Best 13 Breweries in Portsmouth NH: A Guide to the Top Local Craft Beer Spots

Portsmouth, NH is a haven for beer lovers, with a thriving craft beer scene that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs or prefer a smooth stout, Portsmouth’s breweries have got you covered. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best breweries in Portsmouth, NH to help you plan your next brewery crawl.

One of the top breweries in Portsmouth is The Portsmouth Brewery, which has been serving up delicious craft beer since 1991. Their extensive beer menu includes everything from classic styles to innovative brews, and their food menu is just as impressive. With a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, The Portsmouth Brewery is a must-visit for any beer lover in the area.

Another standout brewery in Portsmouth is Great Rhythm Brewing Company, which was founded in 2012 and has quickly become a local favorite. Their focus on using high-quality ingredients and experimenting with unique flavors has earned them a loyal following. Visitors can enjoy a pint in their spacious taproom or take a tour of the brewery to learn more about their brewing process.

Top Breweries in Portsmouth

Loaded Question Brewing

Loaded Question Brewing is a microbrewery located in Portsmouth, NH. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. Their taproom is a welcoming space with a friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere.

Website: https://www.loadedquestionbrewing.com/

Address: 909 Islington St Suite #12, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

Great Rhythm Brewing Company

Great Rhythm Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Portsmouth, NH. They specialize in brewing a variety of high-quality, handcrafted beers. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: http://www.greatrhythmbrewing.com/

Address: 105 Bartlett St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

Portsmouth Brewery

Portsmouth Brewery is a popular brewpub located in downtown Portsmouth, NH. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. Their food menu is also worth checking out, with a variety of delicious pub grub.

Website: http://www.portsmouthbrewery.com/

Address: 56 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

Earth Eagle Brewings

Earth Eagle Brewing is a small brewery located in Portsmouth, NH. They specialize in brewing unique and experimental beers, including gruits and other ancient styles. Their taproom is cozy and inviting, with a laid-back atmosphere.

Website: http://eartheaglebrewings.com/

Address: 175 High St, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

Cisco Brewers

Cisco Brewers is a popular brewery located in Portsmouth, NH. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: https://www.ciscobrewers.com/

Address: 35 Corporate Dr, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

Tributary Brewing

Tributary Brewing is a small brewery located in Kittery, ME, just a short drive from Portsmouth, NH. They specialize in brewing a variety of high-quality, handcrafted beers. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: http://www.tributarybrewingcompany.com/

Address: 10 Shapleigh Rd, Kittery, ME 03904, United States

Stoneface Brewing

Stoneface Brewing is a craft brewery located in Newington, NH, just a short drive from Portsmouth. They specialize in brewing a variety of high-quality, handcrafted beers. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: http://www.stonefacebrewing.com/

Address: 436 Shattuck Way, Newington, NH 03801, United States

Throwback Brewery

Throwback Brewery is a small brewery located in North Hampton, NH, just a short drive from Portsmouth. They specialize in brewing a variety of high-quality, handcrafted beers. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: http://www.throwbackbrewery.com/

Address: 7 Hobbs Rd, North Hampton, NH 03862, United States

Garrison City Beerworks

Garrison City Beerworks is a craft brewery located in Dover, NH, just a short drive from Portsmouth. They specialize in brewing a variety of high-quality, handcrafted beers. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: https://www.garrisoncitybeerworks.com/

Address: 455 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820

Deciduous Brewing Company

Deciduous Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Newmarket, NH, just a short drive from Portsmouth. They specialize in brewing a variety of high-quality, handcrafted beers. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: http://www.deciduousbrewing.com/

Address: 12 Weaver St Suite B, Newmarket, NH 03857, United States

Liar’s Bench Beer Company

Liar’s Bench Beer Company is a small brewery located in Portsmouth, NH. They specialize in brewing a variety of high-quality, handcrafted beers. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: http://www.liarsbenchbeer.com/

Address: 459 Islington St #4, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

Cisco Brewers – Portsmouth

Cisco Brewers – Portsmouth is a popular brewery located in Portsmouth, NH. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: http://www.ciscobrewersportsmouth.com/

Address: 35 Corporate Dr, Portsmouth, NH 03801, United States

Smuttynose Brewing Company

Smuttynose Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in Hampton, NH, just a short drive from Portsmouth. They offer a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and ales. Their taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer.

Website: https://smuttynose.com/

Address: 105 Towle Farm Rd, Hampton, NH 03842, United States

Beer Varieties

Portsmouth, NH is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and they offer a wide variety of beer types to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. From stouts and lagers to ales and IPAs, Portsmouth breweries have got it all.

If you are a fan of sour beers, be sure to try Earth Eagle Brewing’s sour beers. They are known for their unique and creative sour beer varieties that are sure to impress.

For those who love IPAs, Loaded Question Brewing Co. has a variety of options to choose from, including their popular Citra IPA, New England Gangsta IPA, and Resonation Pale Ale.

If you are in the mood for something a bit darker, try the oatmeal stout at Portsmouth Brewery or the porter at Great Rhythm Brewing Company.

For those who prefer lighter beers, the cream ales at Cisco Brewers Portsmouth and the American lager at Portsmouth Brewery are great options.

In addition to beer, some breweries also offer delicious food options. If you are in the mood for a burger, head over to the Portsmouth Brewery, or if you want to enjoy a hot dog with your beer, check out Earth Eagle Brewings.

If you are a fan of tacos, be sure to visit Great Rhythm Brewing Company, where they offer a variety of delicious taco options. And if you prefer cider or wheat ale, head over to Earth Eagle Brewings, where they have a great selection of both.

Unique Features

Taprooms

Portsmouth is home to some of the best taprooms in New Hampshire. These taprooms offer a unique experience to beer enthusiasts who want to sample the best local brews. The Portsmouth Brewery, for example, is a popular taproom that serves a wide variety of beers. They have an extensive beer menu that includes IPAs, stouts, porters, and ales. The taproom also serves delicious food, making it a great spot for a night out.

Beer Gardens

Beer gardens are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while sipping on some cold brews. Portsmouth has several beer gardens that are worth checking out. The Cisco Brewers Portsmouth & Cataqua Public House is one such beer garden that offers a relaxing atmosphere, great beer, and delicious food. The beer garden is located on the water, making it a great spot to watch the sunset.

Brewpubs

Brewpubs are a great way to experience the brewing process up close. Portsmouth has several brewpubs that offer a unique experience to beer enthusiasts. The Portsmouth Brewery is one such brewpub that has been around since 1991. They brew their beer on-site, and visitors can watch the brewing process while enjoying a cold pint. The brewpub also serves delicious food, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner.

Nano breweries

Nanobreweries are small-scale breweries that produce beer in small batches. Portsmouth has several nano breweries that offer unique and experimental brews. Earth Eagle Brewing is one such nano brewery that specializes in brewing unique and experimental beers. They use local ingredients to create their brews, and their taproom is a great spot to sample their creations.

Traveling to Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a beautiful coastal city located in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire. It is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. If you are planning to visit Portsmouth, there are several things you need to know to make your trip enjoyable.

Getting There

Portsmouth is easily accessible by car, train, or plane. If you are driving from Boston, it will take you around an hour to reach Portsmouth. If you are coming from Portland, it will take you around an hour and a half. Portsmouth is also well-connected by train, with regular services from Boston and Portland.

If you are flying to Portsmouth, the nearest airport is the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which is around 50 miles away. Alternatively, you can fly to Boston Logan International Airport, which is around an hour’s drive from Portsmouth.

Getting Around

Once you are in Portsmouth, you can easily get around on foot or by bike. The city is small and compact, with most of the attractions located within walking distance of each other. If you prefer to drive, there are several car rental companies in Portsmouth that you can choose from.

Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do in Portsmouth, regardless of your interests. If you are a beer lover, you can visit some of the best breweries in Portsmouth, such as Great Rhythm Brewing Company on Bartlett St, Earth Eagle Brewings on Islington, or Cisco Brewers Portsmouth & Cataqua Public House on Market Square.

If you are a fan of outdoor activities, you can visit the Disc Golf Course at Bellamy Park or take a stroll along the scenic trails at the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

For those interested in history, Portsmouth is home to several historic landmarks, such as the Strawbery Banke Museum, the USS Albacore Museum & Park, and the Wentworth-Gardner House.

Where to Stay

There are several accommodation options in Portsmouth, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular options include the Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown, the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel, and the Kittery Inn and Suites.

Where to Shop

Portsmouth is home to several unique shopping destinations, such as the boutiques and galleries on Market Street and the homebrew shop at Garrison City Beerworks. If you are looking for a more traditional shopping experience, you can visit the Fox Run Mall in nearby Newington or the Tanger Outlets in Kittery.

Conclusion

Portsmouth is a vibrant and exciting city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you are interested in history, beer, or outdoor activities, you are sure to find something that appeals to you in Portsmouth.