If there’s one thing I love as much as good cheese, it’s good beer—and living in New England, there’s no shortage of either. For my blog series Beantown Beer + Cheese, I asked local brewers about their signature beers and cheese pairing recommendations.
You know the craft brewery origin story by now—a few people sick of their day jobs turn to brewing to make a living off of something (most) everyone loves. But roommates Michael Oxton, Mike O’Mara, and Rob Burns worked overtime as they made the transition, starting Night Shift Brewing in 2007 in their Boston-area apartment.
After completing 9-to-5 workdays in sales, finance, and software engineering, the three founders would begin their home-brew “night shift.” After developing some signature styles, the friends took the business full-time in 2012. In 2014, the trio moved into its current production warehouse in Everett. Patrons can sip fresh brews and nosh on offerings from the ever-present food truck flock at the on-site taproom. Brewing everything from uniquely flavored sours to dark and sweet stouts, Night Shift has become a household name in New England.
The Everett tap room / Photo credit: Tim Oxton
Ahead, cheeses picked by the brewers to pair with year-round favorites Whirlpool, Furth, and Santilli, and winter warmer Darkling:
Whirlpool (4.5% ABV): This soft pale ale has a distinct fruity flavor, with bright, gentle notes of ripe peach and citrus that find harmony in young cheddar.
Try it with:
Santilli (6% ABV): Night Shift’s Santilli, named after the address of their original taproom in Everett, won bronze at the World Beer Cup in the American IPA category. Smooth and massively hoppy, it plays nicely with a complex aged cheddar.
Try it with:
Darkling (12% ABV): A bourbon barrel–aged imperial stout, Darkling is a rich, dark beer with notes of chocolate and molasses (and a heavy dose of alcohol). Aged Gruyère or another nutty Alpine-style go toe to toe with this bold winter brew.
Try it with:
Furth (5.5% ABV): A summer brew, this refreshing hefeweizen boasts notes of orange rind, clove, and banana—it’s delightful with herbed fresh or bloomy-rind goat cheese.
Try it with:
Stop by Night Shift’s taproom in Everett for pints, cans, bottles, and growler fills.
87 Santilli Hwy.
Everett, MA 02149
Hours:
Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Feature photo credit: Tim Oxton
Casey Walker
Casey Walker is a Boston-based writer, constantly scoping out new recipes and restaurants.
