NH Craft Beers For Sipping This Summer
Summer in New Hampshire is a great time to explore the state’s craft beer scene. With dozens and dozens of craft breweries, the state has solidified itself as a bona fide craft beer destination in the heart of New England. Indeed, the scene has blossomed in recent years, making New Hampshire ideal for craft beer aficionados and curious novices alike. From fresh new releases to tried and true classics, we’ve rounded up summer offerings from breweries in every corner of the state.
Copper Pig Brewery, Lancaster
Ice Jam Lager – 4.6% ABV
Summer at the Copper Pig means the Ice Jam Lager is on tap. This Czech Style Pilsner is a light refreshing lager with well-rounded bready malt flavors, minimal bitterness and never harsh. You might say it pairs well with your patio! Fun fact about this brew, it was crafted following an ice jam on the Israel River in Lancaster. Right around the time of the brewery’s grand opening in February of 2018, the temperature jumped to 67 degrees causing an ice jam outside the brewery. It eventually broke through the steel shudders on the windows and filled the new brewery with 3 foot ice chunks! And so, Ice Jam Lager was born.
Earth Eagle Brewings, Portsmouth
Piscataqua – 4.2%
Soak in the long, hazy lazy days of the summer season with Earth Eagle’s thirst quencher the Piscataqua. Described as a super easy drinking American Lager weighing in at 4.2%, makes it sessionable and refreshing for wherever your summer adventures take you in the #603. Be sure to check out the label which pays homage to the old Memorial Bridge that spanned the Piscataqua River between Portsmouth and Kittery, ME.
Martha’s Exchange & Brewery, Nashua
Belle Blonde – 6% ABV
An annual summer release for more than a decade, you might say the Belle Blonde is a summertime staple at Martha’s Exchange. What can you say about this Belgian Blonde Ale? For starters how about candied fruit and sweet malt in an effervescent package. This brew is bright and easy going with a spicy finish. Lightning in a bottle? How about sunshine in a glass! Cheers to that!
NH Brewers Association
Keep NH Brewing IPA
If you’re looking for a summer adventure while enjoying your travels around the state, then be sure to check out
Keep NH Brewing Collaboration IPA Beer Trail! The NH Brewers Association has teamed up with 27 NH Breweries to craft 23 individual IPA recipes, each one with a unique twist for your taste buds to explore. Release dates start July 16 and go through the end of September. What a great way to explore the state’s craft beer scene! Hop on the NH Beer Trail and start sampling!
Post & Beam Brewing, Peterborough
The Unbearable Lightness of Pilsner – 4.5% ABV
The name says it all! This Czech Pilsner is packed with flavor while still remaining light, crisp, and refreshing. On these hot summer days, when you’re craving flavor but don’t want to feel weighed down from heavy hops or sugary sweet styles of craft beer, this is the one for you. Sure to satisfy your thirst and your palate. It’s become a favorite at the Post & Beam ushering in its third summer season.
Stripe Nine Brewing Co, Somersworth
Langdon Pale Ale – 5.4% ABV
Hopped exclusively with Citra, Langdon is a light, smooth and refreshing Pale Ale with dank notes of kiwi, tangelo and nectarine! The brew is named after one of America’s founding fathers John Langdon of Portsmouth. Langdon ratified and signed the US Constitution in Philadelphia on behalf of the New Hampshire Colony. Following that, NH was admitted to the Union as its ninth state. Here’s some history for you: Langdon signed the famed document directly below George Washington. Now that’s reason to raise a glass of Stripe Nine!
The Dam Brewhouse, Campton
Straight Out of Campton – 8.1% ABV
Yes, you read that right – and rest assured Straight Out of Campton is a great summer IPA. Not too heavy, full of hop flavor and aroma mixed with a nice balance of bitterness. Even better, this West Coast IPA makes a GREAT summer lemon shandy as the bitterness of hops and the sour of the lemon is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of lemonade. Would you believe it’s light enough to drink all day and as thirst quenching as a great lemonade. But don’t take our word for it, stop by and try it yourself.
Tuckerman Brewing Co, Conway
Wild River – 5% ABV
Brand new this summer at Tuckerman’s is the Wild River! It’s a Belgian Style White Ale, brewed with coriander and orange peel giving it a fruity-peppery flavor. Pale in color with a light body and lively carbonation making it incredibly refreshing and a great summer sipper. It’s part of Tuckerman’s limited release artist series. The label features artwork by local artist Chris Duca. It’s a small batch and is only available on draft and in cans to go at the brewery.
Vulgar Brewing Co, Franklin
Hefe Petting – 4.5% ABV
This classic, unfiltered wheat beer pairs perfectly with sunny summer days. The Hefeweizen has fruity notes of banana, clove and bubblegum. Yes, bubblegum. At just 4.5% ABV, it’s light and refreshing with a clean, dry finish that will no doubt, keep you coming back. It’s brand new this summer at Vulgar but has already proven itself as a seasonal staple.
Wildbloom Beer, Henniker
Gnome Shoes – 4.2% ABV
This mythical round bodied blonde ale is a perfect summer beer with its bright fruity notes and a crisp dry finish. At only 4.2% you can be sure it pairs well with everything outdoorsy. Wildbloom takes pride in sourcing local and Gnome Shoes is brewed with 100% New England grown ingredients. This blonde ale was the brewery’s featured release when it opened last summer, and they’re excited to have it back on tap for the season.