Brewsweek

John Harvards in Harvard Square hosted a tasting event last night called “Flight of the Imperials”. Five years of their Imperial Stout were offered: 2004, 2005, 2006 (which spent a year in bourbon barrels), 2007, and 2008 (cask-conditioned in oak and dry hopped).

My wife and I showed around 6:15 and there was already a substantial wait for seating. We were warned that the flights were taking awhile to come out, so we ordered a flight (2004, 2005, 2006 whiskey and 2007) with apps, 10oz. of the current 2008 (oak aged) stout, and an IPA to tide us over. I’d say we had our flight (with raspberries) within 20-25 minutes…not too shabby.

They were all great beers, with the 2006 whiskey barrel topping my list and the oak aged being my wife’s favorite. This was my first vertical tasting, and it was very interesting how the alcohol warmth mellowed throughout the years.

Anyway, it was a great time and I wish I had introduced myself to the handful of beer-advocate-ish people I saw there. I’m relatively new to these beer events and it’d be nice to make it a more social experience. Thanks to John Harvards for a great night!

Tags: John Harvards, tastings, flights, imperial stout, beer event

I mentioned before the holiday vacation that I’d report back about the Cambridge Brewing Company’s “Brew Year’s Eve” party. Well, it was a smashing success as far as I could see. For a mere $80 we were handed six drink tickets, a barleywine toast at midnight, access to the all-you-can-eat gourmet buffet, a night of music by Gypsy Schaeffer as well as a their latest CD, a CBC pint glass, and (last but not least) a 14oz Commemorative Bottle of 2007 Blunderbuss Barleywine. The music was great, the bartenders were quick and so friendly, and the crowd was surprisingly well-behaved for the standard Boston NYE bar scene. I’d like to thank Will, Phil, Chris, Brian and the CBC staff for all the work they put into the event. I’m sure they’re still picking shiny confetti out of every nook and cranny in the restaurant.

Tags: new years eve, Cambridge Brewing Company, Gypsy Schaeffer, party time, excellent