Ask a Bartender: Which Local Draft Beers are Best?
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Saturday, April 11, 2015
Pam Martin - GoLocal Worcester Ask Your Bartender Columnist
Massachusetts is home to a number of great breweries. From local favorites like Jack’s Abby and Wachusett, to the better known Harpoon and Sam Adams, there is no shortage of great local beers. As breweries expand and open their doors for more than tours, their popularity rises. Locals can spend the day watching their favorite beers being made, asking the experts directly, and sampling the selections. Now beer enthusiasts can take it further and even plan a stop at the brewery before they venture out to the bars on the weekends. With Wormtown now open on Shrewsbury Street, area bars are surely going to get an increased demand for local beers.
Here are three of the most popular year-round draft beers to sample before you make the long-awaited switch to summer brews only.
Wachusett Blueberry – Some people – myself included – only like blueberries in their baked goods and occasional smoothie. We are far outnumbered by the can’t-get-enough-blueberry-beer crowd. The true demand every time someone orders this is for the bouncing blueberries in your glass. Luckily, peak season is right around the corner (May – August), so fresh blueberries will be available at most local bars.
Hoponious Union – Not your average IPL – that’s for sure. True to it’s branding, it’s “wicked hoppy”. Made with the best local ingredients available, the Hoponious mixes classic hops with a unique fermentation approach. You can find this fan favorite at a number of local bars, or you can make the quick trip to Framingham which is open Wednesday through Saturday, 12:00pm – 8:00pm.
Harpoon IPA – Maybe it’s the perfect blend of ingredients, or maybe it’s the comfort of doing something attributed as quintessential New England. With the balance in place, this is a great option for beer drinkers who enjoy IPAs but don’t want to be overwhelmed by hops. This is a clean, crisp choice – great if you’re not looking for something to linger long after you’re done drinking.
Pam Martin bartends at Compass Tavern at 90 Harding Street in Worcester every Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
Related Slideshow: The Top 10 Draft Beer Selections in Worcester
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1. The Boynton
# of Beers on Tap: 51
Seasonal Best-Sellers: Troeg's Mad Elf Belgian Strong Ale, Great Divide Hibernation Ale, Wachusett Winter Ale
Address: 117 Highland Street, Worcester
Hours: Monday- Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Draft Beer List
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2. The Dive Bar
# of Beers on Tap: 18
Seasonal Best-Sellers: Berkshire Holidale, Troegs Mad Elf, Lost Abbey Merry IPA
Address: 34 Green Street, Worcester
Hours: Monday- Sunday 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
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3. Armsby Abbey
# of Beers on Tap: 22
Seasonal Best-Sellers: Smuttynose Smistletoe, St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, Victory Winter Cheers, Gouden Carolous Noel
Address: 144 Main Street, Worcester
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:30 AM – Midnight (Kitchen till 10PM)
Friday 11:30 AM – Midnight (Kitchen till 11PM)
Saturday 10:00 AM – Midnight (Kitchen till 11PM)
Sunday 10:00 AM – Midnight (Kitchen till 10PM)
21+ after 6:00 PM Daily
Draft Beer List
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4. Brew City
# of Beers on Tap: 40
Seasonal Best-Sellers:Berkshire Holidale, Anchor Steam Christmas, Southern Tier 2XMAS, Wachusett Winter Ale
Address: 104 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester
Hours: Monday -Thursday 11:30am - 11:00pm
Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 12:00am
Sunday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Draft Beer List
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5. Peppercorn's
# of Beers on Tap: 20
Seasonal Best-Sellers: Wormtown Wintah Ale
Address: 455 Park Avenue, Worcester
Hours:Monday -Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Draft Beer List
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6. Smokestack Urban Barbeque
# of Beers on Tap: 24
Seasonal Best-Sellers: Harpoon Winter Warmer, Troegs Blizzard of Hops Winter IPA
Address: 139 Green Street, Worcester
Hours: Sunday 12-8
Monday -Thursday 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday -Saturday 12 p.m. -10 p.m.
Bar:
Thursday - Saturday 4:30 p.m.- 12 a.m.
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7. The Compass Tavern
# of Beers on Tap: 20
Seasonal Best-Sellers: Leinenkugel Snowdrift Vanilla Porter, Wachusett Winter Ale, Sam Adams Winter Lager
Address: 90 Harding Street, Worcester
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
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8. O'Connors Restaurant and Bar
# of Beers on Tap: 24
Seasonal Best-Sellers: Berkshire Cabin Fever, Sierra Nevada Celebration, Sam Adams Winter Lager
Address: 1160 West Boylston Street, Worcester
Hours:
Monday - Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Draft Beer Menu
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9. The Perfect Game
# of Beers on Tap: 12
Seasonal Best-Sellers: Harpoon Winter Warmer, Wachusett Winter, Sam Adams Winter Lager
Address: 64 Water Street, Worcester
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 4:00 pm - Close
Friday-Sunday: 11:30 am - 2:00 am
Draft Beer Menu
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10. Mahoney's Pub
# of Beers on Tap: 10
Seasonal Best-Sellers: Harpoon Winter Warmer, Magic Hat, Wormtown Wintah Ale
Address: 413 Park Avenue, Worcester
Hours: Monday-Sunday 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
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