A Blast From My New England Past

Good evening and Happy Friday!

Tonight's beverage of choice... Wow, an unfiltered IPA from Ipswich Ale Brewery. I haven't had one of these since I left Boston. Not sure why, but I have this memory of IPAs from Mass. and Maine having this unfiltered "gritty" taste that you don't seem to find in other craft brews around the country, or at least the ones I've tried.

I found this beer last night at the funky Common Market next door to the Whiskey Warehouse following an impromptu "team building" session at the Whiskey's rooftop bar, known as Top Shelf. It has a great view of the city skyline and seemed perfect for celebrating International Stout Day.


I had the Carolina stout from Duck-Rabbit, their Milk Stout. Believe it or not my first one ever. Self proclaimed "dark beer specialists," they're "lightest" beer is an amber ale. The stout was good, but would love to try it on draft.

While the Whiskey is very cool, we probably would have gone to VBGB Beer Hall & Garden at the NC Music Factory. But, they were closed due to a private party. I found out yesterday that it was closed for the wrap party for the Showtime series "Homeland" (Sundays after Dexter). I was sworn to secrecy, but today they posted a video from the party so I guess the secret is out.



That's Damian Lewis singing, who you might also recognize from the HBO mini-series "Band of Brothers," and Claire Danes is in the front row enjoying the band's performance.

I kicked off tonight's LIVE from The Woodside shuffle with the following song by the Tedeschi Trucks Band, these guys are good.



- Salud!

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