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. Below, we’ve rounded up ten selections perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.
603 Brewery, Derry
Summatime Session Ale – ABV 4.5%
This summer ale is golden rays of sunshine in a glass! Brilliant light golden color bursting with notes of meyer lemon, grapefruit zest, navel orange and a hint of sweet cherry. Best enjoyed while hiking, sitting by the lake, at the beach, grilling in the backyard or camping. You might say it’s New Hampshire Summer in liquid form. Be sure to ask for it like a local: Summatime!
Canterbury Ale Works, Canterbury
Weisscracker Mequite Smoked Habanero Wheat – 5.2% ABV
Like fireworks in your glass, this light wheat ale is bold, refreshing and HOT! An explosion of flavor, this is a real white-hot firecracker of a summer wheat ale. Fun fact: hot peppers are known to actually help you stay cool in the summer so cheers to the 4th of July and summer heat! (This brew does contain peppers).
Hobbs Brewing Co, Ossipee
Lake Life American Pale Ale – 5.9% ABV
This citrusy and malt balance is a sure crowd-pleaser and is brewed to be the ideal lake companion, whether you’re on it, in it or just simply looking at it. Pairs perfectly with those who live the #lakelife. This brew is super crisp and crushable. Get it while you can, it won’t be around long, when summer’s gone, it is too.
Out Haus Ales, Northwood
Rhubarb-Wheat – 4.5% ABV
Rhubarb is a popular vegetable in New Hampshire and a key ingredient in this summer brew. Home-grown rhubarb is added to an American Wheat Beer after primary fermentation has finished giving the light, sweet beer a refreshing tartness. The low ABV makes it easy to drink and supremely crushable. Sure to be a classic summer flavor!
Post & Beam Brewing, Peterborough
Butcher Holler Grisette – 4.2% ABV
Historically brewed to quench the thirst of French and Belgian coal miners, the grisette is the perfect beer for hot summer days. It’s light, crisp, refreshing and low in alcohol, so easy to enjoy while plugging away at yard work, or perhaps while climbing a mountain. It’s also known to be a good fit with lazing around by a fire pit.
Tuckerman Brewing Co, Conway
Summer Pils – 4.5% ABV
Enjoy all the flavors of summer in a glass with this single-hopped Pilsner. It combines the perfect amount of Citra hops & orange peel. Pilsners are typically lower in alcohol, and this one comes in at 4.5%. A light golden color, clear body, and crisp finish makes it the perfect beer to pair with a hot summer day.
Twin Barns Brewing Co, Meredith
Belknap Pils – ABV 5.4%
If there was ever a beer to enjoy on a hot summer day by the lake, after a hike in the Whites, or after mowing the lawn this is it! Refreshing, light, flavorful and crisp. There’s a reason Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine recently scored it 99/100! Cheers to that!
Vulgar Brewing Co, Franklin
Down to Huck Helles Lager – 5.2% ABV
A great, easy-drinking beer on hot days – whether working outside, or enjoying a mountain climb or chilling by a river or lake. Wondering where its name comes from? Wonder no more - it comes from extreme sports meaning “ready to do this crazy thing!” So what are you waiting for? Be sure to include this seasonal staple on your summer list.
WHYM Craft Pub & Brewery, Hampton
Surf Spot Saison – 5.2% ABV
Catching some sun or surf in Hampton? On your way home stop and try this new brew: French Saison, Surf Spot. Brewed to an approachable 5.2%, this beer is hopped with a blend of European and American hops, to play perfectly off the citrusy and spicy notes of the Saison yeast. Whether you’re coming off some waves or just in the mood for a cold one under the sun, Surf Spot is sure to quench ya!
Wildbloom Beer, Henniker
Chickadee Grisette – 4.4% ABV
The chickadee is the perfect summertime beer because it’s light, effervescent and its notes of lime zest and honeydew pairs great with all of your favorites coming off the grill! At only 4.4% it’s ideal for packing to summit a 4000” or for sitting and cooling off in a river.
