Somehow, despite the fact that I live on the border of the ghetto (a murder map of Boston reveals that my neighborhood has the homicidal chicken pox. Awesome), there is a fantastic liquor store right by us (shout out to Liquor Land!) that pretty sufficiently filled the enormous void left by Kappy's Fine Wine & Spirits when I moved out of Medford.

The best thing about both of these places, and an increasing number of good liquor stores, is the variety and quality of craft beer that they offer.

So here's a quick plug for two beers a beer and a cider that I recently picked up and put down.

Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project
Jack D'Or

Pretty Things is relatively new to the scene in the past few years. Brewed by a husband and wife right over there in Somerville, you can't help but feel a sense of local pride while drinking this stuff. My favorite I've had from them so far is the St. Botolph's Town, but their flagship Jack D'Or may soon steal that spotlight.

Jack D'Or is a session-style beer, but not for lack of flavor. It's easily their most approachable number, and you'll find it in these big bottles at liquor stores and bars alike. Some places -- like Ledge Kitchen and Drinks in Dorchester -- even have it on tap.

If you see it -- or any Pretty Things beers for that matter -- give it a go. Jack is delightfully balanced, with just the right bitterness to even out the malt. Also the bottle designs are hand-drawn by local artists, and definitely live up to their brand name.


Crispin Natural Hard Cider
Honey Crisp

I had this during brunch a few weeks ago. Maybe at some point I will regal you with the tale of the hilariously horrific three-hour-brunch that followed my friend's wedding, but for now we'll keep it somewhat positive and say this: Local 149 has a great beer/cider/booze selection. If only they could hire someone to bring these things to me while I sit at a table. I'd even pay this person in addition to the cost of the drink. We could call them...servers? Maybe?

Okay I'm done. But no seriously. Never go to Local 149 for brunch if you have anything to do that day or at all ever. Other than that, it's wonderful.

Anyway. I'm a hard-cider addict, so the fact that Local has about 6 ciders on their menu (and they were only out of three of them! And 88% of their brunch menu! Awesome!) was exciting for me. I ordered this after a few too many bloody marys, and was very pleased with my decision.

The Honey Crisp isn't too dry like a lot of ciders, but the honey also ins't overpowering. It was like delightfully smooth, boozey apple juice.

Because non-boozey-juice is for wimps!