Ah, summer – the season that coincides with relaxation. What could be better than ending a beautiful lake day enjoying a beer with friends? If you’re looking to try out a new brewery or distillery in our area, we have got you covered! The Monadnock region is “brewing” with opportunities to stop by for a bite to eat and a flight to share.
Sprinkled across southern New Hampshire’s gorgeous landscape, a variety of niche producers have popped up, inviting visitors to come sip their impressive creations. You could really spend a whole trip hopping from one to the next, but here’s just a taste of a few places people love to kick back and enjoy a drink.
Post Up in Peterborough
One of Peterborough’s most recent additions is Post and Beam Brewing. Located on Grove Street, the microbrewery is the result of some serious hard work. The owners, Erika and Jeffery, spent hundreds of hours renovating the historic building that has taken many forms over the 200+ years it has been around. The couple managed to transform the neglected space into a magical microbrew spot, all while preserving the architectural and historical significance the building has to offer.
This idyllic brewery comes complete with a patio out back that gazes over part of the Nubanusit, an area to peek in on the beer-making process, and an array of trivia and board games to play while you stay. The local favorite on tap is the Our Town NEIPA; it goes just as quickly as it’s made!
Fortunately, the friendly and knowledgeable staff switch out local brews every week and can easily recommend something just as tasty if you get there too late. There are also snacks for purchase, and bringing meals with you is encouraged. Grab some friends, pick up some take-out at any of the other myriad restaurants in Peterborough, and make your way over to Post and Beam – you won’t be disappointed!
Just Peachy in Elm City
You can find this cozy gem in the heart of the Monadnock region – Keene! Elm City is no stranger to brewing beer – they’ve been doing it for the better part of 25 years. In fact, they were the very first brewery in Keene, and they’ve managed to set the standard for local brewing.
They have a massive tap list, ranging from ciders to stouts. What stands out to many is the variety of unique kolsch beers they brew in house – including the “Peachy Keene Kolsch,” which is extremely popular, and delicious!
Not only do they have an extensive beer list, but their pub food menu is just as intricate and innovative, with something for everyone. Debra, the owner since its conception, takes pride in serving farm-fresh and locally-sourced food, even using beer in many of the dishes prepared.
The brewery itself is spacious, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a great place to hang and enjoy the local flavors!
Monadnock’s Moonshine
Prefer a cocktail? Try The New England Sweetwater Farm and Distillery! Located on Main Street in Winchester, the distillery offers a variety of handcrafted spirits. They have everything from whiskey to moonshine, bourbon and vodkas – even rum! The rustic building gives life to the brilliantly fashioned spirits, with the Tasting Room right next door.
The heart of the Sweetwater distilling process begins on their farm over on Old Chesterfield Road. Sweetwater owns 50 acres of land right near Mt. Pisgah State Park, and the farm comes complete with chickens, apple trees, grapes, blueberries, and juniper berries. From there, the fresh ingredients are brought over to the distillery and transformed into the tasteful and distinguished spirits sold in the Tasting Room.
Even though Sweetwater’s signature products can be found in restaurants and liquor stores all over New Hampshire and Massachusetts, there are plenty of exclusive tasting options found only at the distillery, so be sure to make your way over there.
Any of their signature cocktails will take your taste buds for a spin, from the Ashuelot Gimlet to the Monadnock Moonslide, the Lemon Drop and the NightCap, the folks over at Sweetwater manage to give you an array of options that exemplify how to mold fresh-farm ingredients into some magnificently tasty spirits.
This is just scratching the surface of the locally-crafted liquor and beer the Monadnock region has to offer. Our cunning locals are always coming up with new and innovative ideas for brewing and distilling, so stay updated and come often to these wonderful locations. You’re bound to sample something new and delicious every time!