Best 17 Breweries in Manchester NH: Top Places to Enjoy Craft Beer
Manchester, NH is a city known for its thriving beer culture and plethora of breweries. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the city has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding the best breweries. With so many breweries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit.
One of the most popular breweries in Manchester is Backyard Brewery. Located in a converted industrial building, this brewery offers a wide variety of beers and ales, along with a menu of delicious food options. Another great option is Pipe Dream Brewing, which has a cozy atmosphere and a selection of fresh, locally brewed beers. For those looking to try something new, Candia Road Brewing is a small, comfortable brewery with a handful of unique beers to try.
History of Breweries in Manchester
Manchester has a rich history of brewing, dating back to the 19th century. In the early days, breweries were small and often family-run operations, producing beer for local consumption. However, as the demand for beer grew, larger breweries began to emerge.
One of the earliest breweries in Manchester was the Amoskeag Brewery, which was established in 1866. The brewery was located on the banks of the Merrimack River and was one of the largest breweries in the country at the time. The Amoskeag Brewery produced a variety of beers, including lagers, ales, and porters.
Another notable brewery in Manchester was the Frank Jones Brewery, which was founded in 1859. The brewery was located on Willow Street and was known for its “Pride of the Valley” ale. The Frank Jones Brewery was one of the largest breweries in the state and produced over 200,000 barrels of beer per year at its peak.
During Prohibition, many of the breweries in Manchester were forced to close their doors. However, after Prohibition was repealed in 1933, several breweries reopened, including the Manchester Brewing Company and the White Mountain Brewing Company.
Today, Manchester is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with several breweries and taprooms located throughout the city. Many of these breweries draw inspiration from Manchester’s rich brewing history and offer a variety of traditional and modern beer styles.
Top Breweries in Manchester
Kelsen Brewing
Kelsen Brewing is a craft brewery located in Derry, NH, that is well-known for its flavorful IPAs and stouts. Their taproom is open on weekends and offers a rotating selection of beers, as well as food trucks and live music.
Website: http://www.kelsenbrewing.com/
Address: 44 Nashua Rd, Londonderry, NH 03053, United States
Great North Aleworks
Great North Aleworks is a popular brewery located in Manchester that is known for its high-quality beers and friendly taproom. Their year-round offerings include IPAs, porters, and lagers, while their seasonal and limited-release beers are always worth trying.
Website: http://www.greatnorthaleworks.com/
Address: 1050 Holt Ave #14, Manchester, NH 03109, United States
Long Blue Cat Brewing
Long Blue Cat Brewing is a microbrewery located in Londonderry, NH, that offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, sours, and stouts. Their taproom is open on weekends and features a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
Website: http://www.longbluecat.com/
Address: 298 Rockingham Rd, Londonderry, NH 03053, United States
Pipe Dream Brewing
Pipe Dream Brewing is a small, family-owned brewery located in Londonderry, NH. Their taproom is open on weekends and offers a rotating selection of beers, as well as food trucks and live music.
Website: https://www.pipedreambrewingnh.com/
Address: 49 Harvey Rd Unit 4, Londonderry, NH 03053, United States
Twin Barns Brewing
Twin Barns Brewing is a farm brewery located in Meredith, NH, that is known for its rustic and charming taproom. Their beers are made with locally sourced ingredients and include a variety of styles, such as IPAs, lagers, and saisons.
Website: http://www.twinbarnsbrewing.com/
Address: 194 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith, NH 03253, United States
The Hop Knot
The Hop Knot is a craft brewery and taproom located in Hooksett, NH. Their beers are made with high-quality ingredients and include a variety of styles, such as IPAs, stouts, and sours. Their taproom is open on weekends and features a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Website: http://hopknotnh.com/
Address: 1000 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101, United States
Backyard Brewery
Backyard Brewery is a popular brewery located in Manchester that is known for its creative and flavorful beers. Their taproom is open daily and features a wide variety of beers on tap, as well as food and live music.
Website: http://www.backyardbrewerynh.com/
Address: 1211 S Mammoth Rd, Manchester, NH 03109, United States
Candia Road Brewing
Candia Road Brewing is a small, family-owned brewery located in Manchester that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Their taproom is open on weekends and features a laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff.
Website: http://candiaroadbrewingco.com/
Address: 840 Candia Rd, Manchester, NH 03109, United States
Stark Brewing Company
Stark Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in Manchester that is known for its high-quality beers and friendly staff. Their year-round offerings include IPAs, stouts, and lagers, while their seasonal and limited-release beers are always worth trying.
Website: https://starkbrewingcompany.com/
Address: 500 N Commercial St, Manchester, NH 03101, United States
To Share Brewing Company
To Share Brewing Company is a small, family-owned brewery located in Manchester that offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, sours, and stouts. Their taproom is open on weekends and features a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Website: https://www.tosharebrewing.com/
Address: 720 Union St, Manchester, NH 03104, United States
Able Ebenezer Brewing Company
Able Ebenezer Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in Merrimack, NH, that is known for its high-quality beers and friendly staff. Their year-round offerings include IPAs, stouts, and lagers, while their seasonal and limited-release beers are always worth trying.
Website: http://www.ableebenezer.com/
Address: 31 Columbia Cir, Merrimack, NH 03054, United States
Deciduous Brewing Company
Deciduous Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Newmarket, NH, that is known for its creative and flavorful beers. Their taproom is open on weekends and features a variety of beers on tap, as well as food trucks and live music.
Website: https://deciduousbrewing.square.site/
Address: 12 Weaver St Suite B, Newmarket, NH 03857, United States
Garrison City Beerworks
Garrison City Beerworks is a popular brewery located in Dover, NH, that is known for its high-quality beers and friendly staff. Their year-round offerings include IPAs, stouts, and lagers, while their seasonal and limited-release beers are always worth trying.
Website: http://garrisoncitybeerworks.com/
Address: 455 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820, United States
Branch and Blade Brewing
Branch and Blade Brewing is a craft brewery located in Keene, NH, that is known for its creative and flavorful beers. Their taproom is open on weekends and features a variety of beers on tap, as well as food trucks and live music.
Website: https://babbrewing.com/
Address: 17 Bradco St, Keene, NH 03431, United States
Schilling Beer Company
Schilling Beer Company is a popular brewery located in Littleton, NH, that is known for its high-quality beers and friendly staff. Their year-round offerings include IPAs, stouts, and lagers, while their seasonal and limited-release beers are always worth trying.
Website: http://www.schillingbeer.com/
Address: 18 Mill St, Littleton, NH 03561, United States
Modestman Brewing
Modestman Brewing is a craft brewery located in Keene, NH, that is known for its creative and flavorful beers. Their taproom is open on weekends and features a variety of beers on tap, as well as food trucks and live music.
Website: https://modestmanbrewing.com/
Address: 100 Main St, Keene, NH 03431, United States
603 Brewery
603 Brewery is a popular brewery located in Londonderry, NH, that is known for its high-quality beers and friendly staff. Their year-round offerings include IPAs, stouts, lagers, and more.
Website: http://www.603brewery.com/
Address: 42 Main St, Londonderry, NH 03053, United States
Craft Beers and Ales
Manchester, NH is home to some of the best craft breweries in the state, offering a wide variety of craft beers and ales. From IPAs to stouts, and everything in between, there is something for everyone.
Craft beer enthusiasts will appreciate the attention to detail and quality ingredients used in each brew. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA or a smooth ale, Manchester’s breweries have got you covered.
One of the most popular styles of craft beer is the IPA or India Pale Ale. These beers are known for their hoppy flavor and bitterness and are a favorite among beer lovers. Manchester’s breweries offer a variety of IPAs, from traditional West Coast styles to hazy New England IPAs.
For those who prefer a lighter beer, ales are a great option. These beers are brewed with a top-fermenting yeast and are known for their fruity and sometimes spicy flavors. Manchester’s breweries offer a variety of ales, including pale ales, brown ales, and red ales.
Craft breweries are also known for their unique and experimental brews. Manchester’s breweries are no exception, offering creative and innovative brews that push the boundaries of traditional beer styles. From sour beers to barrel-aged stouts, there is always something new and exciting to try.
Whether you are a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, Manchester’s breweries offer a diverse selection of high-quality brews that are sure to satisfy any palate.
Brewery Events
Manchester, NH is home to a variety of brewery events throughout the year. These events are perfect for beer enthusiasts who want to taste new brews, learn about the brewing process, and have a good time with friends. Here are some of the top brewery events in Manchester, NH:
Manchester Brewfest
The Manchester Brewfest is an annual event that takes place in the fall. This festival features over 100 different craft beers from local and regional breweries. Attendees can sample beers, enjoy live music, and participate in games and activities. The festival also offers food vendors and a VIP area for those looking for a more exclusive experience.
Stark Brewing Company Events
Stark Brewing Company, located in downtown Manchester, hosts a variety of events throughout the year. These events include beer releases, live music, trivia nights, and more. The brewery also offers tours of its brewing facility, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
Candia Road Brewing Events
Candia Road Brewing, located just outside of Manchester, hosts events such as beer releases, trivia nights, and live music. The brewery also offers food trucks on select days, providing visitors with a variety of dining options.
Backyard Brewery Events
Backyard Brewery, located in Manchester, hosts events such as beer releases, live music, and trivia nights. The brewery also offers a variety of food options, including pizza and sandwiches.
Other Events
In addition to these brewery-specific events, Manchester also hosts a variety of beer festivals and events throughout the year. These events include the New Hampshire Brewfest, the Gate City Brewfest, and the Manchester Food and Wine Festival.
Overall, Manchester, NH is a great destination for beer enthusiasts looking to attend brewery events. With a variety of festivals, tastings, and other events, there is always something new to discover in the city’s thriving beer scene.
Food at Breweries
Breweries are not just for beer anymore. Many breweries in Manchester, NH offer a variety of food options to complement their beer selection. Whether it’s a quick snack or a full meal, breweries have something for everyone.
Some breweries have their own kitchen and offer a full menu, while others partner with local food trucks or restaurants. This allows breweries to offer a diverse selection of food options that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Menus at breweries can range from classic pub fare like burgers and fries to more sophisticated dishes like charcuterie boards and artisanal pizzas. Many breweries also offer vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
In addition to food, breweries often have a bar serving a variety of non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, and coffee. This makes breweries a great spot for families or non-drinkers who still want to enjoy the atmosphere and food.
Overall, breweries in Manchester, NH are not just a place to grab a beer. They are a destination for great food, drinks, and a fun atmosphere.