The Libations Librarian

Bad Lab Beer Company has an AMAZING slogan, “Sip. Savor. Sustain.” The brewery really wants to be “your neighborhood” pub….and the atmosphere backs it up. Set in a newly constructed strip mall, this unassuming storefront has locally-sourced food and drink at very affordable prices with super friendly staff. Servers happily greet patrons and spend time describing new beer styles and RAVE about the food. The brewery prides itself on local products as well.

First, lemme tell ya about the small City of Somersworth, New Hampshire. While locals originally called the area “Salmon Falls”, for what should be an obvious reason, the town became part of the “Tri-City” area of Dover, Rochester, and Somersworth, even though the Salmon Falls River barely separates it from Berwick, Maine. The city had most of its economy entrenched in a General Electric plant located in the center of the town. When GE closed the plant, the town was left with empty mills and a depressed economy, which was exacerbated by another business (a tannery) pulling out from Berwick. Small businesses, like Bad Lab, are a boon!

For this visit, the brewery had several IPAs on tap; let me just say I am NOT a huuuuge IPA fan. I find the IPA style to be overly – hopped, up to the point of Lawson’s “Sip of Sunshine” (truly nasty). Fortunately, Bad Lab has managed to find a way in which to celebrate the IPA style without assaulting my sinuses. Their beers are well-balanced, nicely carbonated, and served with panache (always a plus!). I sampled their “High Street”, actually part of their street address, which has an ABV of 6.5%. I expected this black IPA to pack a hugely powerful hop punch…..but instead, I got a lovely malt flavor with hop overtones! Success – hops without wreaking havoc on my sinuses! Congrats to the brewer!

I look for well-brewed kolschs….and said brew is not simple to craft. According to Food & Wine – “The style – which originally comes from Cologne, Germany – is fermented with ale yeast, but then finished in cold temperatures like a lager. The result is a style that exhibits some of the best characteristics of both categories.” Bad Lab’s version is ALWAYS spot on – crisp, clean, and drinkable. I love this beer style for a late afternoon “porch pounder” or for accompanying dinner.

Bad Lab hosts an open kitchen. Diners can watch their food being created – no one has to worry about poor etiquette in this kitchen!! My spouse & I split the Brewer’s Board, otherwise known as a Ploughman’s Platter. The entries change slightly each time we visit – today’s visit had a sopresetta & terrine wrapped in bacon, accompanied by delicately spiced bread & butter pickles, dilly beans, and cornichons, not to mention the PESTO GOAT CHEESE! Who woulda thunk PESTO GOAT CHEESE?!!? BAD LAB DID!! #bliss

Good food and drink is VERY much available outside of New York City, Boston, & Portland. Since the real estate prices and rents are driving many young people and small business out of those areas, smaller towns definitely benefit. Be adventurous! Venture out of the city and find new and delicious, not to mention local and sustainable, new venues!!