Amherst Pie

Amherst Pie is a four-pack of Massachusetts-brewed domestic beer, named after the Pioneer Valley town of Amherst. The listing doesn't specify its style, ABV or IBU, so check the can or bottle label for those figures before choosing food or glassware. The name is an invitation to look for something a little different from a standard lager, but the label is the only reliable guide to what's inside. With the style unconfirmed, the serving guidance below is general, and it holds for most craft-brewed ales and lagers made in New England. Serve it cold but not frozen, around 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C). That is roughly two to three hours in a home refrigerator, or about 20 minutes in an ice bath. Colder than that mutes malt sweetness and hop aroma, which is where most of a craft beer's character sits. A standard 16-ounce pint glass or a tulip-shaped glass suits nearly any style it could turn out to be. The tulip's inward curve concentrates aroma, which helps if the beer is hoppy or fruit-forward. Pour down the side of a tilted glass, then straighten it to build a modest head. Rinsing the glass first removes dust and residue that can flatten foam. For food, lean on the usual pairings for American-brewed beer: burgers, grilled sausages, sharp cheddar, roast chicken and pizza. Hoppier beers also stand up well to spicy dishes, while maltier ones suit roasted meats and baked sides. If the label points to a fruit or dessert-leaning style, pair it with something sweet-tart rather than rich.