I am going to be staying in between Andover and Lawrence for a few days but will be unable to hit Boston other than going from the airport to Trillium on my way out. Are there any breweries/brewpubs in the Andover/Lawrence area worth hitting? I haven't found much in my initial searches.
Oak & Iron is a brand new brewery/taproom in Andover. Haven't been yet, but heard the beer is decent & it's a nice space (remodeled mill building): http://www.oakandironbrewing.com/ The Tap in Haverhill (short ride up 495) is a long-established brewpub with a nice patio. Beer and food are both very good IMO: http://www.tapbrewingcompany.com/
Also check Redstone Liqours in Andover for a great beer selection to take back with ya. I heard the burger joint next door is great too...and serves beer.
There's Navigation Brewing in Lowell which is right next to Andover http://www.navigationbrewing.com They are a very small little brewery and make some good beer. I'd second hitting up Redstone Liquors but I'd go to the original one in Stoneham rather than Andover if you can. Stoneham will be on your way to/from the airport. You also have a lot of options between Andover and the airport if you want to hit a few breweries on your way. You've got NightShift in Everett which is about 10 minutes from the airport, Bone Up and Down The Road brewing are near there as well. Aeronaut is in Somerville and close to the airport as well as Slumbrew. Idle Hands in Malden. Sorry most of those are closer to the airport than where you'll be but thought I'd mention them in case you didn't know about them. They aren't long drives either from Andover. Whenever I go to the airport I hit up Night Shift.
Not mentioned yet -- the much maligned Lord Hobo Brewing is a short drives off 93N on your way to Andover at the Montvale Ave exit In Woburn. If NE IPA is your thing and you gotta stick close to 93 - they would be best bet besides Trill and NS. Cheers and good luck.
Elm Square Oysters, in Andover Center, has some good stuff. Night Shift, etc. Awesome oyster selection as you would expect, as well.
I was impressed with the porter and brown ale at Oak and Iron, IPAs and other lighter offerings were decent. No NEIPAs there. Definitely worth the visit. Redstone in Andover Center is definitely worth the stop. UBurger next store is delicious and usually has NS Whirlpool on tap.
If you plan on heading to the Haverhill area for The Tap, I'd hit Barking Dog Alehouse right across the street as well. Usually a great tap list and the food is good as well. If it's during the evening, head up to the 3rd flr. Much better atmosphere than the 1st Flr.
This is great to know! I've been wanting to check out Tap but it's kind of a haul from where I am. Making an easy twofer out of it sweetens the pot
We are getting a little Haverhill-centric now, but the Grill Next Door, a little outside downtown, has a sneaky amazing selection as well.
