Baby, it sure is cold outside. But hearty beer weather is here and there's plenty of superior suds to sip the winter away. Beer-guru (and nice guy) Mike McCabe of Blanchard’s liquor emporium recommends the following MA-made boutique brews to celebrate this chilly season proper. Cheers! 

Mystic Brewery, Chelsea, MA

Three Cranes Saison Ale

ABV: 7.0%

Saison brewed with cranberries? Yes, please. Crisp, tart and effervescent, this is the champagne of beers—and definitely worth celebrating.

Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project, Westport, MA

Our Finest Regards Barley Wine

ABV: 12.1%

This medium-bodied sud is packed with aromas of apple, wet wood and malted milk balls. Barley is a fine grain and makes this brew both spritsy and heady…in a very good way.

Cisco Brewers, Nantucket, MA

Captain Swain’s Extra Stout

ABV:  7.5%

Thirteen types of malt lend this stout a full body with flavor hints of blackberry, pine and a crackling fire. Holiday! 

Ipswich Ale Brewery, Ipswich, MA

Local Harvest 5 India Pale Ale

ABV: 6.0%

This brew takes drinking locally to a whole new level. The smooth malt body is loaded with an intense hop aroma, and all ingredients are sourced from within five miles from the Ipswich-based brewery. Drink local!

Jack’s Abby Brewing, Framingham, MA

Smoke & Dagger Black Lager

ABV: 5.8%

Is it a porter or is it a schwarzbier? Who cares! This full-bodied lager boasts notes of roasted grains, Beechwood smoke and coffee. A smoky malt adds complexity and balances out a liberal dose of chocolate malt.