One of the most uniquely New Bedford events, the Moby-Dick Marathon, returns January 3-5, 2025. Since 25 hours of reading can be thirsty work, pack these locally available craft beers on your hunt for the elusive white whale.
For those not familiar, the New Bedford Whaling Museum has hosted the Moby-Dick Marathon since 1997. During this annual winter event, Herman Melville’s 1841 classic Moby-Dick is read from front to back throughout the museum. The museum is open to the public for free on Saturday and Sunday, and folks are welcome to come and go as they please. There are also plenty of activities and other programming providing fun for the whole family.
Now, I’ve attended several readings but have to admit I’ve never committed to the sleepover portion of the readings. That’s for the real Melville die-hards! But since there’s the opportunity to come and go, there’s a chance for you to grab a refreshing drink (or five) that pairs perfectly with the novel’s whaling spirit.
Moby Dick Brewing Co. – Ishm-Ale
Brewed just steps away from the Whaling Museum at Moby Dick Brewing Co., Ishm-Ale is a no-brainer to kick off our list. It’s an easy-drinking Irish-style amber ale perfect for paying homage to the novel’s narrator and sole survivor of the Pequod.
Buzzards Bay Brewing – Moby D
Next up, we’ve got one of my all-time favorite beers from Buzzards Bay Brewing. Moby D is a crisp, malty Altbier brewed with a multitude of local malt that might be just as tough to get your hands on as its antagonistic namesake.
Stellwagen Beer Co. – Everything Whale Be Alright
Once you hit the halfway mark of the marathon, it’s a good time to take a breath, get in a good stretch, and remember to keep things in perspective. Stellwagen Beer Co.’s Everything Whale Be Alright is a witty reminder and a delicious American Witbier. Brewed with sweet orange peel, coriander, and plenty of wheat, this beer offers a light, crisp package with a nice splash of citrus.
Vitamin Sea Brewing – Elusive
A classic New England IPA from Vitamin Sea Brewing, Elusive pours like a fluffy yellow cloud and hits you with all of the characteristic tropical notes. Pour a glass during the last few chapters and the folks around you will just assume it’s fresh-squeezed OJ.
Whalers Brewing Co. – Rise
It’s mid-day Sunday and you’ve closed the book on another Moby-Dick Marathon. Time to rise up, shake out your limbs, and grab a refreshing Whalers Brewing Co. Rise. A crisp and refreshing American Pale Ale, this beer’s smooth body and subtle hop spice will get you ready to shift gears and wrap up the final week of the NFL regular season.
Follow along for the latest in southern New England craft beer!
Bearded & Brewed 
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