Jumping gun on this but going to misticon in Laconia nh in may...I know not a lot of top tier beer but anything worth getting or going to in new Hampshire. Traveling from RI.
Their distribution has increased, but the last time I hit a bunch of breweries in SE NH and Maine I was really impressed by Stoneface. Lot of good places, but their beer was killer. I assume you're driving through that area on the way up & back.
Hi, Canterbury Aleworks is an interesting stop and is worth a trip. Stoneface makes high quality brews. RIS and BA versions are exceptional. Hoppy offerings good all around too. Deciduous makes a wide variety of good brews. Great Rhythm. I really enjoyed their new canned Squeeze and Hi-Fi. Out Haus Ales is probably closest. Tiny. http://outhausales.com/
Multiple breweries in Derry/Londonderry just off I-93 including Kelsen, 603, Able Ebeneezer and Rockingham. More remote I like Henniker Brewing and Flying Goose Brew Pub in New London.
For my tastes, Great Rhythm is brewing the best IPAs in NH right now. Keep Earth Eagle on your radar if you like gruits and/or creativity. Easy hit if you go to the Portsmouth brewpub - which should be on your list if you like pastrami sammiches
I'm going to be in the Lincoln, NH area this weekend. Anything worthwhile stopping at on the drive back to Boston late Saturday afternoon? We will be going 93 > 3 > 95. So we wont be going near the Portsmouth area. I do this drive a lot, but not since the summer. Wasn't sure if anything new has popped up or any existing places have gotten better.
Good suggestions, though Able is off Rte 3 in Merrimack; From the Barrel is clustered with Kelsen, 603 etc.... And Cask & Vine in downtown Derry has a killer bier list... Prosit!
From the Barrel is pretty legit and I'd say their beer has improved. Short hours but may find some in shops occassssionally along Rt 3.
NH has a map here: https://secure.visitnh.com/uploads/itineraries/2015/2015-brewery-map.pdf Might be helpful in seeing where different places are in relation to your expected route. Great North Aleworks in Manchester is pretty respectable.
Best thing in Laconia for a beer shop is Case N Keg. Solid selection for the area and you can find a lot of NH brewery beers. It's 5 minutes from the Margate too
There's a pub in the Whole Foods (yes, Whole Foods) in Nashua right off Rte 3 that has a broad selection of NH beers - & regional ones too - around 40 taps in all. Great place to sample many NH beers in 1 spot, & take some away if you like them. Surprisingly decent pizza too.
Honestly, I think considering NH as a beer desert is more nostalgia than fact. Firstly, +1 for Canterbury. It is unassuming when you first get there (a long, winding driveway through the thicket) but it opens into a beautiful hop field and a little, homey bar. It's a local gem. If the weather is working out, ride the bike up 93 to Littleton and go to Schilling. If the weather isn't working out, get an Uber to drive up 93 to Littleton and go to Schilling. If you don't have cellphone service, lace up your boots and walk up...well...anyhow, you get the idea. It's awesome. I want to love Able E's. I just don't. Kelsen is nice, though. Hope you have a great trip!
