Manchester, New Hampshire boasts a thriving craft beer scene that offers something for every beer enthusiast. From traditional ales to innovative brews, the city’s local breweries showcase a diverse range of flavors and styles. Manchester is home to several acclaimed breweries, including Backyard Brewery, Great North Aleworks, and Candia Road Brewing Company, each offering unique tasting experiences and atmospheres.
Beer lovers can explore the city’s craft offerings through various events and venues. The annual Manchester Brewfest, held in the fall, features over 100 different craft beers from local and regional breweries. Visitors can sample a wide selection of brews while enjoying live music and participating in fun activities. For those seeking a more intimate experience, many of Manchester’s breweries offer taprooms where patrons can enjoy fresh, locally-made beers straight from the source.
Manchester’s craft beer culture extends beyond breweries to include specialty bars and stores. Establishments like Strange Brew Tavern and Thirsty Moose Taphouse offer extensive selections of local and regional craft beers on tap. The Packie – Craft Beer Store provides a retail option for those looking to take home a variety of Manchester’s finest brews. With its growing beer scene, Manchester continues to solidify its position as a destination for craft beer enthusiasts in New England.
Manchester’s Craft Beer Heritage
Manchester, New Hampshire boasts a rich craft beer heritage that has flourished in recent years. The city’s brewing tradition dates back to the 19th century, with several breweries operating during that time.
Today, Manchester’s craft beer scene is vibrant and diverse. Local breweries have embraced innovative techniques while honoring traditional brewing methods. This blend of old and new has contributed to the city’s unique beer culture.
Some notable Manchester breweries include:
- Stark Brewing Company
- Great North Aleworks
- To Share Brewing
- Backyard Brewery & Kitchen
These establishments have played a significant role in shaping the local craft beer landscape. They offer a wide range of styles, from classic ales to experimental brews.
Manchester’s beer culture extends beyond breweries. Craft beer bars and taprooms have become popular gathering spots for enthusiasts. These venues often feature rotating taps showcasing local and regional offerings.
The city hosts several beer-focused events throughout the year. These celebrations bring together brewers, locals, and visitors to appreciate the art of craft brewing.
Manchester’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, with new breweries and styles emerging regularly. This growth reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to quality and innovation in brewing.
Spotlight on Local Breweries
Manchester’s craft beer scene boasts a diverse array of breweries, each with its own unique offerings and atmosphere. From innovative flavor combinations to traditional brewing techniques, these local establishments cater to beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Backyard Brewery & Kitchen
Backyard Brewery & Kitchen combines a passion for craft beer with delicious food. Their spacious taproom features a rotating selection of house-brewed beers, ranging from crisp lagers to bold IPAs.
The brewery’s commitment to quality is evident in every pour. Visitors can enjoy flights to sample multiple brews or settle in with a pint of their favorite.
Backyard Brewery’s kitchen serves up pub-style fare that pairs perfectly with their beers. The outdoor seating area is popular during warmer months, providing a relaxed atmosphere for socializing.
Great North Aleworks
Great North Aleworks has made a name for itself with award-winning beers and a welcoming taproom. Founded by brewing enthusiasts, this brewery focuses on crafting exceptional ales and lagers.
Their core lineup includes popular styles like IPA, porter, and wheat beer. Seasonal and limited releases keep the menu fresh and exciting for regulars.
The taproom offers a family-friendly environment with board games and ample seating. Great North Aleworks also distributes their beers throughout New Hampshire, making them a recognizable name in local craft beer.
Candia Road Brewing Company
Candia Road Brewing Company embraces a farm-to-glass philosophy, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. This small-batch brewery creates unique flavors that reflect New Hampshire’s terroir.
Their tap list features a mix of traditional styles and experimental brews. Seasonal offerings take advantage of fresh, local produce to create distinctive flavor profiles.
The intimate taproom provides a cozy setting to enjoy their creations. Candia Road Brewing Company’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing resonates with environmentally conscious beer lovers.
To Share Brewing Company
To Share Brewing Company embodies the community spirit of craft beer. This family-owned brewery focuses on creating a welcoming space for beer enthusiasts to gather and connect.
Their beer menu spans a wide range of styles, from light session ales to robust stouts. To Share often collaborates with local businesses and artists, fostering a strong sense of community.
The taproom hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music. Food trucks frequently park outside, offering tasty pairings for To Share’s brews.
Pipe Dream Brewing
Pipe Dream Brewing stands out with its bold flavors and creative approach to brewing. Known for pushing boundaries, this brewery offers a constantly rotating tap list of innovative beers.
Their experimental brews often incorporate unique ingredients and brewing techniques. Pipe Dream’s tap room features a sleek, industrial design that complements their forward-thinking approach.
Beer flights are popular among visitors eager to try multiple offerings. The brewery’s adventurous spirit attracts craft beer aficionados looking for something outside the ordinary.
Kelsen Brewing Company
Kelsen Brewing Company draws inspiration from European brewing traditions while embracing American craft beer innovation. Their beers strike a balance between classic styles and modern twists.
The brewery’s flagship offerings include well-crafted lagers and ales. Kelsen’s attention to detail and quality control ensures consistency across their product line.
Their taproom provides a comfortable space to enjoy fresh pours directly from the source. Kelsen Brewing Company has garnered a loyal following among local beer enthusiasts.
Able Ebenezer Brewing Company
Able Ebenezer Brewing Company takes pride in its New Hampshire roots, naming many of its beers after local historical figures and events. This brewery focuses on creating approachable yet flavorful craft beers.
Their core lineup includes crowd-pleasing styles like pale ale and amber ale. Able Ebenezer’s taproom exudes a rustic charm, featuring reclaimed wood and industrial elements.
The brewery hosts regular events, including food pairings and live music performances. Their commitment to community engagement extends beyond the taproom, with frequent participation in local festivals and charitable events.
Stark Brewing Company
Stark Brewing Company, one of Manchester’s oldest craft breweries, offers a blend of tradition and innovation. Their extensive beer menu caters to a wide range of preferences.
The brewery’s flagship beers have stood the test of time, while seasonal offerings keep things interesting. Stark’s restaurant serves pub fare and wood-fired pizzas, making it a popular spot for dinner and drinks.
Their spacious facility includes a beer garden and event space. Stark Brewing Company’s longevity in the local craft beer scene is a testament to their consistent quality and ability to evolve with changing tastes.
Tasting the Best of Manchester
Manchester’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of flavors and experiences for beer enthusiasts. From cozy neighborhood pubs to trendy brewpubs, the city boasts an impressive selection of venues to enjoy high-quality brews.
Bar and Pub Highlights
The Hop Knot stands out as a popular destination for craft beer lovers in Manchester. This bar features an extensive tap list with rotating selections from local and regional breweries. Strange Brew Tavern, another local favorite, offers a wide variety of craft beers in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
For those seeking a more intimate setting, Bert’s Beer & Wine provides a curated selection of craft brews alongside an impressive array of wines. The knowledgeable staff can guide patrons through their diverse offerings.
The Thirsty Moose Taphouse is known for its expansive beer menu and lively atmosphere. With numerous taps featuring both local and national craft beers, it’s an ideal spot for trying new and unique brews.
Top Craft Beer Bars
The Packie – Craft Beer Store combines a retail shop with a tasting room, allowing visitors to sample beers before purchasing. Their ever-changing tap list showcases the latest and greatest in craft brewing.
To Share Brewing Company offers a taproom experience where patrons can enjoy freshly brewed beers straight from the source. Their rotating selection of house-made brews caters to various taste preferences.
Boards and Brews presents a unique concept, pairing craft beers with board games. This social hub attracts beer enthusiasts looking for a fun and interactive drinking experience.
Great North Aleworks, while primarily a brewery, also features a taproom where visitors can sample their award-winning beers in a industrial-chic setting.
Brewpubs and Restaurants
Backyard Brewery & Kitchen combines a full-service restaurant with an on-site brewery. Their menu of pub fare complements their house-brewed beers, creating a well-rounded dining and drinking experience.
The Foundry Restaurant offers a sophisticated atmosphere paired with a carefully curated selection of craft beers. Their menu features upscale American cuisine designed to pair well with their beer offerings.
Stark Brewing Company, housed in a historic mill building, serves up house-brewed beers alongside a menu of classic pub dishes. The rustic ambiance adds to the charm of this local brewpub.
Cotton, while primarily known for its fine dining, also boasts an impressive craft beer selection. Beer lovers can enjoy high-quality brews alongside expertly prepared New American cuisine.
Exploring Beer Styles and Selections
Manchester’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of styles and selections to please any palate. Local breweries showcase both classic and innovative brews.
India Pale Ales (IPAs) stand out as a popular choice. New England IPAs, known for their hazy appearance and juicy flavors, are widely available.
Many taprooms feature rotating taps, allowing visitors to sample seasonal offerings and limited releases. Stouts, porters, lagers, and wheat beers round out typical menus.
Some breweries specialize in specific styles, while others pride themselves on variety. Tasting flights provide an excellent way to explore different options.
Local ingredients often feature prominently, with brewers incorporating regional flavors into their recipes. This farm-to-glass approach results in unique, terroir-driven beers.
Craft beer enthusiasts will find familiar favorites alongside experimental brews. Barrel-aged beers, sours, and fruit-infused varieties add depth to Manchester’s beer landscape.
Brewery tours offer insights into the brewing process and beer styles. Many locations provide educational experiences alongside their tastings.
Unique Brewery Experiences
Manchester’s craft beer scene offers immersive experiences for beer enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the city’s brewing heritage and sample a wide variety of locally crafted beers through guided tours and taproom tastings.
Brewery Tours
The Manchvegas Brew Bus provides guided tours of Manchester’s top breweries. Participants can visit multiple breweries in one outing, learning about the brewing process and tasting different beer styles. Tours typically last 3-4 hours and include transportation between venues.
Some breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours of their facilities. Visitors can see the brewing equipment up close and learn about ingredient selection, fermentation, and packaging processes. These tours often conclude with a guided tasting of the brewery’s current offerings.
Taproom Tastings
Many Manchester breweries have on-site taprooms where visitors can sample freshly brewed beers. Backyard Brewery and To Share Brewing Company offer flight options, allowing guests to try several small pours of different beers.
Some taprooms feature rotating taps with seasonal or experimental brews not available elsewhere. This gives visitors the chance to taste unique, limited-edition beers straight from the source.
Several breweries pair their beers with food offerings. Stark Brewing Company serves a full menu alongside their craft beers, while others host food trucks or allow outside food to be brought in.
Craft Beer Pairings and Dining
Manchester’s craft beer scene offers excellent opportunities to pair local brews with delicious food. Many breweries and beer bars in the area have embraced the art of pairing, creating memorable culinary experiences for beer enthusiasts.
Wood-Fired Pizza and Beer Combos
Wood-fired pizza and craft beer form a perfect partnership in Manchester. Several local establishments have mastered this combination, offering crispy, flavorful pizzas that complement their beer selections.
The Foundry Restaurant, known for its craft beer selection, serves wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings. Their margherita pizza pairs well with light, crisp lagers or wheat beers.
Backyard Brewery offers both house-brewed beers and wood-fired pizzas. Their BBQ chicken pizza matches nicely with amber ales or IPAs, balancing the smoky flavors.
For a more experimental pairing, try a sour beer with a prosciutto and arugula pizza. The acidity of the beer cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.
Craft Beer Retailers
Manchester offers several excellent options for purchasing craft beer to enjoy at home. Local bottle shops and taphouses provide extensive selections of regional and national craft brews.
Bottle Shops
The Packie stands out as a premier craft beer retailer in Manchester. With locations in Manchester and nearby Hooksett, this independent store specializes in craft beer, cider, mead, and wine. The Packie prides itself on curating an extensive selection of specialty beverages.
Bert’s Beer & Wine, established in 2009, claims the title of New Hampshire’s oldest craft beer destination. In addition to a wide range of craft beers, Bert’s offers ciders, seltzers, wines, meads, sake, and soju. Their knowledgeable staff can help customers navigate the diverse selection.
Craft Beers NH, founded in 2004, focuses on local New Hampshire breweries while also stocking popular national craft brands. Their passion for craft beer and community involvement has made them a go-to spot for beer enthusiasts.
Thirsty Moose Taphouse
Thirsty Moose Taphouse provides a different craft beer retail experience. As both a restaurant and bar, they offer a rotating selection of draft beers for on-site consumption. Many of these drafts showcase local New Hampshire breweries.
Patrons can sample various beers before committing to a full pour. The taphouse’s knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations based on individual taste preferences. While primarily a dine-in establishment, Thirsty Moose sometimes offers select beers for takeaway purchase.
Outdoor and Seasonal Craft Beer Spots
Manchester’s craft beer scene extends beyond indoor taprooms, offering outdoor and seasonal options for beer enthusiasts. Several local breweries provide open-air seating areas where patrons can enjoy their favorite brews in the fresh air.
To Share Brewing features a spacious patio perfect for sipping craft beers during warmer months. The outdoor space allows guests to relax and socialize while sampling the brewery’s latest creations.
Backyard Brewery lives up to its name with an inviting outdoor area. Beer lovers can gather around fire pits or at picnic tables to enjoy a variety of craft brews in a casual, al fresco setting.
Some Manchester breweries host seasonal events that take advantage of New England’s changing weather. Oktoberfest celebrations and summer beer gardens pop up throughout the city, offering limited-time opportunities to enjoy craft beers in festive outdoor environments.
During winter months, a few establishments create cozy outdoor spaces with heated tents or igloos. These provide a unique way to experience Manchester’s craft beer offerings while staying warm in the colder seasons.
Craft Beer Events and Festivals
Manchester, NH boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Beer enthusiasts can look forward to several exciting gatherings that showcase local brews and foster community spirit.
The Manchester Brewfest stands out as a key annual event. Held at Arms Park on Commercial Street, the 10th annual festival is scheduled for September 21, 2024. This celebration brings together great beer, food, and friends for a charitable cause.
The New Hampshire Craft Beer Week is another highlight on the beer lover’s calendar. This event features tastings, brewery tours, and special activities that spotlight the creativity and skill of local craft brewers.
Beer festivals in Manchester often extend beyond just tasting. Many include live music, food vendors, and opportunities to meet the brewers behind the craft. These events provide a perfect setting for both novices and connoisseurs to explore new flavors and styles.
Other notable gatherings include the New Hampshire Brewfest and the Gate City Brewfest. These festivals offer attendees the chance to sample a wide range of craft beers from across the state and region.
For those interested in a broader culinary experience, the Manchester Food and Wine Festival also incorporates craft beer into its offerings, creating a well-rounded event for food and drink enthusiasts.
