Cape Cod Beer, Micro-brews Only Found on the Cape

Best known for their smooth amber ale, Cape Cod Red, the Cape Cod Beer company brews a wonderful range of beers and ales well suited for any taste and season. A trip to the brewery or sampling a few of the ales here in Falmouth are an essential part of the Cape Cod experience.

Cape Cod Beer a Brief History

Cape Cod Beer was first brewed in April of 2004 by Todd and Beth Marcus. They started out at the old Hyport Brewing Company at the west end of Main Street in Hyannis. They were there for two years while they transported the kegs to a storage space across town to be washed and back again to Hyport. During those early days they sold home brewing supplies out of their house. That first year they had twelve customers. Todd was the only employee and they delivered beer in the family van.  In 2005 Brian Flagg joined the company to help to keep up with the increasing demand.  Then in January of 2006 they moved to a 3,000 square foot building at 1336 Phinney’s Lane  in Hyannis. At that time they had three full time employees, Todd, Brian and Blake Prior. Blake had been their salesman prior to the move. In August of 2006 two additional tanks were added to the brewery to meet the increasing demand and that fall Beth was able to join the company full time as Cape Cod’s Beer’s business manager. Since then each year has brought more brewing capacity and additional retail space.

Cape Cod Beer is now distributing their products within approximately fifty miles of the brewery. The area encompasses the area from Plymouth to Provincetown.

Cape Cod Beers

Cape Cod Red, is the the company’s flagship beer. It is a North American style Amber Ale and is available year round. It is a smooth and mellow well-balanced ale with caramel and toffee malt notes and a subtle spicy hop character.

India Pale Ale, is available year round also. It is bold and hoppy and is an American style IPA. It has a citrusy hop bite and a subtle malt finish. It blends wonderfully with spicy dishes and fried foods.

Another year round product is, Cape Cod Beach Blond Ale. This is an American Golden Ale. It is light and refreshing. It is a very drinkable golden ail with a hint of toasted malt character and a clean finish. It is very smooth and is perfect for the beach, backyard, or just relaxing after a long day. The folks at Cape Cod Beer are fond of saying,” Once you get Cape Cod sand in your shoes, you will always return and once you get a taste of Cape Cod Beach Blond Ale, you’ll always come back for more.” It is wonderful with seafood, pizza and salads.

Cape Cod Seasonal and Specialty Beers

Cape Cod Summer, is a seasonal beer. It is available from April fifteenth through September first. It is an unfiltered Bavarian wheat beer. It is a pale, spicy, fruity wheat ale that has refreshing flavors of banana and clove that comes from a special yeast. This type of unfiltered wheat beer is popular in Bavaria during the spring and summer months. It is light and wonderfully refreshing during the hot days of summer and goes well with seafood and chicken.

Cape Cod Golden Harvest, is another seasonal ale that is available from September 1st. through October 31st. This straw colored ale is mild and drinkable. It is a German style ale and is similar to an Octoberfest brew. Golden Harvest, has a rich German malt aroma and is brewed by blending six malts and just enough noble hop character to provide a balanced finish.  It is best when served with sausage, poultry, pork or Mexican dishes.

Cape Cod Porter, is available from November 1st through April 15th. It is dark and malty and is a surprisingly drinkable dark beer with chocolatey malt character. Porter beers were once known as the drink of the common man of East London. It is best served with hearty meats, barbecue, oysters and desserts.

Cape Cod Beer also brews several  specialty beers such as, Berry Merry Holiday Ale. This ale is available from November 1st through to January 1st. and  is distributed in Growlers only. It is an amber ale with cranberry, clove and orange notes.  Berry Merry Holiday Ale, pairs nicely with all holiday foods such as turkey, roasts and fruitcake. It is the perfect compliment for seasonal festivities.

Cape Cod Dunkel Weizen, is another specialty brew. It becomes available in mid September and can be purchased on draught or at the brewery. It is an unfiltered Bavarian wheat dark beer, that has a unique banana bread character. The beer is cloudy and is medium brown in color with a fruity finish. Cape Cod Weizen, goes well with roasted meats in addition to  German and Mexican foods.

Old Man Winter Cape Cod Beer, is brewed in January and February. It is brewed in the British Old Ale style. It was developed for sipping by the fire while the Cape Cod winter rages outside. It is wonderful with cheese, grilled or roasted meats or a piping hot stew.

Cape Cod Beer’s Buster Brown Beer, becomes available in November. It is an American Brown Ale and is named after Beth and Todd’s field spaniel, Buster Brown, whose photo appears on  the label. It goes well with beef, pork, mushrooms and nutty flavored foods such as pecan pie.

Cape Cod Beer Vanilla Bean Porter, is another specialty beer that is a surprising drinkable dark beer with a chocolatey malt character. It is infused with Tahitian Vanilla Beans and becomes available on February 15th. It is best when paired with smoked meats, expresso and coffee flavored deserts.

Last but by no means least is, Cape Cod Beer Bitter End Imperial IPA. This beer becomes available in February and is an imperial pale ale. It is a medium bodied unfiltered brew that is brewed by blending five different malts and four types of hops which makes this beer uniquely  drinkable. It is outstanding when paired with spicy dishes and fried foods.

The folks at Cape Cod Beer are always coming up with something new. The retail shop is open Monday through Saturday year round and the staff is always eager to talk about their passion. A visit to the brewery would make a fun vacation afternoon excursion.

Cape Cod Beer
1336 Phinney’s Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601
t. 508-790-4200
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While all of our rooms have their own Cape Cod charm, we’d  recommend the Henry David Thoreau Cottage, with its private deck where you can have your own beer sampling with friends, or the Harriet Beecher Stowe Room, with a jetted tub and cozy fireplace you might just decide to stay in.