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Nicole Simeone
Altruist Brewing
It may be winter, but that’s not about to stop spur of the moment jaunts. This latest lark was decided in a Lowe’s parking lot when we admitted to ourselves and each other that adulting was the last thing we wanted to do. So, we decided to leave our errands undone and scooted off to Old Sturbridge Village.
A sojourn in a rural village from the early 19th century left us thirsty. A quick drive back to the 21st century and down the road brought us to a large, converted mill building. From the front, you’d think the space was full, basement to ceiling, with antiques. As you drive around the building, you’ll find some space has been carved out for a brewery.
This was not the first time we had stopped in to Altruist Brewing. We popped in after taking in Six Flags’ Holiday in the Park light display just after Christmas. The cozy brewery was full to the brim with patrons enjoying the live music and reveling with friends. The atmosphere was different on this second trip, quieter and less busy, but no less inviting. The taproom even put on some cologne for us, that distinct, wheaty wort fragrance. Yes, the brewers were off in the back corner, toiling away at a new batch of beer. The equipment in plain sight of guests so they can get a look at how the magic happens.
Altruist’s motto is “Love the Beer,” and their menu certainly reflects that. Both times we have stopped in, the options ran the gambit of beer styles. Probably because it was busy, we didn’t go for the flight option to get a taste of everything. This last time we didn’t either. The only thing I could think of is, well, we weren’t really thinking about variety.
I had come back with a particular beer in mind. Snowflakes and Moonbeams (6.4%), their gingerbread winter ale. I didn’t ask, and I probably should have, but I have a feeling the beer’s name is a nod to the Christmas classic Scrooged. Gingerbread might put some people off. I, myself, hesitated since there is a razor’s edge for success with the molasses laden treat. I was not disappointed.
Bringing the glass up to my nose might as well have brought me back to Mom’s kitchen. Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg come up from the dark brown, nearly black, colored beverage. The spices from the nose mingle with caramel and molasses with a hint of chocolate. The beer’s body was lighter than I expected, which offset the intense flavors. I had the option for a cookie/sugar rim, which I declined. This beer didn’t need any help bringing across its flavors.
The other beer in the image above is the Wallonia Saison (5.2%). Again, I didn’t ask about the names, but from what I can tell, this is a reference to a French-speaking region of Belgium. An apt name for a Saison. I must say, there is something about Sturbridge, MA, and Saisons. Rapscallion down the road has several in their lineup. And now I find one here. The town must be a safe haven for Belgian style beers.
CJ would hate this one right from the outset. A peppery nose wafts up from the glass with this pale golden beverage. The spice carries down into the flavor of the beer in cloves, although they do not overpower the senses. Banana rises up to mingle with the clove and finishes slightly floral on the back end, making for a refreshing treat.
On the hoppier side, we tried Exit 9 and Hazed and Confused. Exit 9 (5%) is a Pale Ale and the pale yellow beverage on the right in the image above. I couldn’t pick up a nose on this beer. Whether because there wasn’t one or if the wort in the air was tricking my senses, I can’t say. Fresh lemon rises up on the palette first, followed up by a bit of flavor from the malt. Exit 9 has a mild bitter finish. This is an easy-drinking pale ale made for afternoons on the porch. With any luck, this beer will be on at the height of summer. I can see it pairing very well with an August afternoon spent in 1776.
Last but not least, I come to Hazed and Confused (6%), a New England style IPA. This beer hits all of the trademarks of a NE IPA. As you can see from the picture above, it has the signature hazy appearance with a decent, foamy head. I got orange/citrus notes with a hint of floral characteristics off of the nose. And from there, the citrus took over, ending with the hoppy bitterness you would expect.
If you get peckish sipping on the delightful offerings of this fine establishment, they have a small selection of treats to be purchased. Their sandwiches and pretzel are deliciously delightful. The pretzel, in particular, being perfectly pillowy and satisfying. I forgot to take a snap of the food while I was there. I was absorbed in the delectable spinach and feta sandwich. It won’t be the last time we pop in, so I’ll give an update on the next trip down there.
Cheers, Nerd Girls!
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