I had the opportunity to meet Suzanne Schalow, co-founder of Craft Beer Cellar, at the company’s flagship store in Belmont earlier this month. She was speaking at a Girls Pint Out Boston event, where we started chatting about local Massachusetts beers. Incredibly kind, and extremely knowledgeable about the craft beer industry, I immediately knew I wanted to feature Suzanne on Travel Like a Local: MA.

Outside of Craft Beer Cellar Belmont.

Inside of Craft Beer Cellar Belmont.

Local MA Beers at CBC Belmont.

About Craft Beer Cellar

Suzanne and her partner Kate Baker founded Craft Beer Cellar in 2010 in Belmont, MA. They now have 33 stores across 14 states (including 12 in Massachusetts). Their motto is “Beer Love,” and their goal is to deliver amazing beer, hospitality and education to beer lovers everywhere.

As the name implies, Craft Beer Cellar offers craft beer from around the world – including many beers from local breweries. (The flagship Belmont store has a whole section dedicated to Massachusetts beers alone). As such, Suzanne tastes a LOT of beer in her line of work. And so I was eager to pick her brain on some of the local brews she’s into right now.

“When you work in this industry, beers come and go, sometimes before we even have a chance to fall in love with them,” Suzanne explained. “But every now and then a beer sneaks in, grabs our attention and steals our hearts. It’s rare, but when it happens, we tend to take note,” she continued.

Below are five under-the-radar beers from local Massachusetts brewers that Suzanne recommends trying now, along with her thoughts on what makes them so special.

CBC “The Fog That Surrounds” / Photo Credit: Phil Cassella, Craft Beer Cellar

Small Change “A Little Rain” American Pale Ale.

True North “Vincianne” Belgian Blonde Ale.

Cambridge Brewing Company “The Fog That Surrounds” New England Double IPA (8% ABV)

“The Fog that Surrounds” is perfectly hazy, with a brilliant golden hue and a big, fluffy white head. The aroma and flavor of the hops just pop. You’ll taste juicy tropical fruits, like pineapple, mango and papaya. You’ll also find tangerine and grapefruit citrus (hop) character, with tiny notes of pine, lurking in the fog. The backdrop is perfectly kilned pale malt, wheat and likely some oat.

The alcohol threatens, with intense lacing in the glass, but this beer is smooth, balanced and everything an IPA lover wants in life. It’s also a limited batch, so may likely be out of the market soon. Which only means that strong attention needs be paid when Cambridge Brewing Company drops a new batch of IPAs. Their brewpub in Kendall Square is always a lovely place to hang for a bite and a beer, anytime.

Small Change Brewing Company “A Little Rain” American Pale Ale (4.8% ABV)

“A Little Rain” is Small Change’s Single-Hopped Mosaic American Pale Ale, with a sprinkle of the ‘New England-Style’ character. It’s got a touch of haze and a big personality for such a small beer at 4.8% ABV. You’ll taste loads of pineapple, mango, orange and grapefruit citrus, with a hint of blueberry. Just mesmerizing. They don’t currently have their own brewery, so there’s no place to visit – but if you see their beer in the wild, drink it.

Owners Mike Patterson and Emily Vides are pretty rad humans, with a zest for life and beer that stands out. I’ve known them for many years, and we’ve consumed and studied beer together. The beer that first got Boston’s attention in 2018 was their Dark Mild called “The Future is Unwritten,” which nailed the classic British style, and then some. I beg them every day to make more and I’m sure it will make its return in the fall.

True North Ale Company “Vincianne” Belgian Blond Ale (6.3% ABV)

I remember hearing that True North won a gold medal at last year’s World Beer Cup Awards, in the Belgian Pale Ale/Blond Category for their Vincianne and thinking … “who are they?” I couldn’t wait to check out the beer, which had only recently started to be distributed in the Boston area.

Vincianne is a perfect Belgian Blond – the judges were correct! The beer features esoteric and fruity Belgian yeast, with notes of banana, apple and pear. It has a moderate alcohol strength and a mostly dry finish, which lends to its drinkability and keeps us reaching back for another sip. True North’s brewery and tap room is located in Ipswich, MA, and is well worth a visit.

CraftRoots’ “Hop Mantra” IPA / Photo Credit: CraftRoots

Idle Hands “Gateshead” Saison/ Photo Credit: Idle Hands

CraftRoots Brewing “Hop Mantra” IPA (6.3% ABV)

I was blown away by the flavor of CraftRoots’ “Hop Mantra” IPA and how it balances the alcohol. It’s creamy and smooth, but drinks like a Session beer (below 4.5% abv). You’ll find big, bright notes of lemon, yuzu grapefruit, and orange citrus, with low to moderate bitterness that’s almost unnoticeable. It’s a very drinkable beer. Co-founders Maureen and Robin Fabry are wonderful people who have created quite the hang down in Milford, MA. If you’re in the hood, it’s a must visit.

(Editor’s Note: I also had a chance to speak with brewer Maureen Fabry to learn a little more about CraftRoots and the brewery’s commitment to the local community in MA, which I love. She explained that they use locally-grown and malted grain, and the majority of the hops they use come from a grower in western MA. “CraftRoots brews are truly grassroots and we aim to highlight the wonderful agriculture and local artisans right here in the Northeast,” said Maureen. “Supporting our local economy as well as sustainable agriculture is a core value for us,” she continued.)

Idle Hands Craft Ales “Gateshead” Saison/Farmhouse Ale (5.6% ABV)

Brett Bauer is one of the most quiet, yet talented brewers in the greater Boston area and this beer really shows his talent. A mixed-fermentation Saison with lemon peel, sage and honey, the beer is fermented in stainless steel and shows slights signs of tart or acetic character from the lactobacillus and/or brettanomyces. It’s unclear exactly how they fermented this one. But one thing is most certain: they understand the nuances and subtleties of adding simple ingredients to an already hearty beer, such as a Saison, with plenty of its own fruit and spice character. The sage and lemon remind me of an herbal tea, which melds nicely into the beer’s backdrop. Their taproom in Malden is open seven days a week and is where you can often find Head Brewer Brett or Owners Chris & Grace Tkach.

Want to learn more? Pop into the flagship Craft Beer Cellar store in Belmont (51 Leonard Street), where you’ll often find Suzanne and Kate, along with the rest of their incredibly talented team. They’re always happy to make recommendations on new beers to try, perfect pairings and more. Buy a few cans or bottles (mixed 6-packs are encouraged). And let us know what you like the most. Cheers!