2008 was a busy year for Blackstone Aleworks. I can safely say that thirty-something batches of beer brewed this year bolstered my drive to make this brewery a reality; twenty medals in six different competitions (including two Best of Shows) really helped validate I’m trying to accomplish. I’ve been mostly dormant since December, with inclement weather interfering with plans for outdoor boils, but I hope to resume brewing soon.

Last I checked, the Honest Town/Blackstone Aleworks collaborative 80-Shilling ale was still on tap at the Dive Bar, and probably also at the Dark Horse/12 Crane in Southbridge. Although we haven’t discussed the finer points yet, there seems to be a good chance that Honest Town will continue to brew this beer, which will really help me get my name and product out in advance of starting a proper brewery. As always, we are grateful to Ben for that opportunity. Also, Alec (of the Armsby Abbey & Dive Bar) facilitated a barrel of the 80/- getting tapped at the famous Publick House of Brookline, which is quite exciting.

At the “home bar,” we have: a fair amount of 80/- on tap and a 3% dark mild, a maibock (a touch too bitter and possibly having some questionable fermentation character), my first cider (not bad at all), and a cream ale (probably the lightest, most drinkable beer I’ve brewed to date). The maibock, cream ale, and the remnants of my last American pale ale were also submitted to the Samuel Adams Patriot homebrew contest, so keep your fingers crossed.

Lastly, I was recently contacted by Gary Glass (Director of the American Homebrewers Association) regarding my best-of-show Organic IPA recipe. Evidently, an upcoming issue of Zymurgy will feature a story on organic brewing, and my recipe will be included. I’m very honored to be mentioned in the grandfather of all homebrewing publications!