Local 149, The Biltmore the Latest to Gain Custom Beer

Try The Biltmore and Local 149's Lemongrass Saison starting Oct. 11. (Photo courtesy of Goldstein Pierce)

Beginning on October 11, Newton elevated pub-grub standby The Biltmore and its Southie sibling Local 149 will offer a custom exclusive beer from Gloucester-based Cape Ann Brewery. Dubbed “Lemongrass Saison,” it’s a Belgian-style ale that’s been brewed with farmhouse ale yeast and local honey and dryhopped with pink peppercorns and lemongrass. It’s certainly an interesting-sounding brew, and the first of many customized beers, according to owner Jason Owens, who in the release says that “this collaboration gives us an opportunity to share some truly special local tastes with our guests and reinforce our commitment to local farmers, brewers and purveyors.”

The Biltmore and Local 149 are but the latest of several local spots to go custom with beers. Russell House Tavern recently introduced a “Russell House Lager” by way of Holyoke-based Rapscallion Brewery, while Scottish tavern The Haven in Jamaica Plain features exclusive one-off Scottish brews from Ipswich-based Notch Brewing. At Ten Tables, meanwhile, you can find “Ten Tables Porter,” a collaboration with Berkshire Brewing Company. Is this a trend we’re seeing? We certainly hope so, as customized brews are a great way for restaurants to inject their personality into their beer list. For those looking to try the Lemongrass Saison, we suggest heading over to The Biltmore or Local 149 close to the release date, as it’s only available while the limited quantity lasts.

Update [2:08 p.m.] : Garrett Harker, owner of Island Creek Oyster Bar and Eastern Standard, reminds us that ICOB also has a custom beer, a special “ICOB Pilsner” from Will Shelton of Belchertown-based Shelton Brothers.