New Hampshire Beers: Discovering the Best Brews of the Granite State

New Hampshire’s craft beer scene offers a wide range of exceptional brews, reflecting the state’s rich brewing traditions and innovative spirit.

With a variety of styles from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts and crisp lagers, New Hampshire’s breweries have something for every beer lover.

Here are ten of the best New Hampshire beers you absolutely must try.

1. Smuttynose Brewing Co.’s “Old Brown Dog”

Smuttynose Brewing Co.’s Old Brown Dog is a well-regarded brown ale known for its rich, malty flavor.

• Style: Brown Ale
• ABV: 6.5%
• Description: Malty and smooth with notes of caramel, toffee, and a hint of roasted nuts.

2. Redhook Brewery’s “ESB”

Redhook Brewery’s ESB is a classic Extra Special Bitter with a balanced and flavorful profile.

• Style: ESB (Extra Special Bitter)
• ABV: 5.8%
• Description: Balanced with flavors of caramel, toffee, and a moderate hop bitterness.

3. Great North Aleworks’ “The Wayfarer”

Great North Aleworks’ The Wayfarer is a well-crafted American IPA with a strong hop presence.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.5%
• Description: Hoppy and aromatic with flavors of citrus, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

4. Castle Springs Brewing Co.’s “Night Watchman”

Castle Springs Brewing Co.’s Night Watchman is a rich stout with complex flavors.

• Style: Stout
• ABV: 6.2%
• Description: Smooth and roasty with notes of coffee, chocolate, and a touch of vanilla.

5. Throwback Brewery’s “The Cowardly Lion”

Throwback Brewery’s The Cowardly Lion is a farmhouse ale with a refreshing and spicy character.

• Style: Farmhouse Ale
• ABV: 5.5%
• Description: Fruity and spicy with flavors of pepper, citrus, and a hint of earthiness.

6. Tuckerman Brewing Co.’s “Pilsner”

Tuckerman Brewing Co.’s Pilsner is a crisp and clean beer that embodies the classic German style.

• Style: Pilsner
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Light and refreshing with flavors of herbal hops, bready malt, and a clean finish.

7. Toadstool Brewing Co.’s “Lakeside Ale”

Toadstool Brewing Co.’s Lakeside Ale is a smooth and approachable pale ale perfect for any occasion.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.4%
• Description: Balanced with flavors of citrus, floral hops, and a smooth malt finish.

8. Butternuts Beer and Ale’s “Porkslap Pale Ale”

Butternuts Beer and Ale’s Porkslap Pale Ale is a sessionable pale ale with a distinctive character.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 4.3%
• Description: Light and hoppy with flavors of citrus, pine, and a clean malt finish.

9. Derryfield Brewery’s “Ambrosia”

Derryfield Brewery’s Ambrosia is a well-crafted amber ale with a rich malty flavor.

• Style: Amber Ale
• ABV: 5.5%
• Description: Smooth and malty with notes of caramel, toffee, and a touch of hops.

10. Stoneface Brewing Co.’s “Stoneface IPA”

Stoneface Brewing Co.’s Stoneface IPA is a robust and flavorful IPA with a prominent hop profile.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.8%
• Description: Juicy and aromatic with flavors of grapefruit, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Smuttynose Brewing Co.?
Answer: Smuttynose Brewing Co.’s Old Brown Dog is a well-regarded brown ale known for its rich, malty flavor.

What makes Redhook Brewery’s ESB special?
Answer: Redhook Brewery’s ESB is a classic Extra Special Bitter with a balanced profile featuring caramel, toffee, and moderate hop bitterness.

What are the key characteristics of Great North Aleworks’ The Wayfarer?
Answer: The Wayfarer is an American IPA with strong hop presence, featuring flavors of citrus, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

What distinguishes Castle Springs Brewing Co.’s Night Watchman?
Answer: Night Watchman is a rich stout with complex flavors of coffee, chocolate, and a touch of vanilla.

What is unique about Throwback Brewery’s The Cowardly Lion?
Answer: The Cowardly Lion is a farmhouse ale with a refreshing, spicy character, featuring flavors of pepper, citrus, and earthiness.

Summary

New Hampshire’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of exceptional brews that highlight the state’s rich brewing traditions and innovative spirit.

These top picks showcase some of the best beers New Hampshire has to offer. Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of New Hampshire’s craft beer!