Internet connectivity and late stops left me without a way to do some updates. Day 7 got off to an early start as I headed up to Maine. I forgot about those liquor store exits on the highways in New Hampshire. I arrived at Allagash Brewing on a hot day and found a nice shady parking spot. I ordered a glass of Coolship Resurgam. Resurgam was very dry and tart but well-balanced and so refreshing. I intended to order myself a lobster roll, but I was feeling off, and the thought of loads of Mayo on a hot day was just not appetizing. I p[kicked out a nice selection of bottles and six of their famous White beers.
The next stop was a couple of miles over and into a construction zone where I just ran in to Oxbow and grabbed my pre-order, and got out of there. I wanted to give myself enough time to drive over the New Hampshire mountains to get to Hill Farmstead with time to spare. It’s always a gamble on those long mountain roads. Get behind one slow vehicle, and your timetable is toast. But I made it over with plenty of time.
I wanted to ensure I got a bottle order in time, so I stood in line while picking out my beers in the app. The brewery setting was picturesque, nestled in the hills with a nice view of their little valley on a rainy afternoon. I picked out a nice selection of IPA cans and farmhouse ale bottles. I put those in my car and went to the tasting room, where I received a recommendation for a nice bottle of a Flora collab with Eden Cider. Very well-balanced and complex, with a touch of funk, nice acidity, and a hint of cider flavors. I knew I would have a chance to taste some more items at a local pizza place, so I headed out to Wylie’s Country Store. The Vermont general store is a true relic of the past. You can get anything. I picked out some Alchemist beers, Jasper Farms cheese, and a bunch of local cider. All with their True Value price tags.
I then made my way to Lake Parker. I hadn’t been there for several years. I grew up there every summer when I was a kid and used to buy loads of candy at the tiny general store at the front end of the lake. These days the Lake Parker Country Store has been transformed into a wonderful pizza and beer destination. I met my sister there and ordered a glass or two of Hill Farmstead beer to eat with my meat lovers’ pizza. Again I could pick out some more Alchemist beer, ciders, and cheeses. I repeated the routine at Courrier’s Market in Glover, which blew me away with their little dry-aged steak cabinet tucked in the back near the boots and shoes. Stayed at the cabin and got some good shots of the lake, and I was on my way to the Hudson Valley in the morning.
