"Brewers Helping Neighbors"

On April 8th a craft beer tasting and gathering is being held at USES' Harriet Tubman House. With the purchase of a ticket you receive a tasting glass, a selection of craft beer, food, and entertainment. Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will benefit the United South End Settlements (USES). Local breweries sponsoring the tasting are Sam Adams, Blue Hills, Harpoon, and Mayflower. The gathering begins at 7pm and ends at 9:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.uses.org. USES' Harriet Tubman House is located at 566 Columbus Avenue in Boston, MA 02118 and can be reached via public transportation, so use it.

La Fee Verte (the green fairy)

The Green Fairy flies again at Deep Ellum bar in Alston.

What I’m talking about is absinthe folks. That green liquid that Vincent Van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Johnny Depp were and have become famous for drinking. This once illegal substance was banned from the United States back in 1912 but has made a return to local bars in the Boston area. Deep Ellum in Alston was one of the first bars in Boston to begin serving absinthe after its revival late in 2007.

Absinthe’s reputation has always been its ability to cause hallucinations for those who imbibe. Created from wormwood and other herbs by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire back in the 1700’s; the substance received the nickname “La Fee Verte” (the green fairy) from it’s consumers.

Absinthe is served straight at Deep Ellum or in a drink called The Contraband. The brand of Absinthe that Deep Ellum pours is called Lucid and contains 62% abv. so keep track of the number of glasses you drink.

Cigarmasters

There are few bars remaining in Boston that allow their clients to smoke a fine cigar and enjoy a good brew. Around 2001 the state of Massachusetts began its state wide ban of smoking in all public establishments. Cigarmasters located in the Back Bay District of Boston is the exception to this law. The reason for its exception is that smoking laws in Boston require that 60% of total business sales must be tobacco.

When stopping in for a smoke try the Goulden Dark beer from Belgium. It’s the perfect beer to sooth your throat while you enjoy one of the many fine cigars that Cigarmasters has to offer. For more information visit:

www.cigarmasters.com

The Penguin

Not long ago, I was sitting in what I consider to be one of the better kept secrets of Mission Hill. It was a Friday night and inside, The Penguin was beginning to fill up rapidly with local patrons. My friends and I had just sat down at the bar to peruse the beer menu consisting of over 300 bottles and taps. I chose a 22oz Arrogant Bastard and had just began to pour it when my friend looked over to me and asked if we should move. When I asked what for? He motioned towards Mayor Menino who was standing right behind us. At the time, The Penguin was so busy that Mayor Menino could not find a place for him and a couple of his staff to eat.

St. Patrick's Day with Harpoon

St. Patty's day is right around the corner and so is Harpoon's St. Patrick's Day Festival. This weekend, Friday, March 5 from 5:30pm-11:00pm and Saturday, March 6 from 2:30pm-9:00pm, Harpoon is going to be selling and serving up Irish food, music and most importantly beer to all those who attend their St. Partrick's Day festival. Tickets are available at the door so show up early to get yours.