Friday, May 8, 2009

Beer is Good

A few weeks back we took a drive up to Chatham Brewing to see what's what.

Located down the end of an alley just off of Main Street (near Ralph's Pretty Good Cafe), Chatham Brewing is what a PR-chick might describe as a "boutique operation." With three small vats brewing 100 gallons each of IPA, Amber Ale and Porter -- it looks more like a home brew kit gone mad than a fledgling operation.


Yet despite its modest looks, the line of Chatham beers packs a powerful punch. We took home a growler of IPA (Retail $10 + two bucks for deposit on the jug). The IPA is the lowest in ABV (alcohol content), tasted light but had a full body taste (yeah, like I know what I'm talking about).

Since I don't really know what I'm talking about (I drink Bud Light when Sam Summer is out of season), I'll let you know that Chatham Brewing recently got "the nod" from NYC's Dive Bar owner Lee, a guy who does know a lot about good beer (and wine!), and who regularly showcases new brewers and craft ales. Lee now carries Chatham's goods under a Dive Bar label, as well as Chatham's own.

Chatham Brewing is open every Saturday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. to meet all of your growler needs. Though be warned, we tried to visit Chatham Brewing about a year ago in the winter and they were closed due to a "Growler Shortage" (personally I think the brewer was probably skiing). But you gotta love a beer brewer who understands the depths of despair that come with a "beer emergency."


As an added bonus, John spotted this authentic UK Mini-Cooper parked on Main Street in Chatham, where we took some snaps (Yes, I am that tall, and yes, the Mini is that small).

Chatham or Portobello Road?

We look forward to imbibing CB's beer and ales both here (on tap at Radio Mexico in Hudson and at home) and when we're in the city (where I enjoyed the Amber Ale at Dive 75).

Cheers!

4 comments:

modernemama said...

Had no idea that the jug was called a growler, have to try the ale when I get to Dive Bar....

Timothy Reed said...

It took us some doing to find the brewery. You have to take a left at the pub in the middle of the block and walk a few doors in. We definitely regretted not buying and filling another growler! That IPA was good stuff.

(Set 3 minds at something simple like finding the brewery and it will get done - eventually!)

Jean Martha said...

that picture is classic! please tell me you posted a copy on the fridge too!

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