A Treehouse for Grown-Ups: Tree House Brewing of Charlton, Massachusetts

Around this time last year I made my first trip to Tree House Brewing. It was their original location in Monson, Massachusetts. I didn’t put much thought into the trip and planned it around existing plans, so I arrived on a Saturday afternoon. After my dog and I trudged through the wintery slush/mud parking lot… Continue reading A Treehouse for Grown-Ups: Tree House Brewing of Charlton, Massachusetts

Lock City Brewing Opens in Stamford

Lock City Brewing, which opened last month on Research Drive in Stamford, is founded by co-brewers Mike Bushnell and Patrick Casciolo who both share a passion for great beer. It should come as no surprise that Stamford’s newest brewery is no stranger to Alternative Control. We’ve been eagerly anticipating their opening since we first met at Beer… Continue reading Lock City Brewing Opens in Stamford

Beer Conn 2016 Is Upon Us!

On Saturday December 10, Nutmeg-State beer lovers will descend on Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport for the third annual Beer Conn. Forty breweries are confirmed so far, both local and far-flung.  Here are a few we’re looking forward to: Fairfield Craft Ales (Stratford, CT) — Uh oh, Two Roads has some competition!  Let’s see what… Continue reading Beer Conn 2016 Is Upon Us!

Smoke in the Valley 2016 – Return of the Home Brew

A lot of beer fests tend to blend together; same thing with different scenery, but what sets Smoke in the Valley apart from most other fests is their focus on home brewers. Dollar for dollar I think your ticket money is best spent sampling the hidden treasures fermenting in random garages and basements speckled throughout… Continue reading Smoke in the Valley 2016 – Return of the Home Brew

Singlecut Beersmiths Like Guitars, and I Like Their Beer

It's a family affair

This past weekend I hit a new personal milestone: I mowed my first lawn and performed borderline cosmetic surgery to all its botanical elements. This level of accomplishment called for a celebration, so we took a family field trip to a place I’ve been meaning to visit for awhile – Singlecut Beersmiths in Astoria, Queens.… Continue reading Singlecut Beersmiths Like Guitars, and I Like Their Beer

An Evening with Mythical Brewing Company

“This is the local band version of brewing,” said Keith Zalinger of his craft beer endeavor Mythical Brewing Company.  “You can do whatever you want.” Indeed he can.  Zalinger and his partner Frank (who wishes to remain somewhat anonymous in the alternative press) have been experimenting with home brew techniques for about a year.  They’re… Continue reading An Evening with Mythical Brewing Company

Allagash Black Beef Stew With Kale

  Adapted from Trisha Yearwood’s Slow-Cooker Stout Beef Stew This hearty beef and stout stew is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day… Or any other day that the temperature is below 65 degrees.  Some might consider cooking with Allagash a waste of fancy beer.  Not so!  My Grandma Fran always said never to cook with wine… Continue reading Allagash Black Beef Stew With Kale