Amherst Brewing Company

After driving for what seemed like an eternity, we finally arrived in Amherst, MA, and more specifically, ABC. It is a multi-level establishment with a bar on the top floor and a restaurant and a smaller bar on the lower level. We we starving so we didn't even bother going to the second floor, but the­­ locals tell me its a good time. Upon entering you are greeted by wonderful hostesses and seated in a timely fashion. Its worth mentioning that when you enter look to your left. They have growlers and pints to go, as well as condiments (some made with their beer) that are made on site. They also have a mug club, but don't expect to get in as there is quite a long waiting list.
Our server was courteous, but she could have been a little more knowledgeable on the food/menu end, on the beer end she was excellent. We had a sizable group so we got to sample many different things. I started out drinking Seeing Double IPA. It was indeed a double IPA that had a medium amber color with just a hint of cloudiness and light lacing down the glass. Had a great hop aroma and tasted of grapefruit and the slightest hint of banana. I also had the ESB that was a medium-full body amber that started off malty and had an easy hoppy finish. Lauren started out with the Brown ale that had a full body with hints of caramel that went down smooth, but it did drop off a little in the finish. She also ordered a Belgian trippel that we both enjoyed. It was a medium body, pale orange brew that smelled and tasted of bananas and berries. We actually took a bottle with us and I'm enjoying some of it as I write this. Also being drank at the table were the smoked porter and super stout, which we didn't partake in, but i can tell you were ordered multiple times by the parties involved.
Now for the food. For appetizers the table ordered buffalo wings, mozzarella cheese bread sticks, and beer-battered pickle spears. The wings were plump, and meaty, served with a side of blue cheese, celery, and carrots. The mozzarella bread sticks were small, but tasty and served with a chunky marinara sauce. The pickles were ordered by our end of the table and were very enjoyable. They had a thick, crunchy beer batter and unlike most places I've been to that serve fried pickles as small slices, ABC served them as spears (The only other place I've enjoyed them like that was in the south). Then came our dinners. I ordered the Victoria burger that was topped with white cheddar and a spicy, sweet apple chutney on a toasted sesame seed bun I ordered it medium-rare and it was cooked perfectly. It came with my choice of a side of fries and a pickle spear. Lauren ordered a cheddar cheese burger, cooked medium with a side of fries and a pickle. It was to her liking but seing that it WAS just a cheddar cheese burger, I don't really think we can get into all the suttle nuances of tastes.
After all the beer and food there was no room for dessert, but i will sure to save room next time because the deep-fried oreo sunday and warm apple crisp sure had my mouth watering, even though my belly was full!! I will definitely recommend that if you ­­­are ANYWHERE in the area of Amherst, MA you should make a trip to the ABC. *clink*