Concord, NH, capital of local beers
Set on the Merrimack River, Concord, NH, is a thriving state capital with a wonderful Main Street lined with locally-owned stores and eateries - and some great beer! Within the last few years a host of new micro-brew legends have sprung up. At the new Concord Craft Brewing Company they handcraft fresh, flavorful beers locally. And, Concord Craft brews their beers in a state-of-the-art facility right off of Main Street. They source local whenever possible, and then share spent grains with local farmers. The Lithermans Limited Brewery offers more than a dozen of its own beers. The tasting room invites guests to explore new beers, and buy the local brews to enjoy at home. Lithermans offers many taps, which are always in rotation - including classical styles range from a cream ale to an imperial red ale, and they are always brewing up a fresh batch.
Up the street is the Barley House – a fine Irish-inspired eatery with too many beers to count- and really great burgers. This is a prime stop for would-be presidents, too – so look out, the next leader of the free world may be at a table next to you! Area 23 is located on North State, in the Smokestack Center. This local a bar serves craft beers, cider, and mead along with a fun menu. Area 23 features 5 dart boards, a pool table, a jukebox, and good cheer.
Around the city:
Oddball Brewing Company in Suncook, south of town, is one of the Granite State’s newest nano breweries offering unique, well-crafted beers. And, the Contoocook Cider Company has a big tasting room that is open Fridays through Sundays with new varieties of Cider made from local apples from Gould Hill Farm.
Canterbury Aleworks is open Saturdays and Sundays 1-5pm. Step back in time and place in a wood fired British-inspired brewery and tasting room.
The Blasty Bough Brewing Company is a farm-to-kettle brewery located on McClary Hill Farm in Epsom. They make all their beer on the farm, adding their own Blasty twist to traditional brewing styles.
Northwoods Brewing Company is on Route 4 next to the Johnson’s Seafood and Steak and the Rise & Shine Bakery Cafe, which they sharing seating with. They offer hoppy ales, alternative fermentations, farmhouse beers, and bakery inspired dark ales. Plus, full pints and pizza made with mostly local ingredients and dough made with an 8-year old sourdough culture.
