When people think of breweries from America’s Northeast, big-name companies like Sam Adams and Yuengling come to mind and not smaller, craft breweries. However, overlooking these smaller businesses means missing out on quality, small-batch brews. One of the best states in the Northeast for craft breweries is New Hampshire, which, with 93 such businesses within its borders as of 2020, sits in eighth place in terms of breweries per capita. If you decide to visit The Granite State for your next pint the small town of Londonderry, with three great craft breweries within its limits, is an essential stop.
603 Brewery and Beer Hall originally opened for business 77 miles north of Londonderry in Campton, New Hampshire, in 2012, eventually moving to its first Londonderry location two years later and to its second - and current - location in town in June 2019. The combined brewery-restaurant is housed in a modern building near Londonderry’s border with neighboring Derry and can accommodate more than 100 people inside the beer hall. Additional seating is available on the brewery’s outdoor patio, as well.
603 Brewery has 15 options on tap including beer varieties like sours, IPAs, and lagers, as well as a selection from 603’s hard seltzer line, launched in 2020. Aptly named 603 Hard Seltzer, this product line is New Hampshire’s first locally-made hard seltzer.
As well as alcoholic drinks, 603 Brewery also offers food items from its small menu. Options include traditional brewery and bar foods like chicken wings and soft pretzels with mustard and beer cheese; an assortment of sandwiches, salads, and pizzas; and less-typical items like veggie lo mein and a quinoa bowl. For more information on this establishment check out 603 Brewery’s website as well as the brewery’s Facebook page.
The next brewery on our list, Long Blue Cat Brewing Company, opened for business in 2017 and is located in the far north of Londonderry near the town’s border with Manchester, the state’s largest city. Long Blue Cat was founded by the brewery’s owner and head brewer Jason Knight and its location includes outdoor seating and a firepit.
Long Blue Cat’s beer offerings include options like a tropical-fruit-flavored IPA called Orange You Glad, a selection of lagers, and an ale made from local honey which has won awards for being the best beer in the state. The brewery’s flagship beer and its best-seller, Latchkey, is a dark American-style IPA with hints of fruitiness.
Patrons of Long Blue Cat can get their beer in sizes ranging from four-ounce tasters, 13- and 16-ounce drafts, and 32- and 64-ounce growlers. A pinot noir, chardonnay, and house cabernet are also available for those who prefer wine over beer. The brewery offers a limited food menu, as well. Children are allowed in the brewery and dogs are permitted, too, but must be kept on a leash outside. For more information on this business check out Long Blue Cat’s website or the company’s Facebook page.
Our final brewery, Pipe Dream Brewing, is located southwest of Long Blue Cat and near the headquarters of the popular yogurt company Stonyfield Farm. This brewery has won numerous readers’ and editors’ choice awards in New Hampshire publications for its brews and it often plays host to live music shows and events supporting charitable causes.
Pipe Dream Brewing has almost 40 different beers available on tap - from light beers to IPAs and stouts - so you’ll be spoiled for choice if you choose to visit this brewery! Some of the more interesting varieties include Maltzah Raspberry, the grapefruit-and-passion-fruit-flavored West to East, and American Stout which tastes like toffee and caramel.
As with most other breweries, Pipe Dream gives you several choices of sizes for your beer from 12- and 16-ounce glasses to 32-ounce "crawlers." Most of the brews available can be bought in packs of four, too. As well, the business serves up food items like burgers, nachos, and "walking tacos" - or tacos served in chips bags like a Frito pie. You can even get your pooch sliced bite-sized hot dog pieces and bacon strips! (Dogs are allowed on the brewery’s patio.)
America’s ninth state is one that is often passed over in favor of some of the more popular states in New England like Maine and Massachusetts. One reason may be that some people do not realize that New Hampshire has such a thriving craft brewery scene. No matter what your favored brew – IPA, stout, or lager – The Granite State has you covered. The next time you are in New England take a side trip to Londonderry and check out some of the best craft breweries in New Hampshire. And while you’re in the area, don’t miss this nearby strawberry farm where you and your kids can pick your own fruit. Have you visited any of the breweries on this list? Let us know about your experience(s) in the comments!
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