New Haven, CT

Greetings from green and pristine Connecticut where even the fire stations look like prep schools. Thanks to 95N road work along the NY/CT border, we arrived at our 1st beer destination thirstier than ever. Delaney's Taproom accommodated us on the patio with the first round: the much sought-after New England Brewing Co. Ghandi-bot Double IPA for Kelly and the Sebago Boathouse Brown (from Maine) for Katie.

After a power nap and leisurely stroll around Yale's campus we ventured to The Cask Republic in downtown New Haven. We started with a round from New England: 668 Neighbor of the Beast (Belgian Strong Pale Ale) for Kelly and Gold Stock Ale (an American strong ale only 6.5% ABV) for Katie. Our enthusiasm garnered us an invitation to the vintage bottle cellar where beer greats such as The Bruery's Black Tuesday and New England's Imperial Stout Trooper taunted us from their 60-degree shelves.

Next we split a 500mL bottle of New England's Wet Willy, a Scotch Ale, in which we were surprised and pleased to detect notes of oak. Kelly finished the night with Rogue's Double Dead Guy, an American Strong Ale / Double Maibock.