Violet B

My family spent a lovely long weekend in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for the Thanksgiving holiday.

As per tradition, before we head home we stop for lunch and growler refills at Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery.

It's pretty cool to be greeted and sat at our "usual" table. Especially since, as much as we would like to be, we're not local and don't get to the Moat nearly as often as we'd like to.

The food is always delicious, but this lunch was particularly amazing. I've had many a good meal at Moat Mountain, but this was definitely one of the best ones I've ever eaten here.  We got the hush puppies that are served with a side of real maple syrup, those are always yummy. However, on the recommendation of our server, I ordered the boneless braised short ribs. The short ribs were fall apart, mouthwatering, melt in your mouth wonderfulness! Hubby got the bison burger, which he refused to share if that says anything about how good his meal was.

Selecting a  beer was a no brainer! Violet B's Blueberry, a good choice any time. But to me, it tastes like New Hampshire and it simply makes me happy to drink it. When Moat tweeted me asking what I thought of this batch, I was happy oblige. Of course, I'm happy to offer my opinion whether or not I'm asked.

Violet B's - aka Violet Beauregarde - is so named after the gum chewing, bloated character from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory fame.  She was one of my favorite characters and I think it's the perfect name for this beer.

Moat Mountain uses 30 to 60 pounds of fresh blueberries per batch.  They are shipped in from nearby Maine, which is pretty much a hop, skip and a jump away from the brewery.   Since Violet B's is brewed year round, the berries are frozen and then the juice is steam extracted right before they add it to the fermentor.

Violet B's (4.5% ABV)  pours a hazy straw color with a medium white head.  The aroma is a burst of fresh blueberry.

The blueberries are front and center in this beer. This batch was really fresh and fruity without being overly sweet. Not a lot of wheat flavor, but the grain adds to the smooth drinkability of the brew.

Violet B's is simply a great quaffable beer; it goes down way too easy. The low alcohol content is a bonus because you're going to want to drink more than just one. I did! I always do!

We love it so much, we brought home three growlers of blueberry goodness. When we run out, we'll be back for more!

I love it here!