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Name: Merrimack Ales
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Location: Lowell, MA. Home of Jack Kerouac.
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History: Merrimack Ales just celebrated its one year anniversary last September. They combine an appreciation for the science of beer making with a passion for trying and perfecting new crafts. Look for an expanded tap room in 2017!
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Recommended Brews: I had the good fortune of recently spending time with the owner, Adam, and he was generous with the samples. I tried a few from the starting rotation and a few from Merrimack's Hypothesis Series, a line of rotating, experimental brews.
From the starting lineup, I most enjoyed First Article, a dry hopped rye IPA that does a good job juggling both the sweetness and spiciness of the malts. From the Hypothesis Series, I thoroughly enjoyed both the Horrorshow 2.0 and the Obligatory 2.1. Horrorshow is a nice showcase of 5 hops (including Citra, one of my personal favorites) that resembles everybody in the area’s favorite go-to beer: the juicy NE IPA. Obligatory 2.1 is an extremely well-balanced pale ale. I hope both of these beers make the final cut.
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While you're in the area: No reason why Lowell can’t become the next Everett. When you’re done enjoying the low-key vibes and beer at Merrimack, you can swing over to Navigation Brewing Company. Lowell is also home to a member of the Beer Works family, if you are looking for a more familiar face.
Further into the Merrimack Valley, you can do some pie shopping in Methuen. Seriously, for some of the best berry pies in the state you can visit Mann Orchards, and if you want an exceptional alternative for lunch, grab some meat pies at Thwaites Market. A twist on the traditional English mince pies, Thwaites serves up everything from buffalo chicken pies to pork pies.
Learn more here: http://merrimackales.com/
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