NOT THE PBR IN THE FRIDGE?:

Author's Picks: Best of the Upper Valley Beers (Dan Mackie, 6/14/06, Valley News)

Here are the author's Upper Valley region picks:

* Flying Goose Brew Pub and Grille, New London: Crockett's Corner Oatmeal Stout: “Pours a deep ruby color with lightly roasted notes, the flavor mixes roasted malts and a decided smoothness to achieve a very drinkable stout.'’

* Seven Barrel Brewery, West Lebanon: Champion Reserve IPA: “Pours with a hazy, deep golden color and offers strong floral hop aromas. The IPA possesses a zesty hop flavor, with slight, earthy notes and a nice chewy malt character as a balancing point. The beer finishes with a nice, sharp, hoppy exit.''

* Long Trail Brewing Co. Bridgewater Corners: Double Bag: “While I enjoy each of Long Trail's well-built selections, the gloriously malty Double Bag combines the best of German brewing. The strong ale includes a substantial malt base, followed by a healthy dose of noble hops to make a very drinkable, warming beer.'’

* Jasper Murdock's Alehouse, Norwich Inn, Norwich: Jasper Murdock's Private Stock. “This is akin to picking favorites among your children. Tim Wilson's excellent English-style ales are all well-rounded, but the Private Stock is really something special A very limited-edition strong ale made with hops from the Inn's own hop garden, this beer is a wonderful mastery of malt and hops.’’

* Harpoon Brewery, Windsor. 100 Barrel Series: “Brewed on site here at the Windsor facility, these specialty releases are bottled in 22-ounce packages and appear only once. The brewers take turns designing and brewing the beers, which have included a Smoked Porter, Barleywine and Maibock.''