SHANNON JUTRAS

Dear Drinkers,

The days are getting longer and the extended winter that was promised to us by a certain groundhog has almost melted away. March is a funny month for New Englanders, with random warm days interrupted by the occasional blizzard warning. It can be confusing to decide how to dress or what to drink. We might be enjoying a crisp Pilsner on the porch, only for the sun to set and realize we’d rather be cozied up with a barrel-aged stout and a warm blanket.

Fear not, fermented beverage aficionados. As the season changes we have unique opportunities to choose a delicious beverage to help us mark time with intention, like a butterfly suspended in its chrysalis, except with beer.

In spite of its reputation as the worst month ever, there are many such occasions to celebrate in March, such as International Women’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Spring Solstice, and, not to be forgotten, National Cheese Doodle Day. I’ve chosen a few such occasions below and paired them with locally crafted beverages to help you commemorate any weather, holiday, or personal triumph in style.

St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patty’s is the most conspicuous day in March to celebrate, and celebrate we should, but before we go any further, I have a favor to ask. Please (please) do not drink dyed-green beer. Ever. You, a grown person with fully developed taste buds, do not need this.
I digress. The obvious choice for this holiday is Irish Stout. Invented and made famous by Guinness, there are delicious, local options inspired by this classic style. A common misconception is that Irish Stout is a “heavy” beer. In fact, it is a low-alcohol, mildly roasty beer with a subtly tart finish and a creamy texture when served from a distinctive nitrogen tap. Redemption Rock’s “Blackstone Stout” is a lovely nod to the style, and available year-round. It also pairs beautifully with coffee from their taproom.

Unexpected Blizzard
A late winter blizzard is your chance to go big and stay home. It’s a classic New England tradition to be absolutely astonished by a snowstorm in March, and you can use winter’s surprise last hurrah as an excuse to linger by the fireplace with something deep and dark. Charlton Beer Company’s Coffee Bean Porter is a companionable choice. Rich and full-bodied with balanced bitterness and a hint of fresh roasted coffee, a beer like this is best enjoyed in your favorite sweater while Billie Holiday plays in the background.

The Shower Beer
We end with the most casual of rituals, one you can enjoy today: The Shower Beer. This experience requires neither pretense nor clothes. The beer you crack for this occasion must have two critical attributes, however. It must be crisp, and it MUST be in a can. Do not try to bring an open glass into your shower. Trust me on this. A particularly refreshing local choice is Oakholm’s Tractor Bier. A bright and balanced American lager with biscuity, crackery notes, this well-conditioned beer is unassuming and crushable, reminding us that lawnmower beer season isn’t so far off after all. Rumor has it this is an excellent pairing for cheese doodles as well, but you’ll just have to try it and see for yourself.
Oh, March. Will it be the best of times, will it be the worst of times? I’m a brewer not a psychic, but I predict it is the perfect time to make your own good time. Choose your moment, choose your beer, PAUSE. Something worth celebrating is on the horizon for you.