Top 10 Best Breweries in New Hampshire for Craft Beer Enthusiasts

Whether you’re a hop aficionado or someone who cherishes the rich history behind each pint, New Hampshire’s breweries have something special for you.

Our expert roundup of the best breweries in New Hampshire features establishments celebrated for their exceptional beers and the stories they tell. Get ready to explore a collection of breweries where the dedication to craft beer is as robust as the ales they concoct.

Key Takeaways

• New Hampshire’s craft beer scene is incredibly diverse, featuring breweries that specialize in everything from European-inspired lagers to New England-style IPAs and innovative sour beers.
• Many breweries like Schilling Beer Company and Branch and Blade Brewing combine their unique craft beers with complementary food menus and engaging atmospheres, such as live music events, pet-friendly spaces, and historical settings.
• The state’s breweries offer not just a variety of specialized beers but also unique experiences, like Modestman Brewing Co. located in a repurposed bank, Garrison City Beerworks with its street tacos, or Woodstock Inn Brewery’s scenic location and event offerings.

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New Hampshire’s Craft Beer Scene

New Hampshire’s craft beer scene beautifully marries tradition with innovation. It boasts:

• A brewery renowned for its superior lagers
• A nanobrewery known for crafting some of the finest IPAs
• A taproom recognized for its revived sour program and cloudy IPAs

Every sip is a testament to the passion and dedication poured into each brew. This is equally true whether you’re savoring a European-inspired lager at Schilling Beer Company or a West Coast-style IPA at Earth Eagle Brewings.

As you wind your way from Littleton to North Hampton, you’ll find ample opportunities for brewery tours, tastings, and unique experiences. The state is home to a diverse range of breweries, from the solar-powered Flying Goose Brew Pub and Grille to the historic gristmill setting of Schilling Beer Company.

Whether you’re enjoying a brew at a bustling beer hall or a cozy taproom, you’ll quickly realize that New Hampshire’s craft beer scene is as diverse as it is impressive.

However, the allure goes beyond the beer itself – it’s also about the encompassing experience. Numerous brew pubs strive to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for their patrons.

Take for instance, Branch and Blade Brewing situated in Keene, which boasts a lively ambiance with regular live music events, pet-friendly spaces, and a delectable BBQ-centric menu. Conversely, Modestman Brewing Co. infuses a technopop vibe into the scene, ingeniously repurposing a formerly operational bank into their brewing sanctuary.

The craft beer scene in New Hampshire is teeming with ingenuity, with each brewery exuding its distinct charm.

Schilling Beer Company

If you’re seeking a blend of natural beauty, historical charm, and exceptional craft beer, look no further than Schilling Beer Company. Located in Littleton, this brewery operates within a restored circa 1797 gristmill along the Ammonoosuc River, offering patrons a unique setting to savor their European-inspired lagers and ales.

Founded in 2013 by the Cozzens family and John Lenzini, Schilling Beer Company has quickly garnered international recognition for their brewing excellence.

Whether you’re enjoying a crisp lager in the summer sunshine or a robust ale next to a warming hut in the cold weather, the year-round beer gardens and Store & Tasting Room invite you to an immersive beer experience.

However, the appeal of Schilling extends beyond beer – it encompasses food as well. The brewery is acclaimed for pairing artisan wood-fired pizzas with an impressive lineup of 16 beers on draught, crafting a memorable culinary and craft beer adventure.

So, whether you’re a seasoned craft beer connoisseur or a curious newbie, Schilling Beer Company provides an unforgettable experience with every visit.

Branch and Blade Brewing

Next up is Branch and Blade Brewing in Keene, a brewery celebrated for its well-crafted and creative beers. Adding a unique flair to the local craft culture, Branch and Blade is much more than just a brewery.

With a range of seating options, including indoor areas, an outdoor deck, and a tent, alongside pet-friendly spaces and live music events, this brewery crafts a vibrant atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Located near Nye Hill Farm, it’s a perfect spot for a refreshing break.

However, let’s refocus on the beer, shall we? Branch and Blade Brewing excels in producing standout fruity and sour beers, along with distinctive smoothie-consistency brews. These innovative offerings reflect the brewery’s commitment to creativity and quality, ensuring that each visit is a new adventure for your taste buds.

Yet, there’s more to it than meets the eye! Patrons appreciate the brewery’s food offerings, notably the BBQ and bar-focused menu, as well as the quick, friendly service that enhances the overall experience.

With its upbeat atmosphere, inventive brews, and delectable food, Branch and Blade Brewing is a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts in New Hampshire.

Modestman Brewing Co.

Ready for a splash of color in your craft beer journey? Welcome to Modestman Brewing Co., known for its vibrant, technopop approach to can art and beer. With the goal of making a significant impact on the New Hampshire craft beer scene, Modestman Brewing brings a dash of quirkiness to the table.

While renowned for its New England style IPAs, Modestman Brewing prides itself on the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into producing an array of beer styles. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy brews or prefer something smoother, you’re sure to find a beer that suits your palate at Modestman Brewing.

Adding to its unique charm, the brewery has repurposed a once-operational bank of 58 years into their brewing haven. Visitors have the flexibility to enjoy a variety of culinary experiences, courtesy of rotating food trucks on the back patio, along with the liberty to bring their own food.

With its unique setting, innovative brews, and flexible food options, Modestman Brewing Co. offers a craft beer experience like no other.

Garrison City Beerworks

If you’re an IPA enthusiast, Garrison City Beerworks is a must-visit. Nestled in the heart of downtown Dover, this nanobrewery has made a name for themselves by consistently producing some of the most favored IPAs in the country, focusing on brewing inventive New England IPAs. With each sip, you’ll understand why Garrison City Beerworks has become a beacon for IPA lovers across the nation.

However, the allure of Garrison City Beerworks is not confined to its brews. Complementing their beer selection, they serve a rotating variety of creative street tacos, becoming a food destination in their own right. So, whether you’re a local or just visiting Dover, make sure to grab a pint and a taco at this vibrant nanobrewery.

Operating as a 7bbl nanobrewery, Garrison City Beerworks offers an intimate and innovative brewing experience. The smaller scale allows the brewery to experiment with different styles and flavors, ensuring that there’s always something new to try. So, if you’re in the mood for a beer adventure, Garrison City Beerworks is the place to be.

Deciduous Brewing Company

Welcome to Deciduous Brewing Company in Newmarket, where traditional brewing styles meet modern innovation. Acclaimed for its sour program and cloudy IPAs, Deciduous Brewing Company has earned spots on lists like the 20 Best Beers to Drink in various seasons.

With such accolades, it’s clear that Deciduous Brewing Company is a staple in the New Hampshire craft beer scene.

The brewery’s sour program features unique offerings like a Jelly Donut Inspired Sour Ale with milk sugar, raspberry, and strawberry, and Fruited Berliner-Style Ales such as Trodden with blackberry and raspberry.

Yet, Deciduous Brewing Company doesn’t limit itself to sours. Visitors can also enjoy a diverse selection of beers, including Kölsch Style Ale, Czech-Style Dark Lager, and various India Pale Ales, complemented by Double IPAs with hops like Galaxy, Citra, and El Dorado.

Established in 2015 in the historic town of Newmarket, Deciduous Brewing Company offers:

• A passion for craft beer
• A commitment to brew with intention and excellence
• A diverse beer selection
• A unique craft beer experience that’s worth the visit

Earth Eagle Brewings

Next on our brewery tour is Earth Eagle Brewings, a popular Portsmouth brewery serving craft beer enthusiasts with two New Hampshire locations in Portsmouth and Somersworth.

With a comfortable beer garden near Market Square and a more spacious pub at the Somersworth site, Earth Eagle Brewings offers a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy their West Coast-style IPAs and innovative fruited sours.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Earth Eagle North in Somersworth, not far from North Conway, hosts weekly events like trivia, open mic nights, and live music. So whether you’re a trivia buff, an aspiring musician, or just looking for a good time, there’s always something happening at Earth Eagle Brewings.

Earth Eagle Brewings’ beer lineup includes popular picks like the ‘New England Gangsta’ IPA and the citrusy ‘4000 Footer IPA,’ complemented by innovative releases like their fruited sours and limited-edition barrel series bottles.

After enjoying a brew, patrons can dig into a selection of hot dogs and burgers at the brewery’s restaurant. With its dynamic events, diverse beer selection, and tasty food, Earth Eagle Brewings is a must-visit for any craft beer enthusiast.

Hidden Moon Brewery

Now let’s head to Hidden Moon Brewery in Londonderry, where tradition meets innovation. Founded by Michael Fairbrother, a homebrewer since 1995, Hidden Moon Brewing is dedicated to crafting beers that honor the refinement and history of traditional brewing styles.

With a family legacy that includes alcohol production dating back to the prohibition era, you can bet that each brew is crafted with a deep respect for the art of brewing.

One of their standout offerings is the Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Hard Cider, which boasts a 6.5% ABV and a semi-dry taste profile. Fear not, if beer is more to your taste.

Their American IPA is uniquely enhanced with USDA Certified Organic Wildflower honey from Brazil and double dry hopped with Columbus, Amarillo, and Lemon Drop hops, boasting a 7.2% ABV and 45 IBUs. With such unique creations, Hidden Moon Brewery guarantees a memorable craft beer experience.

Kelsen Brewing Company

Established in 2014 in Derry, Kelsen Brewing Company started with a small tasting room with just two beers and has expanded to a lineup of 12 beers on tap.

From IPAs and stouts to unique offerings with complex flavors, Kelsen Brewing Company offers a diverse range of beers that cater to all palates. In addition to their own creations, they also feature selections from Kettlehead Brewing, ensuring a variety of options for visitors.

Among the brewery’s offerings are:

• Lost River Light
• Red Rack Ale
• Old Man Oatmeal Stout
• Frosty Goggles
• Maple Porter
• Oh Snap!
• Mahoosuc

These good beer options are a testament to their brewing philosophy of focusing on full-flavored, aromatic craft beers, making them a source of great beer.

However, Kelsen Brewing Company is not merely a brewery – it’s a paradise for food lovers too. Visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences, complemented by a restaurant that serves hand-tossed pizza and other small plates.

With its diverse beer selection and delectable food offerings, Kelsen Brewing Company is a must-visit destination in New Hampshire’s craft beer scene.

Woodstock Inn Brewery

Rounding off our brewery tour is the Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock, certainly not the least of our lot. Pouring a selection of 13 original beers, including the popular Pig’s Ear Brown Ale, Woodstock Inn Brewery is a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

The brewery also features award-winning restaurants and pubs, catering to a wide array of dining experiences from breakfast to late-night hours. Enhanced by events like karaoke and live music, Woodstock Inn Brewery is more than just a place to grab a beer – it’s a place to make memories.

To top it all off, Woodstock Inn Brewery offers a ‘backstage pass’ brewery tour, a diverse Brew Sampler, and an online gift shop for branded merchandise. With its diverse beer offerings, award-winning food, and vibrant atmosphere, Woodstock Inn Brewery is a standout destination in New Hampshire’s craft beer scene.

Summary

From the technopop approach of Modestman Brewing Co. to the European-inspired lagers of Schilling Beer Company, it’s clear that New Hampshire’s craft beer scene is as diverse as it is exciting.

Each of these breweries brings something unique to the table, creating a rich tapestry of flavors, experiences, and memories. So, whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just starting your craft beer journey, New Hampshire’s breweries offer something for everyone. Cheers to great beer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique offerings from New Hampshire breweries?

New Hampshire breweries offer a variety of unique options, such as European-inspired lagers and ales from Schilling Beer Company, fruity and sour beers from Branch and Blade Brewing, Rye Whiskey Barrel Aged Hard Cider from Hidden Moon Brewery, and a lineup of 12 beers on tap at Kelsen Brewing Company. Enjoy exploring these diverse offerings!

What kind of food can I find at these breweries?

You can find a variety of food at breweries, such as artisan wood-fired pizzas at Schilling Beer Company and creative street tacos at Garrison City Beerworks. So, you’ll have delicious options to pair with your beer!

Are there any breweries that host events?

Yes, Earth Eagle Brewings hosts weekly events such as trivia, open mic nights, and live music at their North location in Somersworth, so you can definitely check them out for some fun.

Can I take a tour of these breweries?

Yes, you can definitely take a tour of breweries like Woodstock Inn Brewery. They offer brewery tours for visitors.

Are there any breweries with a unique setting or history?

Yes, there are breweries with unique settings and history, such as Schilling Beer Company located in a restored circa 1797 gristmill. Modestman Brewing Co. is another brewery with a unique setting, as it is located in a repurposed bank. Cheers!