By Matt Shaw
Chris and John Trogner, the geniuses behind the Tröegs Brewing Company, have recently graced our Commonwealth with their wares. In late January, the first bars and liquor stores in Boston received their shipments, and the supply quickly flowed out to Worcester County. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a pint of Nugget Nectar, which is being called an Imperial Amber Ale, at The Armsby Abbey shortly after its release. Man, what a beer. Tons of earthy, resiny hops coat the palate, blanketed by a semi-sweet malt backbone that smacks of red fruit and dirt (in a good way).
Julio’s Liquors in Westborough carries the full line of Tröegs, and it was there that I was able to procure a bottle of Hopback Amber (think of it as Nugget Nectar’s little brother), Rugged Trail Nut Brown Ale, and Dreamweaver Wheat. The Dreamweaver was remarkable: amazing earthy hops in refreshing balance to a beer that tasted strongly of blood orange. Perfectly delicious.
If you can get your hands on it, try a bottle of Tröegenator Double Bock. It’s a gigantic, sticky malt-bomb that gives a delightful warming effect as it goes down. This brew is certain to put hair on your chest. Keep an eye out for their next seasonal, Sunshine Pils, which is due out soon.