In the not so distant past, Beer Works (there’s 6 of them) was a brewpub synonymous with the “safety brew” or “introductory brew” label. Their beers were good, but nothing worth shouting about from the mountain tops. I have friends, to this day who dismiss Beer Works because they weren’t overly impressed with the Pale Ale they tried 6 years ago. I’ve heard other people whine about Beer Works being a chain. Really? Come on people! Get over it! Beer Works…for us all! They’ve earned another looksee and another tastee…or two, or three.
Despite the negative connotation of “introductory brew”, we should be grateful that Beer Works still brews them. This truly is a pleasant means to “introduce” folks to a better way of beer. They fight our battle of trying to convince family and friends that “craft” beer is a far better beer. A trip to our local (hyper-local) Hingham Beer Works conveys that message way better than any spoken words. Their beer is good…always was, but nowadays they’ve listened to the seekers, the converted, the choir, the preachers of the Beer Gospel and have risen to help nourish the parishioner’s thirst for a righteous beer. Praise be to HOPS! (And Barley, Water and Yeast, of course). Note to self: Best not to be writing about beer on Sundays.
The truth is; Beer Works provides us our “Daily Bread”… in liquid form. And they appeal to many diverse faiths! There are Light Lagers, Pale Ales, Milds, Stouts, Reds, IPA’s, Fruity (Pumpkin and Bluebeery) and Traditional Seasonals. Plus now they offer Cask-conditioned (Real Ale) Specials. You’ll also find Imperial Pales, Double IPA’s, Potent Stouts and Baltic Porters. In addition to these amped up brews, the brewers of each locale release somewhat experimental, one-of-a-kind offerings called the Over Time Series. How about a Rosemary Imperial IPA, made with fresh rosemary? Delicious! The Imperial ESB Beer Worked for me very nicely! My Stella Artois-drinking mother-in-law started with the Golden Ale and is now ordering Imperial Beers. She’s being converted! Halleluiah! Can I get an Amen?
If I have a complaint regarding their beers it’s that they change it up a little too often for my tastes. I really liked the Winter Solstice. Their Baltic Porter, while a bit over-the-top for the style, made me beery cheery on a damp, dreary evening last week and they’re both already gone. Oh well, maybe next year…
The food menu is equally varied. There’s something for nearly everyone and the price is very reasonable. I can personally vouch for the Burgers (try the Fenway Burger). The Hummus Platter is a meal for two. The Pizza’s crust is made with spent grain from the beer. Waste not, want not! BBQ Ribs anyone? (1/2 rack is PLENTY!) If you opt for the Philly Cheese Steak, just ask for extra napkins. My wife orders the Sesame Ginger Stir Fry and I can’t resist sneaking a bite. Even if a tad greasy, we enjoyed the Chicken Mole Empanadas with dipping sauce. And take it from my niece; The Big Dig Brownie Sundae is worth the visit alone. Take advantage of the Beer Works Member Card. I got $10 off, plus a 10% discount on my last family visit. It’s like having a complete stranger chip in towards the bill and we didn’t have to deal with his/her boorish behavior and/or silence.
If you haven’t visited a Beer Works in the last few years, Hop on over!
Hingham Beer Works
18 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA 02043
781.749.BEER hingham@beerworks.net
Sunday - Thursday 11 AM - Midnight
Friday & Saturday 11 AM - 1 AM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 AM - 2 PM
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