Best…Beer…Ever…

One of the things my wife and I look forward to every fall is the arrival of the “Smiling Pumpkin Ale” at NY’s Heartland Brewery. Last night we made our annual pilgrimage, and it was so good that I had to let all my peeps know what was what. Heartland is a rarity in NYC, as it is actually a chain. Now in every other state in the US, chains are pretty much where it’s at. But not here in the rotten apple. In fact, no one really eats at TGI Fridays, Applebees, or Olive Garden, even though you can find one or two scattered around the city. Basically, NYC is the Mecca of food and these places are just for tourists (and usually exist in Times Square, another place New Yorkers avoid like the H1N1). In other words, if the best, most authentic Italian food is here, then why would you ever eat at Olive Garden? If you live in NYC, you have to go to one of there 6 locations to try one of these delicious and seasonal drafts. If you visit New York City, this place is perfect for you, because it’s basically the same thing as an Applebee’s or Fridays, but good. But the food is not really what we’re talking about here. The beer is available in half pints, pints, or 23 oz glasses, and is the most delicious beer I’ve ever had, which is exactly what keeps me coming back year after year. It is made with things like pumpkin, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, and how could that possibly not taste delicious in a beer? Trust me it is worth the trip! Oh, and did I mention that they brew it themselves, and that it is 5.75% alcohol? Yep. I had 3.

I also recommend their apricot ale, and oatmeal stout, which is a lot like Guiness, for all you serious beer drinkers. Not sure what you want, you can order a beer sampler which is exactly what you think it would be: Awesome! So get yourself down to Heartland Brewery and try one of their “Smiling Pumpkin Ales.” Or offer to buy me one, and I’ll meet you there myself!