Drinking In Boston: Blueberries for All

This is a guest post from beer fan Llalan Fowler.

Many contend that the Hefeweizen is the one true “summer drink.” Others, should they be more liquor-ly inclined, may argue for the mojito or even the mint julep. These are all fine drinks for lounging on the porch on a lazy, sticky Sunday afternoon. They are all refreshing and—more importantly—sweet. But they are best for the humid summers of Germany, Cuba, and Kentucky, respectively. We contend that the best summer drink for enjoying on the porch of a Boston triple-decker is, by far, a blueberry beer.

Blueberry beer?! We know: for some, putting fruit in beer is blasphemous; to others, just plain girly. But the best thing about blueberry beer is that it is not overwhelmingly sweet. In fact, the best varieties have a little bite to them—just as a proper Maine blueberry should. Blueberry brews are seasonal, local, delicious (even to the bitterest among us), satisfyingly refreshing, and—best of all—blueberries will dance around in it for you!

Before firing up the grill or just sinking into a chaise longue for the rest of the afternoon, pour yourself a cold pint of blueberry beer. And a word of advice to those adding your own blueberries: pour the beer first, then add the blueberries. The berries prefer to dive in, rather than being poured upon. Doing it the other way around will result in a massive head on your beer—so much foam, in fact, that it will be all over your hand, arm, clothes, and floor. But bear in mind that reverse blueberry beer makes for an excellent practical joke.

The Wachusett Blueberry and Sea Dog’s Blue Paw Wild Blueberry Wheat Ale are two popular choices that can be found at local liquor stores. Both have the advantage of also being wheat ales, and therefore already light and summery, but only Sea Dog is advertised as using real Maine blueberries. At Boston Beer Works, where they brew the lovely Bunker Hill Blueberry Ale, they add the bouncy berries for you. It’s not a wheat, but the blueberries are from Maine—the beer is delicious and as refreshing as their air conditioning.

Kick back with a blueberry brew (berries second) this weekend—your taste buds will thank you.