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By J Frazzetta August 26, 2008 9:00 am

Like a stain that won’t come out of your favorite shirt: it’s Beer Spots. This is, obviously, part 3 in my series to enlighten folks about where to find good beer close to home. Sadly, this will be my last installment, until I find more spots that catch my taste buds. Let us now migrate to the Queen City herself, Manchvegas, more affectionately known as Manchester.

The North End Superette is located at the corner of Elm St and Fir St. One of my favorite spots, it is relatively close to Strangebrew and boasts one of the largest selections of beer in the state. The staff may not be able to point you to something suited to your taste, but there is plenty from which to choose. They offer ‘mix and match’ cases, along with keg specials. They carry many domestics and micros with a solid selection of imports and even a small wine area. For a very tiny store, it is a gem on Elm St to anyone looking to experiment.

Drinking Consultants, located right off Exit 6 on 93 North at Candia Rd, lives up to its name. This store might be my favorite.  The staff is very knowledgeable, and you can mix and match a six-pack for $8.99, depending on what you get. That part is crucial to any beer taster, why buy a whole six when you can try six different beers instead? A convenient location, these guys also boast a large beer selection, which they live up to. I completely recommend this store based on name alone. You certainly should consult them if you plan on trying anything out of your normal suds range. Plus, that blue awning is visible from the highway; you literally can see it a mile a way.

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By J Frazzetta August 5, 2008 9:00 am

Back, like a bad hangover, it’s Beer Spots! This is part two of my quest to find good stores to purchase quality beer and then share my findings with all of you. Trust me; the pasture is much greener outside of the supermarket. Let us move up from Massachusetts to my home territory of southern New Hampshire.

Jasper’s Homebrew and Wine Making Supply is right off Main Street, Nashua, on Temple Street. This place may look like a hole in the wall, but it is a treasure trove for the serious beer or wine enthusiast. It has an eclectic beer selection, consisting of many rare and limited brews. You can purchase by the six pack or individual bottles. They also supply all the goods you’d need to make your own beer or wine. Everything from bottles to barley they carry or can be ordered. Another cool tidbit is the 300 beer recipes to look through. Arranged by style of brew, this is a hot spot for me to talk with a very knowledgeable staff and try something new.

Next we have The Drink Shoppe in Hudson at 214 Central St. Set up like a warehouse, they have plenty of beer, some wine and tons of sodas and sports drinks from which to choose. Back to the beer, this is a good place to come, if you know what you want. With a great selection of local and import brews this is a fun place to check out. The Shoppe also shares residence with a butcher shop and every Friday, from 4-6, they host a beer and meat tasting. Each week they spotlight a different beer. Add some steak tips, and you have a good way to start your weekend.

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By J Frazzetta July 22, 2008 9:00 am

Every superhero has his or her one big secret, and I’m going to share mine with you: I don’t do all my beer tasting at Strangebrew. I know you’re shocked, but sometimes I have to bring my work home with me.

I’m going to share some of my favorite beer spots. I visit these places to purchase and discuss different beers. Say it with me now: road trip! Let’s start this week with Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.

Wine Society, located at the Pond View Place Plaza, is just a little further south than the Pheasant Lane Mall. Wine Society does have a great selection of local, national and international wines. They also have a small beer selection. The beers consist mainly of European imports and hard to find domestics. One thing to note: since they are located in Massachusetts they can carry higher potency beers. You certainly can find some 9 percents and a few scary 12 pecents that I have yet to try. This is a good stop for the adventurous beer drinker. They have a satellite store in Nashua at the Greystone Plaza. Check in for their monthly beer and wine tastings, as well as specials.

The Liquor Store is located next to Trader Joe’s, by the Tyngsboro 12 AMC Theater. Judging by the name, you can figure this establishment carries more than beer. You can buy hard alcohol, browse through wines and check their beer selection. Couldn’t find what you wanted? Just ask at the register and they’ll order whatever it is your heart desires. My friend Mark ordered a case of Sawtooth Ale from Colorado’s Left Hand Brewery, and now this shop carries that beer. This is a great stop after you hit up Trader Joe’s for some granola,because you need something to wash it down.

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