RYAN CASHMAN

Back in August of 2018, I was approached by then-editor Donna Roberson
about writing a beer column for The Pulse. Having worked
an internship and done several freelance stories for this publication,
having a regular column in which I could expose my opinions on various
alcoholic beverages was a no-brainer. I accepted the offer with
gusto.

Over the last three and a half years, I’ve travelled around Worcester
County to sample the tremendous drinking scene in our little slice
of Massachusetts. It started with Purgatory Beer Co. in my old hometown
of Whitinsville. The range expanded to Stone Cow in Barre,
Seven Saws in Holden, Lost Towns in Hardwick, Wachusett in Westminster,
3Cross in Worcester, and Tree House in Charlton to name
a few favorites.

I’ve written about my preferences – lighter beers, energetic flavors,
and IPA’s without too much hop – and the preferences of my family.
It’s been a journey of discovering what I like – that amazing cranberry
honey braggot from 3Cross – and what I don’t like – Redemption
Rock’s Blackstone Irish Dry Stout.

The greatest part of the adventure, though, was having the opportunity,
through writing, to explore the nooks and crannies of Worcester
County and see just how beautiful Central Mass is.

I’ve had beer overlooking bucolic fields and white steeple churches.
I’ve had beer in the middle of the woods, near the sound of a
cold-flowing river. I’ve had hard cider while discussing politics with a
local farmer. I’ve been able to witness, firsthand, Worcester’s transformation
into one of the leading cities in the Commonwealth once
again.

So, it is not without a fair degree of sadness that I say goodbye.
After a spring and summer of selling and searching, we’ve finally settled
in a small farmhouse in southwestern New Hampshire. Since I
am no longer local, it makes little sense to continue where I won’t be
as near to places as I once was. Also, it would feel a tad disingenuous
to try and keep a foot in on the Worcester beer scene.

So, my thanks to The Pulse and my editors, Donna, Sloane, and Josh.
And thanks to Paul Giorgio for the opportunity to keep writing.
And thank you, my readers for making this fun, and to all the past,
present, and future brewers of Central Massachusetts.
Keep discovering.

Thanks.
thepulsemag