Esplanda, at 100 Woodview Way in Andover, is a small shop right now: 1 product, 1 brand and 1 category in stock, a New England hazy from Mayflower Brewing Company. If you want a broad run of imported beers, that is the honest picture, and this page also explains how to search for imports by style so you can shop well wherever you go.
Does Esplanda carry a broad selection of imported beers?
Not at the moment. Esplanda has 1 product in stock, from 1 brand, in 1 category. That product is Mayflower Brewing Company "The Earth Laughs In Flowers", and it sits in the New England / Hazy category.
We would rather tell you that plainly than have you drive to 100 Woodview Way expecting shelves of Belgian, German and Czech bottles. If a broad imported range is what you need today, you will want a store with a larger beer section.
What we can do is show you exactly what is in stock, let you order it for pickup, delivery or shipping, and give you a clear way to think about imported beer so your next shopping trip is quicker.
What can I buy from Esplanda in Andover today?
The one beer in stock is a New England hazy from Mayflower Brewing Company. New England hazy is a style of India pale ale known for a cloudy, juicy look and a soft body, with hop character that leans toward fruit and citrus rather than sharp bitterness.
It is not an import, but it is a good example of the style that many drinkers compare against imported pale ales and lagers. If you like to taste across styles, it gives you a reference point.
Stock changes, so the product page is the best place to see what is available when you are ready to order. The shop also keeps collections such as New Arrivals, Top Rated and Trending that you can look through.
New England / Hazy we stock
In stock now, at today’s prices. Order online for pickup, delivery or shipping.
How do I order from Esplanda: pickup, delivery or shipping?
Besides walking in, Esplanda lists three ways to get your order: pickup, delivery and shipping. You can start from the product page and choose the option that suits you.
The hours currently show the shop as closed Sunday through Saturday, and delivery hours show the same. Because of that, check the Contact page before you plan a trip to Andover, and confirm timing for any order before you count on it.
If you are ordering for an event or a dinner, give yourself extra time and confirm details with us first rather than assuming a particular day.
Which imported beer styles should I look for?
Searching by style is more useful than searching by country, because the same country makes very different beers. A few reliable starting points:
German lagers and wheat beers. Helles is a pale, soft, lightly sweet lager. Pilsner from Germany is drier and more bitter. Hefeweizen is a cloudy wheat beer with banana and clove notes from the yeast.
Czech pilsner. The style that gave pilsner its name, usually golden, with a rounded malt middle and a spicy, herbal hop finish.
Belgian ales. Witbier is pale and cloudy, often brewed with coriander and orange peel. Saison is dry, peppery and highly carbonated. Dubbel and tripel are stronger abbey-style beers, darker and richer in the first case, golden and dry in the second.
Irish and British styles. Dry stout is dark, roasty and fairly light in body. British bitters and brown ales are malt-led and gentle.
Mexican, Japanese and other lagers. These tend to be crisp and light, built to be served cold.
How do I read an imported beer label?
Start with the style name, since it tells you more than the brand. Words like pils, helles, weissbier, witbier, saison, stout or tripel point to what is in the bottle.
Check the alcohol by volume. Imported beers range from light lagers at around 4 to 5 percent to strong Belgian ales that run well above that, so the number helps you decide how to enjoy it and when.
Look for a packaged-on or best-before date. Lighter beers, especially hoppy ones, are at their best fresh, while stronger dark beers can handle more time. Clear or green glass lets in light, which can give beer a skunky smell, so brown glass or cans are the safer containers.
The importer name on the label is also worth noticing. Good importers keep beer cold in transit, which matters for delicate styles.
How should I serve and pair imported beer?
Serve light lagers, pilsners and wheat beers cold, around 38 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Let stouts, Belgian strong ales and brown ales warm up a few minutes out of the fridge, so the malt and spice come through.
A clean glass makes a real difference. Tall glasses suit pilsners and wheat beers, tulip or goblet shapes suit Belgian ales, and a plain pint glass works for stouts and bitters.
For food, pilsners and helles go with fried food, sausages and salty snacks. Witbier suits salads, shellfish and light chicken dishes. Saison works with roast vegetables and soft cheeses. Dry stout pairs with oysters, stews and roast meats. Hazy IPAs like the Mayflower beer in stock here suit spicy food and rich dishes that can stand up to a juicy hop character.
Please drink responsibly, and only if you are 21 or older.
Who is Esplanda and where is it in Andover?
Esplanda is a liquor store at 100 Woodview Way, Andover, Massachusetts. You can read more about the shop on the About page, and see our latest posts on the Blog.
The shop is small in what it stocks today, and we describe it that way because it is true. Our website at esplanda.esplanda.com shows what is in stock at any time, so you do not have to guess.
If you are looking for something specific, such as a style from the list above, get in touch through the Contact page and ask. We can tell you what we have and how you can get it.
Common questions
Where can I find a broad selection of imported beers in Andover?
Esplanda at 100 Woodview Way in Andover currently has 1 product in stock, a New England hazy from Mayflower Brewing Company, so it is not a broad imported range today. For a wide import selection, look for a store with a larger beer section and check the shop's own stock list first.
What beer does Esplanda have in stock?
Esplanda has Mayflower Brewing Company "The Earth Laughs In Flowers" in stock, in the New England / Hazy category. Stock changes, so check the product page before you order.
Can I get beer from Esplanda by pickup, delivery or shipping?
Esplanda lists pickup, delivery and shipping besides walking in. The hours currently show closed every day, so confirm timing through the Contact page before relying on an order date.
What is a good imported beer style for beginners?
Czech or German pilsner and helles are approachable, clean and crisp. Witbier is another easy start, with light citrus and spice from coriander and orange peel.
How cold should I serve imported beer?
Serve lagers, pilsners and wheat beers at about 38 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Stouts and strong Belgian ales are better a little warmer, so let them sit out of the fridge for a few minutes.
