Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/489430
41 According to the Brewers Association's website, a craft brewery is defined as one with annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less; is independently owned; and whose flavor derives from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. Small and independent craft brewers are known for being passionate and innovative makers of full-flavored beer. Flavor is the key to the craft beer experience. Many are brewed seasonally, imbued with distinctive flavors and spices. Sometimes local ingredients set brews apart – like maple in Vermont, or leftover bourbon in barrels in Kentucky. Each craft brewer has its own unique blend, created after years of experimenting. Ed Brown likes to sample local beer whenever he travels, and suggests that others do the same. "I'd recommend asking when you're out, what do you have for local beer? It's always nice to support small business. It's interesting to me when I go on vacation to see what's going on locally in beer." Much like wine, craft beers are meant to be sipped and enjoyed with a meal, rather than simply as a thirst quencher. Many people like to pair their beer with their meal. For the past few years, The Snug has offered a craft beer menu, similar to a wine list, with all the seasonal beers they currently offer. The list gives a description of each selection, including the brewery and the alcohol by volume (ABV). Craft beers tend to have higher ABV than beer from large breweries. Brown has noticed that the industry is changing, with more choices in brewers and types of beer. He also sees more women drinking beer than ever before, "because craft beers are more flavorful, and they can be sipped." The Snug also offers a tasting sampler with 4 - 5 oz. servings of the beers of your choice. Craft beer is popular in ski areas, and that popularity has driven the demand off the slopes too. Being the go-to gathering place in Hingham, The Snug fills that demand locally. Walking in with friends after day's work and sampling the latest craft on tap is reminiscent of après ski: enjoying a locally brewed beer while regaling your friends with tall tales of your day on the slopes….or bragging about the big client you just landed. The Snug may just have that same mountain brew on tap. Although The Snug does keep up with trends in food, drink, and music, in many ways, it's still a throwback to an earlier time. Brown says "I see more and more people here having a conversation – in this day and age of phones and texting; people come here to chill out and have a conversation." That's exactly the way he and Ellen envisioned their little pub 12 years ago. As business owners of both The Snug and Ellen's Hingham Greenery on South St., Ed's message is clear: "We're very grateful for the support of all our loyal customers, old and new, and are looking forward to another great year of supporting charitable causes in town." "When people come to The Snug, put your cell phones away. It's the place where you'll always find a friend and a perfect pint of Guinness!" 116 North St, Hingham 781-749-9774 www.snugpub.com