Went to the New England Real Ale Exhibition (NERAX) in Somerville, MA last night. The idea of this beer exhibition is that you get to try a variety of British and American (mostly New England based) beers that are cask conditioned. Typically I've found at this event you'll find a few clunkers, a couple of gems, and the rest decent but mostly unmemorable. I do think these beers are best enjoyed in the atmosphere of a nice pub rather than an overcrowded VFW hall but this is really the only chance I get to try some of these British beers so it's worth going. Last night my favorite was one of the most unassuming beers on the whole list called Potholer from the Cheddar brewery in Somerset, UK. It's described simply as a Best Bitter but it was in such perfect condition that I could have drank gallons.
http://cheddarales.co.uk/
There were a few others that I liked such as the Edinburgh Gold from Stewart Brewing in Scotland:
http://www.stewartbrewing.co.uk/?ageapprove=yes
... and a hoppy "Export India Porter" from Kernal Brewing of London
http://www.thekernelbrewery.com/
All in all a good time, although I look forward to the day NERAX moves to a larger venue and is less crowded with places to sit.
One of these days it will fall on a weekend I don't work.
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