Check out Amherst's newest brewpub.
I can't get no Satisfaction.
Or at least I couldn't during my inaugural trip to the High Horse in Amherst.
The above isn't a criticism, however. I was actually delighted by the beer and food I sampled while at the new Amherst brewpub. What I couldn't get was Satisfaction IPA, one of the venue's initial brews. Otherwise, my visit was much more than satisfying in every way.
The new business occupies the same space as Amherst Brewing Co. did before its move to University Drive last year. When I first heard a new brewpub would take over the building, I wondered if a small town (albeit one that burgeons quite a bit when college is in session) could support two brewpubs. I no longer am doubting that it can.
For one thing, it's owned and operated by Jason DiCaprio, who runs another Amherst beer hotspur, The Moan and Dove, and who certainly knows his beer. The High Horse also employs Head Brewer Matthew Steinberg, who is well-known for his former work with Mayflower Brewing, as well as his other current project, Blatant Brewing.
But rewinding a bit: When I first heard about the High Horse last year, I also heard it wouldn't be open for a few months because they were renovating it. This type of move always puzzles me, when a new business takes over a space formerly occupied by a similar business. The ABC's interior was fine. Why mess with it and incur extra costs?
I now also no longer question that decision, either. While the floor layout is the pretty much the same (the building used to be a bank, so it's two-foot thick concrete walls—sometimes with steel plates in the middle of them—are easy demolition jobs) the interior ambiance is radically different from the ABC's former look. While the (former) environment of the ABC was charming and folksy, the High Horse has more of a artsy, speakeasy feel. The bar, formerly metal, remains in the same spot, but is now a dark wood.
The lack of Satisfaction IPA on my first trip there "forced" me to drink the High Horse's Beyond the Pale Ale, but it hardly was a sacrifice. The brew was perfectly balanced, with a great toasted malt undercurrent and plenty of hops in the mix. Fortunately, my was able to return a week later and lo and behold, not only was Satisfaction available, it was on cask. You can imagine my excitement when I heard that.
Of course, as I was taking a seat, readying myself for this great brew (a pine-needle hop-fest that is sticky and superb) Matthew, the head brewer, appeared at my elbow and with a grimace informed me that the cask had just kicked. He immediately told me he was joking, however, probably after seeing the resultant distressed look on my face. No one wants to see a grown man cry.
So although I often tell people (beer snobs) to get off their high horses, today I am suggesting that everyone get on (a barstool at) The High Horse. Satisfaction guaranteed.