I don't know s#%t about beer: Throwback Brewery Tasting

This past Sunday I had the pleasure of attending the soft opening of Throwback Brewery's brand spankin' new tasting room with my friends CP and Andy. I was completely unaware of Throwback Brewery until a few days ago, but thanks to the enlightening magic of social media, I found myself relishing in a delightful tasting event!

First of all, the tasting was fabulously economical little outing. You could either drink your samples for free (from a plastic cup) or purchase a 5 oz tasting glass for $5 or a 21.5 oz pint glass for $7, then drink all of your samples for free. CP splashed out and bought a pint glass for each of us, then the tasting commenced.

There was a menu, with a specific order, (which of course I forgot to grab), but all in all we sampled five beers; Hog Happy Hefeweizen, Dippity-Do American Brown Ale, Spicy Bohemian Pilsener, Hopstruck IPA and Maple-Kissed Wheat Porter. I did not find a single one disappointing. Here is what I remember thinking:

Hog Happy Hefeweizen: NOM.

Dippity-Do American Brown Ale: Double NOM! This would be delicious with a burger and big stack of fries.

Spicy Bohemian Pilsener: Sa-weet JESUS! Are you kidding me?! According to Throwback Brewery's Blog the Spicy Bohemian is "a seasonal that we do, which is our base pilsener recipe, dry-hopped with jalapeños." At first glance, this sounded thoroughly gross to me. I am not a huge spicy fan, and I tend to steer clear of food stuffs containing spicy peppers. HOWEVER - this beer was love at first whiff. It smells like smokey roasted peppers fresh from the oven. The aftertaste left the ever so slightest pleasant heat in my throat and chest. Major winner - I brought a growler of this beer home with me!

Hopstruck IPA Wow - I was extremely impressed that I liked this. I will admit, of the five tastings, the IPA was probably my least favorite. However, traditionally, I *loathe*despise*hate* IPAs, and it takes a damn good one to impress me. The Hopstruck has a very distinct citrus-y, almost perfume-y aftertaste, that reminded me of one of my favorite liqueurs, St. Germain.

Maple-Kissed Wheat Porter - The description of this beer is what drew me to Throwback's tasting in the first place. Maple? NOM. Alcohol? YAY. Maple+Alcohol=NOM-YAY! This is hands down the best porter that I've ever had in my life. All of the delicious earthiness of a dark beer without the bitter *I just licked dirt* aftertaste. I am smitten and in love. A growler of this beer came home with me too!

In closing - locals, you had better check Throwback Brewery out! If my glowing reviews have not been enough to convince you, consider this:

* Throwback Brewery is woman owned and operated by two very nice gals Annette and Nicole.

* Throwback Brewery strives to create beer that is sourced 100% from local ingredients and enjoyed in the local New England area.

* Throwback beers are unfiltered and hand bottled.

So go...no really RUN! You will not be sorry.

Currently, the brewery is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Many thanks to Annette and Nicole for hosting such a lovely event!