Posts tagged hops shortage

Located outside of Boston in Waltham Massachusetts, Watch City Brewing offers a “locals” dining and craft brew experience in a small town.  As they put it,

At the head of Moody Street’s Restaurant Row, in the center of a silicon savvy Waltham, Massachusetts, a legendary brew pub is holding court — and creating some of the best hand crafted beer anywhere.

I started off with their Octoberfest which was ruby red as best I could tell in the dim lighting and it was crazy matly and sweet, maybe even too much for the style, but I know some people who would likely have thought it the best Octoberfest they ever had. I liked it… not loved, but liked it.

For dinner I had the fish tacos and I was expecting something you might get from Moe’s (Welcome to Moe’s!) but instead I was treated to fancier fare. The blackened mahi-mahi tacos in a soft tortilla were delicious, just not what I was expecting as the gentleman sitting next to me had a great looking pub burger and onion rings. It was spicy, the way I liked it.

I ordered the Timepiece Porter next and that was dark, chocolately, with roasted malt goodness, just like a porter should be. This turned out to be my favorite.

I sampled a few others… the Pumpkin Ale was full of pumpkin flavor with strong clove; a nice dessert beer. But the beer that stood out the most was the BeeJesus’ Hop Crisis BPA. True to its name, this beer had no hops. Instead, it was spiced with bee balm, lemon balm, and jasmine white tea. Low in alcohol (2.1%) the beer was clear and golden yellow; the aroma was floral and a bit citric, but nothing you have ever had from a hop. It was light in mouth feel, and very drinkable, just not my cup of tea. I give full credit to Watch City for inventing such a unique beer; it really was well done and if you feel adventurous, I recommend giving it a try.

Overall, Watch City Brewing is very much worth a trip (and a return trip). Yet another great American craft brewer making great beer and running a fine establishment.