Relatively early in my craft beer drinking history I was lucky enough to discover Carton Brewing and their flagship Boat Beer. I have mostly Lou (The Rager) to thank for that. We decided to go visit the brewery when Carton was still very new and my love for their beers progressed from there.
Boat Beer is the perfect session ale. It has the flavor and complexity of an IPA with the alcohol level lower than many pale ales. At only 4.2% abv you can easily have a few and they get better with each one. It is incredibly refreshing making it perfect for a summer day, or if you are like us, any day. Since it is so good for all day drinking, Lou and I decided it would be perfect for our Memorial Day party last year. It was out first sixtel of Boat, and as Chris Carton would say, our first can.
Since then we have had sixtels and half barrels for many events and have been known to finish them off faster than anyone else. We have gotten to know the wonderful people that make Carton come to life. So, when I heard that Boat Beer was finally going to be put into cans I knew I had to get my hands on some. It was unexpected, a well-kept secret. Augie tweeted about it on Wednesday as the beer was being canned, announcing availability for Thursday. I immediately cleared my schedule for Thursday night for the hour long trip to the brewery.
With only 400 cases available for the foreseeable future it was important for me to get some. I arrived at the brewery relatively late and they had already sold 50 cases. For a small brewery that has never canned before to sell that in two hours on a Thursday night with no pre announcement, I was quite impressed. I personally don’t think the remaining 350 cases will survive the weekend.
Boat Beer is the best.
Keep up the amazing work Carton crew!
This just makes me thirsty..