Thirsty Thursdays Are Here

It’s an easy thing to call the word brewery a synonym for a bar. Similarities between the two spaces abound. Alcohol, people, physical bars, and stools. That said, a divide exists, keeping the two words as close cousins rather than identical twins. It’s difficult to sit here and pick apart all of the things that separate the two spaces. Let’s just start with acknowledging there are differences.

I would never suggest giving one preferential treatment over the other. Bars can be gateways into the brewery scene. They were for me. If it weren’t for the delightful Mac and cheese at Publick House in Brookline, Massachusetts and a disgusted lament from an ex-boyfriend on how I always pick the same beer, I wouldn’t have discovered my love for Victory’s Golden Monkey and sparked a wanderlust for new beer options. More importantly, you wouldn’t be reading an article on breweries and craft beer from me.

No two breweries are precisely the same. Yes, you will see identical equipment. Often, you’ll see the same tables and chairs set up around their tasting space. But, like wands in the Harry Potter universe, each brewery is built with its own unique core.

Breweries, for the most part, offer a full afternoon of relaxation and adventure for the palette. Many allow you to bring your own picnic lunch or order food from nearby restaurants. Others partner with local food trucks to provide a variety of ways. And, still, some go farther and extend into the culinary world in their own.

Entertainment goes beyond people watching and the enjoyment of your own party’s company. Live bands and open mic nights are staples. Yoga, sporting events and trivia spackle event lists. Let’s not to forget my favorite, brewery tours. Yes, the process for making beer was nailed down a long time ago. Which means every tour is going to cover the same topics. It’s how they cover or in some cases, don’t cover those topics and how they opt to share their own take on the process that interests me.

What about beer? Right.

Craft beer has thrust variety on the consumer. Light pilsners are no longer the Kings of the pint glass. Find the hop craze too much? No problem. Peruse the Belgians. Prefer malty goodness? There’s something in beer’s little black bag for you. One size fits all doesn’t exist in the brewery world unless you are looking at their collection of baseball hat merch.

So how do you choose when the world is your oyster? Trial and error. Oh, and a little help from your friends.

Thursdays on Nerd Girl will henceforth be dubbed Thirsty Thursdays and will feature reviews of breweries and brews. Being an East Coast Girl, my reach only extends so far. My good friend CJ Coyne will be stepping in to offer her take on beer she’s exploring on the West Coast so we can cover more ground.

CJ’s palette is far and away more refined than mine. There isn’t a flavor or note that escapes her tastebuds. Most importantly, she won’t steer you wrong. My job is to challenge myself to rise to her level of excellence.

Cheers Nerd Girls!