New Hampshire has built a strong name in the craft beer scene, with breweries spread across both small towns and city centers. Each offers its own approach, from creative takes on traditional styles to modern recipes that keep fans coming back. What makes the state stand out is the mix of community-driven taprooms and production spaces that welcome locals and travelers alike. This article highlights the best breweries in New Hampshire, giving you a clear guide to where quality and consistency meet.
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Whether you’re planning a casual tasting trip with friends or just want to know which spots deserve a stop on your next visit, this list will point you in the right direction. The breweries featured here are recognized for their atmosphere, variety, and commitment to craft beer. With this guide, you’ll have a reliable resource to help you choose where to spend your time and raise a glass in New Hampshire.
#30 – Hobbs Brewing Co.
Hobbs Brewing Co. in Ossipee has become a favorite stop in New Hampshire for its mix of quality beer and welcoming atmosphere. The brewery runs a 15-barrel brewhouse and taproom that features 16 rotating taps with a balance of year-round favorites and seasonal releases. Since moving most of its production to a new facility in 2020, Hobbs has earned national recognition, including a Gold Medal at the 2022 Great American Beer Festival for Sugar Moon Rum in the Experimental and Wood Aged category. Another well-known option is the One Arm Farmhouse Ale, which has also won medals at previous GABF events. Guests can enjoy more than beer at the Ossipee location with live music, food trucks, and seasonal gatherings that keep the taproom lively. With popular beers like Sugar Moon and One Arm Farmhouse Ale, Hobbs Brewing Co. continues to grow its reputation across New Hampshire.
#29 – Frogg Brewing
Frogg Brewing in Swanzey, New Hampshire, is known for its wide range of beer styles and a laid-back atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors. Opened in 2018, the brewery usually keeps nine to ten beers on tap, giving plenty of options for different tastes. Two popular choices include F Bomb, a bold double IPA, and Frogg Splash, a lighter wheat beer with a fruit-forward note. The taproom is family friendly and often hosts food trucks, local vendors, and community events, creating a welcoming spot for gatherings. Pets are also allowed on the patio, which makes it even more inviting. With plans to expand near the Ashuelot River, Frogg Brewing is set to provide even more space for people to enjoy its beers and community-focused events, continuing to grow its presence in the New Hampshire craft beer scene.
#28 – Loaded Question Brewing Co.
Loaded Question Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is known for creating beers that match both the season and the mood, offering a lineup that changes regularly. The taproom has a comfortable setup with both indoor seating and a large outdoor beer garden, making it a popular spot for casual meetups. The brewery produces a variety of styles, from lagers to IPAs, while also offering alternatives like hard cider, hard seltzer, kombucha, and wine for those who prefer different options. Two beers that stand out are Hochzeit Bier, an amber lager with a malty base and slight bitterness, and Just Lucky, a hazy IPA brewed with Galaxy, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops that give it a fruity profile. Guests often enjoy the relaxed setting along with the variety on tap, which makes Loaded Question Brewing Co. a favorite stop in Portsmouth’s growing craft beer scene.
#27 – Great North Aleworks
Great North Aleworks in Manchester, New Hampshire, has been a strong part of the state’s craft beer scene since opening in 2015. The brewery runs a 20 barrel brewhouse supported by larger fermenters and a smaller pilot system that allows them to produce both flagship beers and limited releases. Guests enjoy the variety of seating indoors and on the patio, with leashed dogs welcome outside. The taproom also offers pints, flights, growlers, and merchandise, making it a well rounded stop for locals and visitors. Two of their most popular beers are Great North IPA, a West Coast style IPA with a strong hop character, and RVP, a porter brewed with chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. Seasonal options like Tragically Hopped, a double IPA, keep the lineup fresh for returning fans. With approachable styles and a relaxed taproom, Great North Aleworks continues to stand out in New Hampshire craft brewing.
#26 – Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille
Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille in New London, New Hampshire, is a brewery-restaurant that feels like home for many locals. The business began in 1993 and a few years later added its own micro-brewery. It’s family run and serves lunch and dinner daily with casual, American fare and local sourcing when possible. The setting is rustic and scenic with views of Mount Kearsarge. Flying Goose brews about fifteen to twenty beers at any time, including its most popular Long Brothers American IPA and also offers a hard cider for those who want a gluten-friendly option. With over 20 styles in rotation, there’s variety whether you like lighter ales or something stronger.
#25 – Protectworth Brewing
Protectworth Brewing in Newport, New Hampshire, is known for its wide range of beers and welcoming taproom by the Sugar River. Guests can choose from 17 rotating taps that feature house brewed beers along with hard seltzers. Two of the most popular options are Whaleback Mountain Ale, a New England IPA with a smooth hop profile, and Calypso’s Temptation, a bold double IPA. The brewery is also a social spot that hosts trivia nights, live music, and community gatherings. With its mix of flavorful beers, casual setting, and variety of events, Protectworth Brewing has become a favorite stop in the Lake Sunapee Region for both locals and travelers.
#24 – Northwoods Brewing Co.
Northwoods Brewing Co. in Northwood, New Hampshire, offers a wide selection of craft beers in a friendly and inviting taproom. Two popular choices are Landlocks & Brookies, a pale ale with tropical fruit notes, and Coffee Porter, a rich porter brewed with coffee for a smooth chocolate flavor. The brewery also produces seasonal and experimental beers, including an Apple Ale and Barrel-Rider, a yarrow and honey saison. Visitors enjoy the relaxed setting, which makes it a great spot for tasting flights or meeting friends. With a focus on quality and variety, Northwoods Brewing Co. continues to attract both locals and visitors who appreciate well-crafted beers and a welcoming environment.
#23 – Rockingham Brewing Company
Rockingham Brewing Company in Derry, New Hampshire, offers a wide selection of craft beers in a welcoming and community-focused setting. The taproom features a variety of styles, including Javelina, a West Coast IPA with a firm malt backbone and notes of orange and apricot, and Rum Barrel Aged ComraDerry, which adds depth with rich rum barrel flavors. The brewery also rotates seasonal and experimental beers, such as Golden Mango, a wheat beer with mango, and Cloven Hoof, a Belgian Dubbel with dark fruit, caramel, and spice. Visitors can enjoy these beers in a relaxed atmosphere and have the option to purchase beer to-go. Rockingham Brewing Company is dedicated to providing high-quality beers that appeal to different tastes, making it a popular stop for both locals and travelers looking to experience New Hampshire’s craft beer scene.
#22 – Tuckerman Brewing Company
Tuckerman Brewing Company in Conway, New Hampshire, is known for its variety of quality beers and friendly taproom. Two popular options are Pale Ale, with a golden color, medium bitterness, and smooth malt finish, and 6288 Stout, a rich stout with a portion of proceeds supporting the Mount Washington Observatory. The brewery also produces seasonal and limited-release beers that give visitors a range of choices. Its tasting room and outdoor beer garden provide a relaxed setting for locals and travelers, often hosting community events and live music. Producing around 8,000 barrels annually, Tuckerman Brewing Company has become a key part of New Hampshire’s craft beer scene, appealing to those who enjoy both classic and experimental beer styles.
#21 – From The Barrel Brewing Company
From The Barrel Brewing Company, located in Derry, New Hampshire, is a nano brewery known for its small-batch, experimental craft beers. With a focus on quality and creativity, they offer a rotating selection of beers that showcase unique ingredients and bold flavors. Notable offerings include Alana, an American Pale Ale with a balanced profile, and Back on the Train, a New England IPA featuring Citra and El Dorado hops. The brewery’s intimate setting allows for close interaction with the brewing team, providing a personal touch to the beer experience. Their commitment to innovation and community engagement has made them a standout in New Hampshire’s craft beer scene.
#20 – Garrison City Beerworks
Garrison City Beerworks, located in downtown Dover, New Hampshire, is a 7-barrel nanobrewery known for its inventive craft beers and street taco kitchen. The brewery offers a rotating selection of beers, including New England IPAs, fruited sours, saisons, stouts, and lagers, providing a diverse range of options for beer enthusiasts. Their taproom features 13 drafts, along with hard cider, hard kombucha, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating, with a cozy atmosphere and a rotating menu of creative street tacos and quesadillas. Limited 16oz cans of select beers are available for purchase on-site, allowing patrons to take home their favorites. Garrison City Beerworks is committed to quality and community, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
#19 – Canterbury AleWorks
Canterbury AleWorks, located in the woods of Canterbury, New Hampshire, offers a unique brewery experience with a focus on small-batch, hand-crafted beers and sustainable brewing practices. Two of their popular beers are American Pale Ale, known for its balance of citrusy Cascade hops and crisp malt, and Red Glare, a whiskey barrel-aged Red IPA. The taproom hosts community events such as monthly sea shanty sing-alongs, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere for visitors. With its combination of traditional brewing techniques, innovative flavors, and community engagement, Canterbury AleWorks has become a hidden gem in New Hampshire’s craft beer scene.
#18 – Henniker Brewing Co.
Henniker Brewing Company in Henniker, New Hampshire, is known for its variety of craft beers and welcoming taproom. Two of their popular beers are Miles & Miles Pale Ale, a dry-hopped beer with Citra and Amarillo hops, and Hop Slinger IPA, featuring a blend of light caramel malts and citrusy hops. The brewery also offers seasonal and limited-release beers, giving visitors a range of options to try. Guests can enjoy drinks in a comfortable setting with indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to relax with friends or family. With its focus on quality and community, Henniker Brewing Company has become a favorite destination for craft beer enthusiasts in New Hampshire.
#17 – Rek-Lis Brewing Company
Rek-Lis Brewing Company in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, offers a lively brewery experience with a focus on craft beer and community. Two popular beers are Pretentious Hopper, a New England IPA, and Clouded Judgement, a hazy IPA with a light body and fruity notes. The Brew Pub provides a welcoming space with outdoor seating, live music, and a diverse food menu, while the Pint House offers a more casual setting with a 10-tap bar and full kitchen. The brewery is also dog-friendly, allowing patrons to enjoy their drinks alongside their pets. With its variety of beers, inviting atmosphere, and community engagement, Rek-Lis Brewing Company has become a standout destination for both locals and visitors in New Hampshire’s craft beer scene.
#16 – Hoptimystic Brewing
Hoptimystic Brewing in Sunapee, New Hampshire, offers a variety of craft beers in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Two of their popular beers are Smooth Hoperator, an American IPA known for its balanced flavor, and Hot Blonde, a strawberry jalapeño blonde ale that mixes sweetness with a hint of spice. The brewery also offers seasonal and limited-release beers, giving visitors a range of options to try. Guests can enjoy drinks in a comfortable setting with indoor and outdoor seating. Since its founding in 2020, Hoptimystic Brewing has expanded to multiple locations, including Sunapee and Enfield, and has become known for its dedication to quality and community engagement, making it a popular stop for craft beer enthusiasts in New Hampshire.
#15 – Liars Bench Beer Co.
Liars Bench Beer Co. in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is known for its diverse craft beer selection and welcoming atmosphere. Two popular beers are Young Upstart, an American IPA, and Love Duck, an American Pale Ale. The brewery also offers seasonal and limited-release beers, giving visitors a variety of choices to enjoy. Guests can relax in comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas while sampling the brewery’s offerings. Housed in a repurposed plumbing supply warehouse, Liars Bench Beer Co. combines a unique setting with high-quality beers, making it a favorite destination for craft beer enthusiasts in New Hampshire.
#14 – Throwback Brewery
Throwback Brewery in North Hampton, New Hampshire, offers a distinctive farm-to-glass experience, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. Two of their popular beers are Rule the Roost, a New England IPA with sweet citrus and melon flavors, and Spicy Bohemian, a Bohemian Pilsner with a hint of jalapeño heat. The brewery uses up to 99% New England-grown ingredients, making it one of the most locally focused breweries in the area. Set in a renovated 1860s post-and-beam barn on a 12-acre working farm, the brewery also hosts community events like yoga classes, cribbage tournaments, and live music. With its combination of quality beers, sustainable practices, and engaging events, Throwback Brewery offers a unique and enjoyable experience for anyone exploring New Hampshire’s craft beer scene.
#13 – Concord Craft Brewery
Concord Craft Brewing Co., located in downtown Concord, New Hampshire, offers a wide range of craft beers from light lagers to robust stouts and creative IPAs. Two popular beers are Safe Space, a New England-style IPA with juicy citrus and tropical fruit notes, and The Gov’nah, a double IPA with a hop-forward flavor and complex malt character. The brewery also features other options such as Squirrel Fights Nut, a rich brown ale, and Kapitöl Kölsch, a light German-style ale. With its focus on quality and community, Concord Craft Brewing Co. has become a favorite destination for craft beer enthusiasts visiting New Hampshire.
#12 – Branch and Blade Brewing
Branch and Blade Brewing, located in Keene, New Hampshire, is known for its creative and high-quality craft beers. Two of their most popular offerings are Born Sinner, a soft and juicy New England IPA, and Double Sinner, an imperial milkshake IPA with a creamy texture that appeals to a wide range of beer drinkers. The brewery focuses on innovative recipes while maintaining a welcoming taproom for visitors to relax and enjoy their drinks. Seasonal and limited-release beers are also featured, giving patrons new flavors to try throughout the year. With its dedication to quality, creativity, and community, Branch and Blade Brewing has become a favorite destination for craft beer enthusiasts in New Hampshire. The brewery’s combination of approachable beers and experimental styles makes it a notable stop for anyone exploring the state’s craft beer scene.
#11 – 603 Brewery
603 Brewery, located in Londonderry, New Hampshire, is known for its diverse and innovative craft beer selection. Two of their popular beers are Winni Ale, an American Amber Ale with a balanced malt profile and subtle hop bitterness, and White Peaks IPA, an IPA with citrus and floral notes and a clean, refreshing finish. The brewery offers a welcoming Beer Hall and Patio where guests can enjoy their drinks, and they frequently feature seasonal and limited-release beers. With a focus on quality ingredients and creative brewing, 603 Brewery has become a favorite stop for craft beer enthusiasts in New Hampshire. Their combination of approachable beers, unique flavors, and a friendly atmosphere makes it an inviting destination for both locals and visitors.
#10 – Able Ebenezer Brewing Company
Able Ebenezer Brewing Company, a veteran-owned brewery in Merrimack, New Hampshire, is known for its bold and innovative craft beers. Two of their popular beers are Lady of the Lake, a crisp New England lager with subtle notes of peach and lime, and Burn the Ships, an American IPA featuring caramel and cherrywood smoked malts with a balanced hop profile. The brewery focuses on high-quality ingredients and creative brewing techniques, offering a lineup that appeals to a wide range of beer enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy these beers in a welcoming taproom that highlights the brewery’s commitment to craftsmanship and community. With its combination of unique flavors, consistent quality, and inviting atmosphere, Able Ebenezer Brewing Company has earned a reputation as a notable destination for craft beer lovers exploring New Hampshire.
#9 – Moat Mountain Brewing Co.
Moat Mountain Brewing Co. in North Conway, New Hampshire, offers a craft beer experience that blends innovation with approachability. Visitors can enjoy a variety of beer styles, from crisp lagers to flavorful ales, all brewed with care. Two of their most popular beers are Miss V’s Blueberry, a light unfiltered ale with a subtle fruit finish, and Czech Pilsner, a Bohemian-style beer with a clean, slightly floral taste. The brewery features a spacious taproom and outdoor seating, making it an inviting spot for both locals and travelers. In addition to their beers, Moat Mountain Brewing Co. operates a Smokehouse & Pub with a menu designed to pair well with their brews, offering everything from sliders to hearty entrees. Its combination of quality beers, tasty food, and a friendly, relaxed environment has made it a key stop for anyone exploring the craft beer scene in New Hampshire.
#8 – Kelsen Brewing Company
Kelsen Brewing Company, located in Londonderry, New Hampshire, is known for its creative and high-quality craft beers. Two of their most popular offerings are Battle Axe IPA, an American IPA with smooth hop flavors and a balanced finish, and Draken Robust Porter, a dark beer with rich malt flavors and hints of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. The brewery focuses on innovative recipes and careful brewing techniques, delivering beers that appeal to a wide range of tastes. With a welcoming taproom and a commitment to quality, Kelsen Brewing Company has become a favorite destination for craft beer enthusiasts in New Hampshire. Its combination of bold flavors, approachable beers, and a friendly atmosphere makes it an inviting spot for both locals and visitors seeking a unique craft beer experience.
#7 – Deciduous Brewing Company
Deciduous Brewing Company, a family-owned brewery in Newmarket, New Hampshire, is known for its creative and high-quality craft beers. Two of their popular offerings are Easy Operator, an American IPA with smooth hop flavors and a balanced profile, and Lollipop Forest – Blackberry & Raspberry, a fruited sour ale combining tart berries with a hint of milk sugar for a sweet and tangy taste. The brewery features a cozy tasting room with indoor seating and an outdoor beer garden, providing a welcoming space for visitors to enjoy their beers. With a focus on quality ingredients, innovative recipes, and a friendly atmosphere, Deciduous Brewing Company has become a go-to destination for craft beer enthusiasts in New Hampshire. Its combination of approachable beers and unique flavors makes it an inviting stop for both locals and travelers.
#6 – Smuttynose Brewing Company
Smuttynose Brewing Company, founded in 1994 in Hampton, New Hampshire, is recognized as one of the state’s original craft breweries. Two of their popular beers are Finestkind IPA, an American IPA with a balanced bitterness and citrusy hop profile, and Old Brown Dog Ale, an American Brown Ale with rich malt flavors and notes of caramel and chocolate. The brewery emphasizes quality ingredients and consistent brewing practices, offering a wide variety of styles to appeal to different tastes. Its taproom and tasting areas provide a welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy their beers on-site. Its combination of approachable and flavorful beers, along with a focus on the craft beer community, makes it a key destination for anyone exploring New Hampshire’s beer scene.
#5 – Copper Pig Brewery
Copper Pig Brewery, located in Lancaster, New Hampshire, offers a wide variety of craft beers in a cozy and unique setting. Two of their popular beers are Kilkenny Irish Red, an Irish-style red ale with a creamy texture and sweet herbal flavor, and Lars007, a New England-style Double IPA with tropical notes and rich flavors. The brewery features a historic brick building beside the Israel River, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their beers. Copper Pig Brewery produces a range of beer styles, including lagers, porters, stouts, pale ales, IPAs, red ales, seltzers, ciders, and wheat ales, showcasing both creativity and quality in their offerings. With its diverse selection and inviting environment, Copper Pig Brewery has become a favorite destination for craft beer enthusiasts exploring northern New Hampshire.
#4 – Kettlehead Brewing Company
Kettlehead Brewing Company, a family-owned brewery based in Tilton, New Hampshire, is known for its innovative craft beers and welcoming atmosphere. Two of their popular beers are Dreamstate, an Imperial New England IPA with tropical fruit notes and a juicy hop profile, and Pulpy, a New England IPA triple dry-hopped with Mosaic, Citra, and El Dorado hops, delivering bright citrus and tropical flavors. The brewery also offers artisan wood-fired pizzas and has multiple locations in Meredith, Nashua, and Franklin, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. With a focus on quality ingredients and creative brewing techniques, Kettlehead Brewing Company has earned a strong reputation among craft beer enthusiasts.
#3 – Stoneface Brewing Co.
Stoneface Brewing Co., founded in 2014 in Newington, New Hampshire, is known for its hop-forward beers and commitment to quality brewing. Two of their popular beers are Full Clip, a New England IPA with juicy peach and pineapple notes from Citra, Idaho 7, and Simcoe hops, and Double Clip, an Imperial IPA with a robust hop profile and tropical fruit flavors. The brewery’s tasting room features 20 draft lines, fresh cans, and a rotating food menu, creating a lively and welcoming environment for visitors. With over 300 beers brewed across a variety of styles, Stoneface Brewing Co. has earned a strong reputation among craft beer enthusiasts. Its combination of creative brewing, flavorful beers, and a friendly atmosphere makes it a top destination for anyone exploring New Hampshire’s craft beer scene.
#2 – Spyglass Brewing Company
Spyglass Brewing Company, founded in 2018 in Nashua, New Hampshire, is known for its New England-style IPAs and innovative brewing techniques. Two of their popular beers are Aspect Oriented, an Imperial New England IPA with a creamy texture and a blend of Citra, Motueka, and Galaxy hops, and Object Oriented, another Imperial IPA featuring Citra, Mosaic, Rakau, and Simcoe hops for a juicy, hop-forward profile. The brewery operates a spacious taproom with indoor and outdoor seating and a full-service restaurant, creating a welcoming environment for visitors. Spyglass Brewing has brewed nearly 200 different beers, focusing on quality and creative variations of the popular double IPA style.
#1 – Schilling Beer Co.
Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton, New Hampshire, is known for its focus on European-style brewing traditions while bringing in a modern approach. The brewery offers a wide range of beers including lagers, mixed-fermentation ales, and small-batch American styles. Two of their most popular beers are Alexandr, a Czech-style pilsner that is crisp and balanced, and Combover, an American IPA with bright hop flavors. The brewery is located in a restored 18th-century gristmill along the Ammonoosuc River, creating a unique setting for enjoying fresh beer with wood-fired pizza. Schilling has become a popular stop for beer fans thanks to its dedication to quality and its welcoming location.
Brewing Up History & Highlights of New Hampshire’s Breweries
New Hampshire’s brewery scene is more than pints and hops. It is a mix of history, law, and local pride. The state was among the first to offer a nano-brewery license, which made it easier for very small brewers to operate with lower fees. Brewing history in New Hampshire goes back to the late 1800s, when the Frank Jones Brewing Company in Portsmouth became one of the largest ale producers in the United States. Over time, the state has grown from only a handful of breweries to more than 90 operating across seven regions today.
The craft beer industry is now a major part of New Hampshire’s economy and identity. In 2021, it contributed $456.5 million to the state and supported almost 3,940 full-time jobs. The state also ranks seventh in the country for breweries per capita. New Hampshire’s breweries include nanobreweries and microbreweries that serve mostly local markets, as well as larger producers that distribute regionally and beyond.
FAQs About New Hampshire Breweries
How many breweries are there in New Hampshire?
There are more than 90 licensed breweries spread across the state’s seven regions.
What kinds of brewery sizes exist in New Hampshire?
The state is home to nanobreweries, microbreweries, and a few regional breweries.
Does New Hampshire host a brewery trail or passport program?
Yes. The NH Beer Trail connects more than 65 breweries and offers rewards to participants.
Can I tour New Hampshire’s breweries?
Yes, but policies vary. Some breweries offer tours, while others may limit access for safety reasons.
Do New Hampshire’s breweries ship beer outside the state?
Some do, but many limit distribution to in-state sales due to licensing laws.