Real Ales From New England and Real England

"I keep seeing the word 'hoppy' and misreading it as 'happy,'" says one of our drinking companions, leafing through the NERAX beer list. "You're not misreading," Bostonist replies, between sips of Bishop's Farewell. Our first pint at the New England Real Ale Exhibition is golden, fruity, and, in the end, bitter.

Held in Davis Square's Dilboy Post, NERAX feels like a cozy neighborhood pub with too much light and not enough seating. Those familiar with the Beer Advocate's fests in the Cyclorama should expect the exact opposite in size (it's in a VFW) and ambience (traditional VFW wood paneling) though not in quality: NERAX serves up cask-conditioned beers from breweries in New England and old England, many of them grapefruity summer ales and, to Bostonist's delight, smoky porters and stouts. The stack of beers occupies an entire wall, and the firkins are labeled with recognizable names (Young's, Sam Adams) as well as ones you'd have to drive far out of your way to find (Willimantic!) and a few you're lucky to see on our side of the Atlantic. A stapled booklet provides a detailed catalogue of the beer selection with spaces for your own notes.

Bostonist advises attendees to purchase the larger version of the required official glassware, so that you can take advantage of the rather generous half-pint pours that are well worth your $2.50. All NERAX glasses are $5.00 each, reimbursed if you return them when you leave. We recommend spending the refund on sobering up at the nearby Diesel Cafe (257 Elm Street).

New England Real Ale Exhibition
George Dilboy Post #529
371 Summer Street (at Cutter Avenue), Somerville
6:00-10:30 pm Thursday and Friday, noon to 4:00 pm and 6:00-10:30 pm Saturday
$6 at the door (no advance tickets)