • Ever Weisse- Aged with Strawberries, Kiwis, and Hibiscus. Available: March-May
  • Rickey Weisse – Aged with Raspberries and Limes. Available: June-August
  • Mainer Weisse- Aged with Blueberries and Cinnamon Sticks. Available: September-November
Last but not least, is their Special Guests beers.  These brews are a specialty group, that are only released every once in a while. Regardless how often they’re released, they’re sure to be worth celebrating. Night Shift has a long list of “Special Guests” so here are a few of our favorites:
  • Cul-De-Sac – Cream ale dry hopped with Amarillo
  • El Lechedor- Horchata-style milk stout aged in bourbon barrels with poblano peppers, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon
  • Marilyn- Barrel- Aged blonde barleywine-style ale
  • Pfaffenheck- German-style pilsner
Screen Shot 2018-05-14 at 1.13.14 PM
Night Shift also offers so many great opportunities to try their beer.  Check out their online event calendar, which is filled with tastings, food trucks, and tours. They also hold private events in the taproom. With summer right around the corner, Night Shift is the perfect brew to bring to any get-together, BBQ, or with just a few friends. It’ll sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Stop into Mystic Wine Shoppe and check out all the Night Shift beers we have available!
/by