Like most lovers of proper beer, I always assumed the States was awash with fizzy brews. It was a very pleasant surprise to stumble onto an increasingly varied beer scene in NYC a few years ago. Since then I have discovered an ever growing range of beers Stateside that would get the most ardent CAMRA member excited.
When I first went to New York I wrongly assumed that this was the land of Bud Light and Coors. For someone who enjoys a beer that's tasty and characterful the prospect of gassy, flavourless pints whenever I visited was not one that I relished. But, the joy on discovering, first of all, the Heartland Brewery made my annual visits to the Big Apple even more desirable. The Heartland Brewery is a micro-chain based in and around Manhattan. Their range of brews are indicative of a European heritage but also distinctively American. I visit their bars every year. They do a decent burger and the beer is always on top form. For the purposes of this article I garnered my chums' opinions on a range of beers. Here's some thoughts on Heartland's most popular beers:
Cornhusker Lager: This is akin to a German Pilsener, rather than a lager. It's smooth and light with very little, if any, fizz. Golden and most definitely moreish.
Red Rooster Ale: A dry and woody ale with more than a hint of nuttiness. Actually really dry on the palette, but that's not a bad thing, you sip rather than quaff. This one's my favourite and I also find it slightly caramelly. It's nice and smooth and a slow burner to boot.
Indian River Light Ale: Maybe sticking your nose in someone else's beer is not a particularly nice thing to do, but we all did this because it claimed to smell of orange. And smell of orange it did. Very fresh, light and lively. This particular brew goes down far too well.
Indiana Pale Ale: Wow! Strong and bitter and totally different to a UK Pale Ale. This beer's got a real kick to it and, although light in colour, is by no means a light contender. This is one flavoursome beer that can easily knock you out, but the truth is that you wouldn't want more than a couple in any one sitting.
There are other beers, some seasonal, some one-offs, but these are regular features on Heartland's beer menu. I must add that this is not a hidden gem, rather it is a good little chain that is very visible to anyone visiting the city. the one I regulatory visit sits at the foot of the Empire State, for this is not a reason to ignore them. Visit a Heartland bar, it doesn't try too hard and always hits the mark with it's beer.
There's a decent number of allegedly Irish bars between Broadway and 5th and in the vicinity of the Empire State. Jack Demseys is one where you don't tend to find many tourists, rather a number of immigrants to New York from outta State. I've also always found a chatty welcome whenever I've sat at the bar. What to drink here? Mainly fizz, and I hear the Guinness is good, but I can never resist a Samuel Adams Boston Lager. Nice and smooth and hoppy. The place is full of sports memorabilia, mainly European football, and this is echoed by the huge amount of tv screens permanently tuned to ESPN. Foleys is a couple of doors down, same principals again, Irish by nature and filled with folk who'd relocated for work or University. Sam Adams Seasonal Winter Lager was the brew of choice here. Malty, a little bit fizzy and a deep chocolate brown. Not bad, but I prefer their Fall offering with a hint of pumpkin. If you're staying midtown and don't want to trek down to Greenwich, SoHo, Chelsea or Brooklyn where you'll find the trendier watering holes, there's no harm in staying local and enjoying decent beer without the crowds.
There's not a lot to recommend the BB Kings Blues Bar and Grill in terms of food and even music, most bands are tribute acts, not a bad thing, I saw a decent John Mellencamp tribute there, but it tends to be overpriced. They do, however, have a half decent ale brewed specifically for them. Magic Hat Blues Brew. Almost a cross between home brew, lager and bitter. Golden. Sweet. Vanilla aftertaste. Worth a visit for this alone.
There are many more ales and breweries worth exploring in NYC, but these are good starting points, and easy enough to find for the first time visitor. Most bars should offer Brooklyn IPA or Brooklyn Lager. These are easy on the palette and exported so you may find them in UK pubs as well. Still worth seeking out, I always do. Taste is, of course personal, but I have found that American breweries tend to offer a decent range of seasonal and regular beers to suit most palettes. One place I will avoid in the future, although the beer is superb, is McSorleys. This place features in most guides and has an enviable heritage. However, it tends to be a little too themed - sawdust on the floor, and an olde world approach aimed to recreate it's heyday. This would be tolerable were the place cleaner. The toilet doors open onto an eating area and the smell that hits you whenever they're opened is the most authentic of the historical touches.
But I don't want to end the article on a downer. NYC is a great place to get a decent be, and you don't have to look very hard to find one.
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